Hello to my Nebraska INBRE Family,
We had another successful summer program for our Scholars. I had several conversions that were super positive, so I want to thank all our Research mentors for providing an environment so conducive for our Scholars to learn and grow. Unfortunately, we could not have our annual conference for the second year in a row. I am confident that next year will be different!
I hope everyone enjoyed the Central Region IDeA "Zoom" conference in July. Our keynote speakers – Dr. Jon Lorsch (NIGMS Director), Dr. Ali Khan (Dean, College of Public Health, UNMC), Dr. Steven Soper (Foundation Distinguished Professor, KU), and Dr. Sheritta Strong (Director of Inclusion, UNMC) – all did an amazing job and helped with the success of the conference. By the numbers, we had 448 registrations, from 17 states and 83 different research institutions. There were 122 abstracts submitted, for which there were 41 talks and 81 poster presentations. The behind-the-scenes crew of Brett Coleman (ITS Video Services), Paul Kawacz (ITS Video Services), and Sanjit Pandey (website) were tremendously helpful in making the day a success. I am personally glad the NE-INBRE program will not have to host the meeting for another decade.
I am not sure if everyone is aware, unfortunately, Dr. Charles Wood, who has been with us since the beginning of the NE-INBRE program and directed our scientific theme of "Infectious disease" is retiring from UNL and plans to join LSU Health Science Center, Cancer Center in New Orleans. Let’s thank Charles for all his contributions to the NE-INBRE program throughout the years.
On another sad note, Saralyn Fisher, our grants protocol guru, will be leaving when she retires in October. Saralyn has been an amazing co-worker and has helped the NE-INBRE so smoothly over the past number of years. From submission of all those RPPR’s, working with the campus’ subcontracts, helping the Scholars during the summer, coordinating all the network meetings, and being an integral part of the last NE-INBRE renewal, Saralyn will be missed! From all of us in the NE-INBRE network, we wish Saralyn a happy retirement.
Finally, please give a shout out to Annemarie Shibata from Creighton University for being awarded $100,000 for an "Administrative Supplement to INBRE Awards to Fund Research in Collaboration." Great job!
Please enjoy these last few days of warm weather and I look forward to seeing everyone at the next campus visits.