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 Award recipients also need to demonstrate scholarly activity, such as publishing their research and/or presenting their findings at national conventions.
- Name: Shannon Buckley, PhD
- Title: Assistant professor, UNMC Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy
- Joined UNMC: August 2015
- Hometown: Minneapolis
Research focus: Leukemia and lymphoma
Why is research important in the world today?
Scientific discovery impacts many aspects of our lives, and as a basic science researcher, understanding of the disease provides the knowledge of how to treat the disease as well as prevent disease.
My research will make a difference because: Obviously there is no guarantee, but the goal is to identify new targets for drug discovery to provide better therapeutic options for patients with leukemia and lymphoma.
The best advice I’ve ever received is:
My postdoctoral mentor told me not to be afraid to do the big experiment and not worry about the cost, because the impact of the discoveries could make it all worth it.This advice had a huge impact on my success as an independent investigator.
Three things you may not know about me are:
- I really enjoy performing experiments whether in the lab or in the kitchen.
- I am mom of two elementary-age boys.
- I completed my PhD in Leuven, Belgium.
Congratulations Dr. Buckley.