This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored at a ceremony on Feb. 24 for UNMC's 2021 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist, New Investigator and Community Service to Research Award recipients.
The New Investigator Award
The New Investigator Award is given 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 Investigator Awardees also have to demonstrate scholarly activity, such as publishing their research and/or presenting their findings at national conventions.
- Name: Michael Wiley
- Title: Assistant professor, UNMC Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health
- Joined UNMC: October 2015
- Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Go Birds!)
Research focus: Infectious disease genomics
Why is research important in the world today? When you think about it, even with all the knowledge we have, we still know so little about this world. Research slowly gives us more insight on our understanding of the world.
My research will make a difference because: My research focuses on bringing useful technology, in my case DNA/RNA sequencing, to every lab in the world. It is so exciting to see the scientists in the labs that we have deployed equipment and provided training make important contributions to the field of infectious diseases.
The best advice I’ve ever received is: My mom always (and still does) pushed me to be proactive: Don’t sit around waiting for things to happen or for someone to tell you how to do something.
Three things you may not know about me are:
- My parents were short-term missionaries in Kenya, and I got to live in Kenya for a year and a half when I was 12. An experience in my life I will never forget and definitely had an impact on what I do today.
- I have been to every continent except for Antarctica. When you travel always make sure to try the food, best way to experience a new country.
- I have an amazing wife, Jess, a 3-year-old son, Harrison, who thinks he is a train, and an 8-month-old daughter, Keira, who has a smile and laugh that just brightens your day. But definitely done at two kids.
Congratulations Mike! A well deserved honor.
Congratulations, Mike!