About Us

The Center Director - John S. Davis, PhD

The center will be comprised of over 20 faculty members and staff. John S. Davis, PhD, will serve as the founding Center Director. Dr. Davis is trained in the area of cellular and molecular biology with a focus on women’s reproductive health and disease pathogenesis. He is currently the Director of Research and Development for the Olson Center for Women’s Health and Division Director for research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He currently directs research aimed at understanding the mechanism(s) controlling the development of the ovary and steroidogenesis as well as understanding how aging alters women’s fertility and osteoporosis. He has a record of accomplishment in attracting extramural funding from a variety of funding agencies, managing active research programs, and publishing in top-notch journals in reproductive biology and oncology.  He has a strong record of mentoring graduate students and junior faculty, training basic and clinical fellows, assistant professors, visiting scientists, postdocs, and graduate and summer students. These include men and women of diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Many trainees have gone to successful independent careers in academia, medicine, and industry.

Reporting

The Center Director will report to the Olson Center Board of Directors and Dean of the College of Medicine or his/her appointee.  The Center Director will form an External Advisory Committee comprised of an outside panel of experts in various areas of women’s health research. The External Advisory Committee will conduct an annual site visit to review the Center’s activities and progress and make recommendations for future growth and development.

Participating Faculty

The Center will encompass clinical and basic science departments within various colleges at UNMC including the departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics. Faculty members from the Colleges of Allied Health Professions, Public Health, and Nursing will participate in the Center. Additionally, faculty from the Buffett Cancer Center, VA Medical Center, and University of Nebraska campuses at Lincoln and Omaha will be a part of the Center. 

The Center will engage its members by hosting monthly meetings and seminars, developing requests for applications for collaborative pilot projects, and participating in the development and review of grant applications. We plan to issue requests for applications that involve cross-campus and basic-clinical science projects to foster interactions and develop new collaborations. 

Advisory Council Members

The Center Director will report to the Olson Center Board of Directors and Dean of the College of Medicine or his/her appointee. The Center Director will form an External Advisory Committee comprised of an outside panel of experts in various areas of women’s health research. The External Advisory Committee will conduct an annual site visit to review the Center’s activities, progress and make recommendations for future growth and development.