Name/title: Linda Wilkie/institutional research analyst/coordinator, director of vice chancellor for research communications
Hometown: Omaha, Neb.
Talk about your job and what you like best about it: My current position in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research allows me to be a "jack of all trades," which means that I get to develop new skills and constantly evolve those that I have. I’m responsible for communications that impact our researchers from conveying funding opportunities and connecting collaborators through our "Experts" and "Funding" tools, to developing websites, publishing our research newsletters and handbook, and analyzing the data used for annual reports and faculty awards. I also work closely with our shared resource facilities (or core laboratories) helping them to market their services and develop and implement their business plans. What I like best about my job is the sense of shared responsibility and enthusiastic collaboration that our entire team brings to every endeavor. Each project brings its own challenges but our team is always poised to play our role in achieving the UNMC and Nebraska Medicine mission to lead the world in transforming lives through innovative research.
Your favorite memory of working at UNMC: There are many but in my top five is watching the scientists that I have spent many years working with receive the ultimate recognition from UNMC of a Distinguished Scientist or Scientist Laureate Award. Last year’s recipient, Dr. Tatiana Bronich’s humble acceptance speech brought tears to my eyes, as she thanked all her mentors, collaborators, students, but most importantly the role that our institution played in her success and what that research success could translate into for the health of our fellow Nebraskans. It was beautiful.
Hobbies: Photography and Gardening
List three things people may not know about you:
- I am a fine art photographer in my off hours and exhibit some of my works at a local gallery.
- I dabble in fused glass and mixed media art in my spare time.
- I adore iris (the flower) and grow over 200 varieties in my suburban garden. I am an apprentice iris judge and serve as the regional vice president of the American Iris Society as well as the president of our local Greater Omaha Iris Society