This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored at a ceremony on Nov. 14 for UNMC’s Scientist Laureate, Research Leadership, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator Award recipients.
New Investigator
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 investigators also had to demonstrate scholarly activity, such as publishing their research and/or presenting their findings at national conventions.
- Name: Lynda Harris, PhD
- Title: Associate professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UNMC College of Medicine
- Joined UNMC: September 2022
- Hometown: Sheffield, United Kingdom
Describe your research focus in three words or less:
Placental (dys)function
Why is research important in the world today?
Research has the potential to change things for the better, by generating new ideas and innovative solutions to the problems around us. We are able to make more informed and successful decisions when we take the time to really understand the world around us and the needs and perspectives of the people in it.
My research will make a difference because:
There still are no effective treatments for pregnancy complications other than monitoring and delivering the baby. Pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, pre-term labor and stillbirth affect more than 10% of pregnancies in the United States, with significantly higher rates in historically marginalized communities. My research aims to develop new, safer medicines for use in pregnancy, by creating targeted nanoparticles to selectively deliver drugs to the placenta. This allows the placental abnormalities underlying these conditions to be treated, while preventing the potentially harmful transfer of drugs into the baby’s circulation. As suboptimal development in the womb influences many aspects of health in later life, making healthier babies means creating a healthier society.
The best advice I’ve ever received is:
“Leap off the cliff and build your wings on the way down.” I first heard this advice as a song lyric, which is based on a quote by author Ray Bradbury. It has led me to take more risks and accept more opportunities than I otherwise might have, including moving halfway round the world to Nebraska.
Three things you may not know about me:
- I love big dogs and have owned Alaskan malamutes in the past.
- I walk to work most days, even in winter.
- I listen to too many true crime podcasts.
The quote from Bradbury is awesome and great advice. Wish you much success!
Congratulations on this recognition!
Congrats Lynda !