Jennifer Blackford, PhD, director of research at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, has been named a Distinguished Scientist by the UNMC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research.
Dr. Blackford is one of eight UNMC investigators to receive this award, which will be presented during UNMC’s annual research awards ceremony.
Distinguished Scientist Awards, which are sponsored by UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, recognize researchers who have been among the most productive scientists at UNMC during the past five years.
Dr. Blackford, who joined MMI in early 2021, said she is honored and humbled to receive the award.
“It recognizes my lab’s ongoing endeavors to uncover the mysteries of anxiety disorders and to inform the development of new preventions and interventions,” Dr. Blackford said. “My move to the Munroe-Meyer Institute two years ago marked an exciting new chapter in my research career. I am inspired by the dedication, passion and excellence of everyone at MMI and look forward to collectively working toward improving the lives of others.”
The award is well deserved, said Munroe-Meyer Institute Director Karoly Mirnics, MD, PhD.
“Dr. Blackford is an amazing, internationally recognized expert researcher, dedicated teacher and skillful administrator,” Dr. Mirnics said. “We were very lucky that she joined our MMI and UNMC families, and the best times for her research endeavors are yet to come.”
Award winners, which also will include awardees for new investigators, research leaders, community members and the 2023 UNMC Scientist Laureate, will be recognized during a ceremony on Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. at the Durham Research Center auditorium.