New investigator: Bethany Lowndes, PhD

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.

• Name: Bethany Lowndes, PhD
• Title: Associate professor, Department of Neurological Sciences, UNMC College of Medicine
• Joined UNMC: March 2018
• Hometown: Gretna, Nebraska

Describe your research focus in three words or less: Human-centered engineering

Why is research important in the world today? As medical treatments and health care practices advance, the systems supporting care delivery become more complex. This complexity leaves health care systems vulnerable to errors, high workload for clinicians and functioning with siloed procedures and practices. Research in health care delivery can take a principled approach to identify these vulnerabilities, develop human-centered solutions and guide sustainable implementation. These research efforts are invaluable for informing the future of health care delivery and optimizing safety, patient experience and clinician well-being.

My research will make a difference because:

People come first. Patient-centered care is successful through multidisciplinary approaches. Through human factors and ergonomics, I collaborate with clinicians to assess, co-develop and implement solutions that meet the needs of all users on the team. The clinical team includes nurses, allied health professionals, pharmacists and physicians. We also work to include the patient, caregivers and non-clinical members of the team, such as individuals cleaning equipment, food services and information technology. I apply what we know about people — their abilities, characteristics, preferences and limitations — to inform the design of equipment, environments in which they work and their workflow. Research and innovative development by my team will enhance safety and well-being.

The best advice I’ve ever received is: 

“You can do anything, but you cannot do everything.” I received this advice early on in my undergraduate education. It was helpful as I navigated a career track with a variety of options. This advice has been, and continues to be, helpful guidance while managing various roles and projects. I also would like add to this advice, “Nothing is possible alone.” Working with and building teams is essential for successful research and truly making an impact to health care delivery.

Three things you may not know about me are:

• Through the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, I serve as one of two science policy fellows for 2024. Over the next three years, I will work with the HFES Government Relations Committee to develop policy statements and perform outreach activities to government decision makers on Capitol Hill and within government agencies.
• As the health systems engineering liaison with the Great Plains IDeA-CTR, I support and initiate collaboration on engineering and technology projects to address problems and challenges in healthcare. Reach out if you want to discuss projects or ideas with design and development opportunity.
• My husband and I have three children with whom we love to go bike riding, camping and traveling.