This profile is part of a series to highlight the 25 researchers and one community member who will be honored at a Feb. 2 ceremony. The recipients include the 2014 Scientist Laureate, nine New Investigators, 10 Distinguished Scientists, five Research Leadership awardees, and a Community Service to Research honoree.
- Name: Lufei Young, Ph.D.
- Title: Assistant professor, College of Nursing
- Joined UNMC: 2010
- Hometown: The first is Shanxi, China; the second, Beatrice, Neb.
Describe your research briefly in layman’s terms.
My main research interest is to promote self-management skills in rural adults and older adults living with multiple, life-limiting and/or debilitating chronic conditions. As a rural researcher and clinician, I have seen the barriers and challenges rural Nebraskans are facing to manage their chronic conditions with limited resources. My long-term research goal is to build a safe and effective care net centered on the patients/family in rural communities.
How does your research contribute to science and/or health care?
These chronic and life-limiting health conditions jeopardize a person’s productivity, reduce the quality of life and drain family/societal resources. Effective self-management skills play a vital role in helping the patients/family coping with the chronic conditions, leading to reduced burdens and better lives.
What is the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you, professional or personal?
My first grade teacher asked what we wanted to be when we grew up. I told her I wanted to be a grocery store clerk. She said to me, “Lufei, I am expecting more from you — make me proud.” I did.
List three things few people know about you.
- I am a palmist, or palm-reader.
- I collect matchbox labels.
- My parents drained all their retirement savings to send me to the medical school instead of my brother, which is very uncommon in a patriarchal society.