Kristen Cook, PharmD, is college’s distinguished teacher
Kristen Cook, PharmD, clinical associate professor of pharmacy practice and science, was named the UNMC College of Pharmacy’s Distinguished Teacher of the Year at the college’s recent fall honors celebration. Dr. Cook teaches pharmacotherapy courses and precepts at the UNMC Midtown Clinic. She also helps coordinate a teaching certificate program for pharmacy practice residents. She’s previously been honored for teaching and education excellence through the Impact in Education awards and the UNMC Faculty Senate Awards.
The UNMC College of Pharmacy honor is chosen by the college’s students. Nominators described Dr. Cook as “determined,” “compassionate” and “sharply focused on student success.” She “creates an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that inspires students to ask questions and actively engage in learning,” said P4 class president Theo Blum, who presented the award. Another nominator said, “Her primary concern is that we can immediately apply what we learn, preparing us to become the pharmacists we aspire to be.”
-Kalani Simpson, UNMC strategic communications
Nancy Olson, JD, receiving research service award
Nancy Olson, JD, IRB Analyst in the UNMC Office of Regulatory Affairs, will be honored with the 2024 PRIM&R Service Award by Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research. She will receive the award at the PRIMR24 gathering in Seattle.
Olson’s nomination stated: “Her profound commitment to ethical research practices, coupled with her vast experience, skill set and dedication to the professional development of others, has left an indelible mark on the field of human subjects research.”
The organization recognized Olson for her legal background and more than two decades of experience in human subjects research. At UNMC, Olson reviews submissions from different units across campus, works with the ethical review of research protocols and serves as an alternate IRB member.
She previously served for nearly two decades as director of the Human Research Office at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She is past president of Applied Research Ethics National Association, has served on the PRIM&R Annual Conference Poster Planning committee and as faculty member for IRB Administrator Core Training, has been involved with the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Human Research Protections and contributed to the Association of America Medical Colleges Informed Consent Working Group.
Her nominator wrote, “It is impossible to overstate Nancy’s contributions to the research community. She is a role model for handling difficult situations with grace, fortitude, a positive attitude and wisdom.”
-Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research