Gold U winner Rudebush recognized as a tireless teacher

Praised for her fearless attitude and zest for learning, Tara Rudebush, laboratory manager and researcher in the UNMC Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, is the recipient of the September Gold U award.

“It was a huge surprise,” Rudebush said. “I am very grateful.”

Working almost 18 years at UNMC, Rudebush provides essential intellectual and technical support for at least three investigators, all funded by the National Institutes of Health. Her efforts have resulted in new strategies to evaluate the role of oxidative stress with chronic heart failure. These efforts resulted in co-authorship on six major papers in outstanding journals and presentations at national meetings.

Irving Zucker, PhD, professor of the UNMC Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, attributes much of the research’s success to Rudebush’s knowledge of regulatory procedures and her ability to bring people together.

“She interacts extremely well with a diverse group of scientists and values constructive criticism in the spirit of making the science as good as it can be,” Dr. Zucker said. “She keeps everyone honest and is above board in her interactions with others.”

One of Rudebush’s most important responsibilities as laboratory manager is assisting investigators with regulatory documents, something Dr. Zucker says she carries out with little supervision.

Rudebush’s compassion and understanding in all areas of her work also were cited.

“She will go out of her way to help others,” Dr. Zucker said. “She does this selflessly and doesn’t expect anything in return. She is enthusiastic about her work, and during times of adversity she provides an upbeat stimulus for others in the lab.”

Rudebush describes herself as an “eternal optimist” who is motivated by helping others achieve their goals.

“I want everyone to be in a position of success,” she said. “Sometimes it just takes someone to tell you to do the work and take the stairs.”