This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored at a ceremony for UNMC’s 2016 Scientist Laureate, Research Leadership, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator Award recipients.
The New Investigator Award
New Investigator Awards go to outstanding UNMC scientists who in the past two years have secured their first funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense or other national sources.
New Investigators also had to demonstrate scholarly activity such as publishing their research and/or presenting their findings at national conventions.
- Name: Laura Bilek, Ph.D.
- Title: Associate dean for research, UNMC College of Allied Health Professions
- Joined UNMC: 1989
- Hometown: Council Bluffs, Iowa
Research focus:
Chronic disease prevention.
The goal of my research is to investigate the role of exercise in chronic disease prevention and management.
My research will make a difference because:
I’m currently involved in a study with Dr. Nancy Waltman, College of Nursing, which compares the effect of exercise on bone health in post-menopausal women. We hope the results of this study contribute to guidelines for management of early bone loss in women. I’m also a member of a research team that is exploring the link between obesity and poor outcomes in cancer survivors. My specific interest is the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise, which improves survival and decreases the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
The best advice I’ve ever been given is:
You can do everything and be everything, you just can’t do it all at once.
Three things you may not know about me
- I live on an acreage, and my favorite pastime is to hop on the tractor to mow the pasture or grade the road.
- I have two “hiking” dogs who join me for a nightly walk to find lots of birds and rabbits.
- I am so average I can think of only two things.
Congratulations !
Congratulations Dr. Bilek!
Congratulations on receiving this honor, Laura! And best wishes for continued success in following your own advice and doing and being everything!
Congratulations Dr. Bilek! Thanks to you and your team for your very important work.
Congratulations, Dr. Bilek. You are anything but average??
Laura,
Congratulations on receiving this honor. You are most deserving. I also wish to thank you for all the assistance you have provided associated with the International Student Research Forum. You are a great asset to UNMC. And yes, I can see you on the tractor mowing.
Congratulations!
Congratulations, Laura.
That's fantastic! Congrats!!!!!