Meet UNMC New Investigator Awardee Greg Oakley, Ph.D.

UNMC researcher Greg Oakley, Ph.D., answers questions about his work, life and interests.

Greg Oakley, Ph.D.

NOTE: This profile is part of a series to highlight the 23 researchers who will be honored May 22 at a ceremony for UNMC’s 2011 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator award recipients.

• Name: Greg Oakley, Ph.D.
  
• Title: Assistant professor of oral biology in the College of Dentistry
  
• Joined UNMC: 2006
  
• Hometown: Elizabethtown, Ky.

Describe your research in laymen’s terms.

We study how the cell maintains genomic integrity. Specifically, we are interested in mechanisms that control DNA repair and cell cycle control.

How do you want your research to translate to benefit patients?

Understanding how DNA damage response and DNA repair proteins interact will enable the development of small drug-like molecules that will disrupt protein-protein interactions and sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapeutics.

What is the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you, professional or personal?

Sometimes I tend to over analyze things, for example upcoming experiments or manuscript and grant submissions. Two people gave me the same advice, James Elliott and Peggy Wheelock, who told me “just do it.”

List three things few people know about you.

• I enjoy playing blues and boogie woogie piano;
  
• My wife and I are high school sweethearts; and
  
• I am a fan of thoroughbred horses and the Atlanta Braves.