Human Genetics Lab raises funds, throws pies

Sometimes, you have to take one for the team.

Jennifer Sanmann, Ph.D., director of the Human Genetics Laboratory at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, and Scott Smith, Ph.D., and Bhavana Dave, Ph.D., associate lab directors, celebrated the end of Medical Laboratory Professionals Week on April 26 by each taking a pie in the face from lab members.

From left, Bhavana Dave, Ph.D., Scott Smith, Ph.D., and Jennifer Sanmann, Ph.D.

The “pie-ing” ceremony was the final event of a weeklong drive to raise money for Nebraska flood relief, a drive that netted more than $450. The money was raised in conjunction with other events marking Medical Laboratory Professionals Week.

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week is an annual celebration of medical laboratory professionals and pathologists who play a vital role in health care and patient advocacy.

“This is the week that celebrates the folks who work in the lab, the unsung heroes of the medical world,” Dr. Sanmann said. “The weeklong celebration lauds our vital role in the lab community, generates excitement about the laboratory medicine profession, and gives us the chance to have a little fun. We celebrated internally all week and wanted the grand finale to make an impact beyond our doors. This event gave us an opportunity to help Nebraska flood victims while celebrating our important profession.”

Initially, the challenge the lab staff set was to raise $250. But for each $100 over the goal, organizers added another lab director to the pie-in-the-face event.

“Our team was so incredibly generous that we were able to include all three of us in the fun,” Dr. Sanmann said.

Funds will be donated through the UNMC flood relief efforts for UNMC students and employees affected by flooding.