Distinguished scientist: Karen Gould, 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: Karen Gould, PhD
• Title: Professor, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, UNMC College of Medicine; interim assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs; and interim executive associate dean for graduate studies
• Joined UNMC: 1999
• Hometown: Chicago

Describe your research focus in three words or less:  Immunology and autoimmunity

Why is research important in the world today? 

Research is crucial because it drives innovation and change. It improves our lives through new technology and medicine, identifies solutions for complex challenges and provides data to guide decision-making and policy. It also helps us to better understand ourselves, each other and the world around us.

My research will make a difference because:

My research can make a difference because it addresses very basic questions about the immune system and autoimmune disease. In addition to expanding fundamental knowledge, our work has the potential to provide actionable insights that could lead to molecular therapies for autoimmune disease and strategies to enhance the efficacy of vaccines. This research also provides an opportunity to help train the scientists of tomorrow.

The best advice I’ve ever received is: “The only constant in life is change.”

Three things you may not know about me are:

• I love to cook, but I view recipes as “suggestions.”
• I’m a first-generation American.
• I have a green thumb. I’ve had some of my houseplants for 25 to 30 years.