Spotlight on new faculty – Russell Buzalko, Ph.D.

Russell Buzalko, Ph.D.

Russell Buzalko, Ph.D., is a new faculty member in the College of Medicine. Here’s a brief rundown of his background and the expertise he brings to UNMC.

  • Name: Russell Buzalko, Ph.D.
  • Hometown: Schuylkill Haven, Pa.
  • New title and department at UNMC: Assistant professor, emergency medicine

Research/professional interests:
I’m interested in studying teamwork, communications, leadership, ethics and performance improvement.

How I fell in love with being an educator:
How I fell in love with being an educator stems from my desire to constantly learn and a need to share what I have learned with others.

Degrees:

  • Ph.D. in Education, specializing in training and performance improvement, Capella University.
  • Master of Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Systems Management, University of Maryland

Previous Positions:

  • Instructor, Clarkson College, 2013-2014
  • Adjunct instructor, Nebraska Wesleyan University, 2009-2103
  • Flight instructor and evaluator, Navigator Training, USAF, 2001-2007

Memberships:

  • Life member of Alpha Sigma Lambda and Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Societies.

Three things people may not know about me:

  • I worked at the White House for four years, with most of that time spent as a communications operator in the Situation Room.
  • I have touched all 50 states and visited 28 foreign countries/territories. Needless to say, I love to travel.
  • I can cook a flavorful, multicourse Thanksgiving dinner with perfect timing. But I routinely burn the simplest grilled cheese sandwich.