Carol Skowron Lomneth, Ph.D., an associate professor & vice chairwoman for medical education, in genetics, cell biology and anatomy, is the first recipient of the Outstanding Mentor of Junior Faculty Award. She will be among six other faculty members who will receive awards for their outstanding service at the April 24 Annual Faculty meeting.
Below, Dr. Lomneth reflects on what it means to be a mentor.
- Name: Carol Skowron Lomneth
- Title: Associate professor, vice chair for medical education, department of genetics, cell biology and anatomy
- Joined UNMC: 1994
- Hometown: Mt. Prospect, Ill.
How many junior faculty do you work with?
Among our teaching faculty in the department there are four faculty more junior than I.
|
What are the greatest rewards of mentoring?
The greatest reward is working toward a common goal seeing people recognize their own potential.
Describe a moment when you realized your influence made a difference in someone’s career.
The first time someone expressed that I had made a difference in their career was at a national meeting. It really took me by surprise but it has been very satisfying to see this person, who is now an associate dean, develop professionally over time.
List three things few people know about you.
- A perfect day for me is being outside from sunup to sundown.
- I am thoroughly enjoying being “middle-aged” and seeing my children launch their own lives and careers while at the same time caring for my older family members who are able to do less for themselves. There is a richness of life not experienced at earlier ages.
- I am intrigued and inspired by how people’s faith influences their behavior. A perfect example, as applies to this award, is my chairwoman, Dr. Vimla Band. She has made it clear to her faculty that being a guru, or teacher, is one of the most honorable professions to pursue. She believes strongly that senior faculty should support and guide younger faculty. She lives what she believes for the betterment of all.