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Lookin’ at U – Bryan Katafiasz

picture disc.Quick, think of five things others should know about you.

That’s the theme behind a series in UNMC Today called “Lookin’ at U.” Each Thursday, we will randomly select a medical center employee to feature.

This week, we feature Bryan Katafiasz, research technologist in the department of genetics, cell biology and anatomy.









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Bryan Katafiasz
Here, in his own words, are five fun facts about Bryan:

  • I have a scar on my lower right lip. It was formed in the winter of 1974 when I, a toddler, chewed on some Christmas lights and my older sister plugged them in. We laugh about it now but at the time it was terrible!

  • My birthplace is Toledo, Ohio. I came to Omaha with a small posse, led by Keith Johnson, Ph.D., and the late, wonderful Peggy Wheelock, Ph.D., in June 2001. My wife, who also works here, followed shortly thereafter. We have been married five years and together more than 14 years (don’t ask). We have two beautiful girls and are due, again, in March 2011.

  • In 2006, my wife and I won $10,000 at an Omaha Royals game. The contest begins with buying a numbered ball, tossing that ball into the sunroof of a car circling the field in the fourth inning, and the ball being selected among others that made it into the car, which made us the “contestants.” The Royals needed to hit a grand slam in the 8th inning for us to win. They did.

  • At the age of 3, I stood up just after homily at a mass and belted out “Rhinestone Cowboy” by Glen Campbell. This foreshadowed my love for musical theater. I have performed in dozens of shows (many in Omaha) and can sing, dance and act.

  • Astronomy is my favorite pastime. It is neat to think that those before us have looked up at the same celestial bodies. That bright object in the east/southeast just after sunset (other than the moon) is Jupiter. Take a look tonight.

Read UNMC Today next Thursday to see who is featured in the next Lookin’ at U article. Who knows — it could be U.