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Matthew Van Hook, Ph.D. | Jing Li, Ph.D. |
Matthew Van Hook, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in ophthalmology and visual sciences, is the 2015 recipient of the UNMC Postdoctoral Excellence in Research in Award.
Jing Li, Ph.D a research associate in the College of Pharmacy, is the 2015 recipient of the UNMC Postdoctoral Pathway to Independence Award.
The two awards will be presented at the annual UNMC Postdoctoral Seminar being held on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Durham Research Center, Room 1004.
The Postdoctoral Excellence in Research Award recognizes postdocs for their research accomplishments through an oral presentation. Dr. Van Hook’s winning presentation will take place during the event, and he will be awarded a cash prize of $500. His mentor is Wallace Thoreson, Ph.D., vice chair of research for the College of Medicine and professor, ophthalmology and visual sciences.
The Postdoctoral Pathway to Excellence Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate early preparation, defining career objectives, an understanding of the chosen area, productivity in terms of manuscripts and independence in the process of transitioning to an independent career. Dr. Li will receive a certificate of excellence in postdoctoral scholarship and a $1,000 check, and her mentor, David Oupicky, Ph.D., professor and Parke-Davis Chair in Pharmaceutics, will be recognized at the event, as well.
This year is the inaugural presentation of the Postdoctoral Excellence in Research Award, said Iqbal Ahmad, Ph.D., associate dean and director of postdoctoral education.
“The postdoctoral education council, with input from our postdocs, came to a conclusion that the achievements and accomplishments of many were going unrecognized because of the time-bound criteria of the Pathway to Independence Award — the award is only open to postdocs during their first three years at UNMC,” Dr. Ahmad said. “This new award allows everyone to compete regardless of the length of his or her tenure at UNMC. We are very happy for the winners, and the council congratulates them for their remarkable accomplishments.”