Meet UNMC Distinguished Scientist Patricia Hageman, Ph.D.

NOTE: This profile is part of a series to highlight the 16 researchers who will be honored April 30 at a ceremony for UNMC’s 2012 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator Award recipients.

• Name: Patricia Hageman, Ph.D.
• Title: Professor, School of Allied Health Professions
• Joined UNMC: 1984
• Hometown: Grew up in Hastings Neb.

Describe your research briefly in layman’s terms.
Our interdisciplinary team’s research focuses on using web-based interventions to influence behavior change toward healthy eating and increased activity in rural women, midlife and older, to help them achieve and maintain a healthy weight. I am particularly interested in examining the relationships of women’s fitness and activity with their physical function.

How does your research contribute to science and/or health care?
Women in underserved rural communities have a high prevalence of obesity and risk of cardiovascular disease. They also have limited access to preventive health services. Our team is passionate about finding successful distance-delivery interventions to improve women’s health and wellness in this hard-to-reach, vulnerable population.

What is the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you, professional or personally?
My mother advised me to be appreciative each day for the good things that have come my way.

List three things few people know about you.

• I love spending time outside with my husband on our farm.
• Hiking is my favorite activity.
• I volunteer as a docent for the Joslyn Art Museum.