This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored at a ceremony for UNMC’s 2019 Scientist Laureate, Research Leadership, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator Award recipients.
- Name: Kelly Stauch, Ph.D.
- Title: Assistant professor, UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences, College of Medicine
- Joined UNMC: As a biochemistry and molecular biology graduate student in 2006
- Hometown: Fremont, Neb.
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.
Research focus:
- Neurodegeneration
The goal of my research is: To understand the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and altered energy metabolism in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, aging, and brain injury.
My research will make a difference because: Mitochondrial abnormalities are implicated to play a major role in the pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Our work aims to elucidate the mechanisms leading to alterations in mitochondrial energy metabolism in order to develop therapeutic strategies to treat or prevent neurodegeneration.
The best advice I’ve ever been given is:
Never be afraid to make mistakes, but don’t make the same mistake twice.
Three things you may not know about me are:
- I have three dogs — two boxers and a puggle.
- Hiking in Colorado is my go-to vacation.
- I enjoy reading science fiction and fantasy novels.
Congratulations Dr. Stauch!
Congratulations!