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.
Distinguished Scientist
The Distinguished Scientist Award — which is sponsored by the chancellor — recognizes researchers who have been among the most productive scientists at UNMC during the past five years.
- Name: Rey Carabeo, PhD
- Title: Professor, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, UNMC College of Medicine
- Joined UNMC: October 2019
- Hometown: San Francisco Bay Area
Describe your research focus in three words or less: Host-pathogen interactions
Why is research important in the world today? Research pushes the boundaries of our understanding of nature, resulting in discoveries, innovation and solutions.
My research will make a difference because: It is focused on a clinically relevant pathogen, Chlamydia trachomatis, that globally, causes more than 100 million new reported cases of the sexually transmitted infection chlamydia annually. Because Chlamydia infections often are asymptomatic, infected individuals do not seek treatment and unknowingly transmit the pathogen to their sexual partners. If left untreated, infection can lead to more serious reproductive complications, including infertility. My research group is investigating how Chlamydia interacts with cells that line the genital tract and how the interaction leads to disease, with the hope that our contributions will help in the research community’s efforts in identifying better treatments and developing a protective vaccine.
The best advice I’ve ever received is:
There are two:
- “Never lose sight of the big picture.” Research is not about data, publications and recognition. Ultimately, it is about finding ways to improve human health.
- “Surround yourself with friends and colleagues who are more clever than you.” This is about learning new things and being exposed to new perspectives.
Three things you may not know about me are:
- I can write backwards and mirror-image with my left hand, in cursive.
- I was a volunteer in the London 2012 Olympics as a reserve greeter at London-Gatwick airport. I wasn’t chosen as a dance performer for the opening ceremony.
- In college, I occasionally earned money by recording laugh tracks for new comedy TV shows. Have you heard of Marblehead Manor?