For Katelyn Kelley, clinical research program manager at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, research has been more than a career; it’s been a journey of personal and professional growth.
Kelley is April’s recipient of the Gold U award, an accolade recognizing outstanding service and dedication at UNMC.
Starting as a summer intern in 2018, Kelley quickly found a home at UNMC. By 2019, she had secured a full-time role in diabetes research, working under Cyrus DeSouza, MBBS, in the UNMC Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism. She transitioned to the Munroe-Meyer Institute in 2022, focusing on emotional neuroscience under Jennifer Blackford, PhD, the director of research at MMI.
“That was a big shift,” Kelley said. “But I’ve always been drawn to work that challenges me, and this field was an opportunity to engage with new concepts and people in a meaningful way.”
Beyond her direct research work, Kelley has a knack for streamlining processes. She has played a significant role in optimizing REDCap, a data collection tool used for research studies. “I love puzzles,” she said. “I found ways to eliminate errors by designing surveys that automatically validate responses. It makes data entry more efficient and accurate.”
This commitment to improvement extends to her interactions with study participants. “One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is listening to people’s stories,” she said. “It’s incredible to be part of research that could make a real difference in their lives.”
UNMC isn’t just her workplace — it’s where she has received medical care and even participated in programs for anxiety treatment. “I believe in the quality of care we provide because I’ve experienced it firsthand,” she said. Her dedication to mental health research is deeply personal, and her own journey has inspired her advocacy for sobriety. She spearheaded UNMC’s first Sober October event last year, aiming to promote awareness and offer an alternative to the prevalent drinking culture.
Kelley said Dr. Blackford has been a pivotal influence on her career. “She’s an incredible mentor — supportive, forward-thinking and someone who genuinely invests in my growth,” she said. That guidance has helped Kelley develop leadership skills that have made a lasting impact on her work.
When she learned she was selected for the Gold U Award, she said, she was flabbergasted. “It just reaffirms that I’m in the right place, with the right people.”
When she’s not at work, Kelley enjoys spending time outdoors with her son and their three dogs. She has even taken up knitting, an interest sparked by Dr. Blackford, though she said she’s only mastered blankets and dish towels so far.
A self-proclaimed foodie, she has a particular love for Indian cuisine. While she enjoys Omaha’s vibrant restaurant scene, she said her favorite meals come from the home of a former colleague’s wife, who makes the best biryani.
”Everything worked out,” Kelley said. “What started as an internship led to a career I love.”
congratulations Katelyn! this is a well-deserved award for your hard work and dedication to MMI!
Congratulation Katelyn.
Congratulations on receiving the Gold U – a well-deserved recognition!
Congratulations, Katelyn! Well deserved!
Congrats Katelyn! So well deserved, and you are a joy to work with every day 🙂
Such a well-earned honor! You’re an inspiration to all of us!
Congratulations Katelyn! We are lucky to have you at MMI!
Congratulations Katelyn! Well-deserved!!!
Congratulations Katelyn! We are blessed to have you in the MMI family!
Congratulations Katelyn on your Gold U an honor well deserved!
Congratulations, Katelyn! Been a pleasure to work alongside you and witness your growth into a career you love and excel in.
Congratulation Katelyn. My best wishes.