Research Leadership: Joe Sisson, M.D.

Joe Sisson, M.D.

This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored Feb. 2 at a ceremony for UNMC’s 2014 Scientist Laureate, Research Leadership, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator Award recipients.

  • Name: Joe Sisson, M.D.
  • Title: Larson Professor and chief, pulmonary, critical care, sleep and allergy division
  • Joined UNMC: 1987
  • Hometown: Waterloo, Iowa

You’re invited!

The campus is invited to attend the ninth annual Distinguished Scientist Ceremony on Feb 2. Each year, faculty members who have made significant contributions to the research enterprise at UNMC are recognized by the leadership and their peers. This year, 25 researchers and one community volunteer will be recognized for their accomplishments. The Scientist Laureate, Tatiana Bronich, Ph.D., will deliver an address to the assembly and a reception honoring the awardees will be held immediately following the award ceremony.

Describe your research briefly in layman’s terms.
Our laboratory studies the regulation of mucus clearance from the lung by cilia. We have focused on the effects of alcohol, smoking, dust and aging on cilia function.

How does your research contribute to science and/or health care?

Cilia dysfunction in the airways of the lung causes a variety of lung diseases. Protection of cilia function prevents lung infection and injury. Failure of cilia function results in bronchitis, pneumonia, cough and sinus infections.

What is the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you, professional or personal?

Be curious as you watch the world around you and learn how things work. This attitude prepares the mind for discovery!

List three things few people know about you.

  • I’m an amateur woodworker and love “shop time” to be creative and make useful and beautiful things.
  • I love jazz and listen to good music all the time.
  • I designed and created the original ADIS system in 2000.

3 comments

  1. To says:

    Well deserved, Joe. Congrats!

  2. Aileen Warren says:

    Congratulations!

  3. Carol Russell says:

    Congratulations! Well deserved!
    Carol Russell

Comments are closed.