UNMC researcher Nora Sarvetnick, Ph.D., answers questions about her work, life and interests.
NOTE: This profile is part of a series highlighting the 23 researchers who will be honored at a Tuesday ceremony for UNMC’s 2009 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator award recipients.
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Nora Sarvetnick, Ph.D. |
- Name: Nora Sarvetnick, Ph.D.
- Title: Professor in the department of surgery
- Joined UNMC: 2008
- Hometown: Westfield, N.J.
Describe your research in laymen’s terms.
We strive to understand factors contributing to auto-inflammatory destruction of tissues. This knowledge will help us to design new treatments aimed at predicting and curing diabetes.
How does your research contribute to science and/or health care?
I have been involved in immunology research for 20 years. I have made many seminal discoveries regarding the immunological basis of disease, and my group has developed numerous animal models that have been used to advance the field. My group is now transitioning toward clinical immunology.
Beyond grant funding, how do you measure success?
If my work stimulates new research directions, I would consider it successful. I have trained scientists who are now disseminated around the world and it is fun to hear of their successes.
List three things few people know about you.
- I throw great children parties!
- I love to travel to exotic locations (some favorites — the Amazon Rainforest, Tunisia, and the swamplands of Louisiana).
- I studied choreography in college.