UNMC’s 3,000-square-foot newly renovated, remodeled and expanded clinical research laboratory now has a new name. The Constance M. Ryan Wellness INnovation (WIN) Laboratory was officially dedicated Dec. 10. It is located on the lower level of the Student Life Center and is open for use to researchers from colleges and institutes across UNMC.
The Ryan WIN lab already is seeing researchers, clinicians and patients coming together to discover ways in which exercise and nutrition can impact the prevention and management of chronic diseases and cancer.
For more on the lab and its role and capabilities, read this previous UNMC Today story.
The lab was named for a significant benefactor and UNMC alumna, Connie Ryan. Ryan is former CEO of Streck Inc. In addition to her business success, she also is known as a passionate community advocate.
“If you look, you can see her impact throughout the city of Omaha,” said UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD. Ryan has been honored by the Greater Omaha Chamber, Habitat for Humanity Omaha and more.
The Ryan WIN lab is merely the latest way in which she’s contributed to building Nebraska, said Kyle Meyer, PhD, dean of the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions.
“We are honored to be a part of your legacy,” Dr. Meyer told Ryan.
At the naming celebration, Ryan recalled the excitement she felt doing lab work years ago, first as a phlebotomist. She earned a medical technology degree from UNMC’s now-College of Allied Health Professions and began her career transcribing records. “I can remember wanting to be in this profession,” she said.
“I hope we see all the wonderful things that will result from (this space),” she said.
See an album of photos from the dedication event here.
The facility is geared toward outpatient behavioral interventions to improve life for those living with chronic diseases and to advance knowledge in cancer prevention and control, said Yvonne Golightly, PhD, assistant dean for research for the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions.
This makes the Ryan WIN lab a key tool in the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center’s bid to become a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center. “This space will go a long way toward not only helping us achieve that status, but to improve the quality of care for Nebraskans and the training experience for our students,” Dr. Davies said.
Ken Bayles, PhD, UNMC vice chancellor for research, said the lab will further the med center’s momentum of growing research activity and funding across all colleges and disciplines.
“This lab will enable studies conducted by a lot of talented faculty in multiple colleges, especially those that have, historically, been underrepresented in research on campus,” he said.
“This is going to become such an important space for the development of interprofessional teams,” Dr. Davies said.
The lab “is directly aligned with our goals of growing research and creating quality research experiences for our students and faculty, as a university. We are grateful for this partnership,” said NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, who attended the event.
Laura Bilek, PhD, allied health’s associate dean for research, agreed. “Research is a team sport,” she said. The Ryan WIN lab is already home to researchers from every college on UNMC’s campus and a few from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, as well.
The UNMC College of Allied Health Professions was a driving force in the lab’s rebirth, with support of the Office of the Chancellor and in collaboration with the UNMC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research.
Ryan was working with the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions on a significant long-term investment, when all involved happened upon the idea that part of these funds could go toward completion and remodeling of what would come to be called the Ryan WIN lab.
“As important as her gift was in supporting the renovation of the lab, I am even more delighted that Connie allowed us to honor her in the naming of the lab,” Dr. Meyer said.
Dr. Gold said, “When it came to the concept of naming this space, it couldn’t be more appropriate to honor someone who is not only a colleague and friend, and a visionary international leader, but one of our distinguished alumni.”
Dr. Davies added, “Show me a great college, and you will see a direct line to its alumni and contributing supporters. We are profoundly grateful for the incredible generosity Connie has shown to the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions. It is truly a testament to the dedication and passion of the Omaha community.”
Ryan’s gift is a part of the University of Nebraska’s current comprehensive campaign, Only in Nebraska A Campaign for Our University’s Future.