Meet UNMC Distinguished Scientist Todd Wyatt, Ph.D.

UNMC researcher Todd Wyatt, Ph.D., answers questions about his work, life and interests.

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.

Todd Wyatt, Ph.D.

• Name: Todd Wyatt, Ph.D.
  
• Title: Professor of environmental, agricultural and occupational health in the College of Public Health.
  
• Joined UNMC: 1995
  
• Hometown: Bristol, Tenn.

Describe your research in laymen’s terms.

In my laboratory, we study the innate protection that the lungs use to defend against inhaled injuries. These environmental injuries might come from dusts, toxins, bacteria and viruses. We have been particularly interested in the ways that smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol change the lung protective response to environmental exposures.

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

Understanding the basic mechanisms of lung innate defense will hopefully translate into advancements toward the prevention of chronic lung diseases and not merely the identification of “drug-able” symptoms.

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

My late father always told me, “Where a man stands depends upon where a man sits.”

List three things few people know about you.

• My favorite band is the John Buzon Trio (look them up).
  
• The first thing I look for in The New York Times every morning is Paul Krugman’s column.
  
• You cannot pay me enough money to eat a Brussels sprout.