Meet UNMC Distinguished Scientist Jane Meza, Ph.D.

UNMC researcher Jane Meza, Ph.D., answers questions about her work, life and interests.

NOTE: This profile is part of a series to highlight the 23 researchers who will be honored May 22 at a ceremony for UNMC’s 2011 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator award recipients.

Jane Meza, Ph.D.

• Name: Jane Meza, Ph.D.
  
• Title: Professor and chairwoman in the department of biostatistics in the College of Public Health and director for the Center for Collaboration on Research, Design and Analysis
  
• Joined UNMC: 2000
  
• Hometown: Lincoln

Describe your research in laymen’s terms.

I work with researchers on campus on the design and analysis of research studies. These studies range from cancer treatment, COPD, HIV/AIDS to smoking cessation programs. I also am a biostatistician with the Children’s Oncology Group, which is the only national cooperative group that conducts clinical trials in pediatric cancer. My statistical methodology work is developing methods to map incidence of disease.

How do you want your research to translate to benefit patients?

My particular interest is in cancer research with the goal of reducing the incidence of cancer and improving the quality of life for patients with cancer.

What is the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you, professional or personal?

The best advice I had was to pursue a career in biostatistics. As a biostatistician, I get to work with research programs across the campus and be involved with some of the most exciting and promising research.

List three things few people know about you.

• I have a husband and three children (ages 24, 21 and 9).
  
• I can name all 50 states in alphabetical order.
  
• My favorite color is blue.