Dr. Mirnics speaks on the ethics of genetics at UNMC’s Science Cafe
Karoly Mirnics, M.D., Ph.D., was the featured speaker at the Jan. 6 edition of UNMC’s popular Science Cafe series, held in downtown Omaha at the Slowdown.
Dr. Mirnics’ presentation, which invited conversation from the audience, touched on questions such as whether genetic information should be used to calculate insurance costs and the moral question of using knowledge of the human genome to “improve” a child according to the parents wishes.
More than 300 people attended the event.
Drs. Stuberg, Ellis receive top UNMC awards
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Wayne Stuberg, Ph.D., and Cindy Ellis, M.D. |
Dr. Ellis was the recipient of the Office of Academic Affairs’ 2017 Impact in Education Interprofessional Education Scholar Award. The award honors an individual who has made significant contributions to interprofessional education locally, regionally or nationally. Dr. Ellis and other distinguished UNMC educators received their awards at a Jan. 11 ceremony.
Dr. Stuberg was named a 2017 Distinguished Scientist by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. The Distinguished Scientist Award — which is sponsored by UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. — recognizes researchers who have been among the most productive scientists at UNMC during the past five years. Dr. Stuberg will receive his award, along with other UNMC research winners, at a Feb. 13 ceremony.
MMI’s Dollen to serve as volunteer pastor
Bonnie Dollen, nurse at the MMI Diagnostic Clinic, will be the volunteer pastor at the Iowa United Church of Christ at Crossroads of Western Iowa beginning next month. Dollen will provide worship two times a month at Crossroads. Crossroads of Western Iowa is a non-profit organization devoted to supporting adults in the Iowa community. Most individuals they serve have some sort of intellectual or physical disability or are dealing with serious mental illness. Dollen said she looks forward to being the first licensed pastor specifically serving the intellectually impaired and mentally ill in Iowa.
Hankins is January’s Silver U
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Jackie Hankins |
Director of Community Engagement Melonie Welsh described Hankins as passionate, energetic and loyal — truly a valued member of the MMI team.
“Many of us would not be able to do our job without her support,” she said.
Recently transitioning to a new set of responsibilities, Hankins continues to attend to her former responsibilities while a replacement is sought, and she is preparing transition materials for her replacement.
When her office hosted a Project SEARCH intern — a young adult with disabilities who is learning skills to allow her to find independence in employment — Hankins mentored that individual far above the level of responsibility she was given.
“Her selfless commitment to her colleagues, our clients, and both her personal and professional community is exemplary,” Welsh said. “She does not hesitate to step forward to lead a team or facilitate as a trusted team member. Her unique skills and dedication have facilitated her ability to step in when others cannot.”
UCEDD awarded grant from ThinkCollege
MMI UCEDD was awarded a $20,000 grant to increase post-secondary education opportunities in the state of Nebraska with the goal of having a new exemplary program in place by 2019.