Lookin’ at U – Kristin Watkins

Each Thursday, we randomly feature a medical center employee.

This week, we learn more about Kristin Watkins, administrator in regenerative medicine.

Kristin Watkins

• Name: Kristin Watkins
  
• Hometown: Omaha
  
• Number of years at UNMC: 8

Tell us a bit about what you do here at UNMC.

I am the administrator for the Nebraska Regenerative Medicine. … My responsibilities are primarily financial, but I also work on staffing and coordinate equipment and building needs for the scientists. I do whatever I need to do to help the scientists focus on their work.

Leadership is one of UNMC’s brand values. Tell us of a time you witnessed leadership at UNMC.

As a part of my Ph.D. work, I had the privilege of going on hospital rounds with Dr. Philip Smith. No matter how infectious the patient, nor how much personal protective equipment we had to put on to go into a patient room, he always acted with compassion and made sure to treat the patient with kindness and respect. He behaves the same way as one of my mentors. His leadership is in his actions and integrity, without expectation of adulation.

What is your favorite Fall activity?

To go with my husband — a plumber here at UNMC — and my 12-year old stepson as we take our dogs on walks. I love the smell of the fall air and fireplaces burning. We often get some crazy looks though, as we have a large greyhound and an extra small miniature pinscher. And the min pin drags the rest of us behind her!

List three things people may not know about you.

• I began acting at the age of eight and spent the first half of my career life working in professional and educational theater as an artist, actor and administrator.
  
• I am working on finishing up my Ph.D. in the history of medicine and public health, in particular infectious epidemic/pandemic diseases.
  
• In 2009, I wrote and subsequently produced and acted in a one-woman play about Typhoid Mary. I have had the opportunity to perform it all across the country, primarily for clinical and public health audiences, to teach about ethical issues surrounding the practices of isolation and quarantine.