Lookin’ at U – Ryan Booton

Each Thursday, we randomly feature a medical center employee. This week, we learn more about:

• Name: Ryan Booton
• Hometown: Being a military brat, we moved about every two years. I basically grew up in the back seat of a station wagon.
• No. of years at UNMC: 10

Tell us what you do here at UNMC.

I started working for the Health Professions Tracking System, and when it became a part of the College of Public Health (COPH), my role expanded. Besides developing database applications, I manage our servers, maintain websites, assist with the development of a laparoscopic surgery training station and help the COPH IT staff with other issues as needed. Though I’m a developer, I have a background in network administration and information security and occasionally become involved in such related issues.

Innovation is one of UNMC’s brand values. Tell us of a time you witnessed a person or group work to seek and implement better ideas at UNMC.
I’m associated with The Center for Advanced Surgical Technology through my work with Joseph Siu, Ph.D., and Carl Nelson, Ph.D., in developing a “Portable Computer Assisted Surgical Simulator.” We’ve found that great ideas require a great team and a lot of hard work. We use computer vision to detect the movement of surgical tools that control virtual tools in our simulation environments. Innovation is rewarding and gives me a great feeling of accomplishment.

What is your favorite fall activity?
Fall is my favorite time to hike in Colorado. Last year, my daughter and I hiked most of the way up Mt. Sneffels. It was a tough and steep hike, but was one of the most beautiful places I’ve been. I plan hikes like this to motivate myself to stay in shape.

List three things people may not know about you.

• I name my pets after rock stars and have had a dog named Ringo Starr, and cats named Jimi Hendrix and Ozzy Osbourne.
• My current main hobby is virtual reality. I own an Oculus Rift and enjoy watching the evolution of VR unfold.
• In order, I lived in Spokane, Wash.; Delaware; California; Alaska; South Dakota; Spokane, again; Bellevue, Neb.; Colorado; North Dakota; Kansas; Valentine, Neb.; South Sioux City, Neb.; Texas; Tacoma, Wash.; Mississippi and Colorado again before finally settling down in Lincoln at age 26.