NEWS AND EVENTS
A note of thanks to Steve Goddard
Spring is always a time of change, and it is especially true this year as Steve Goddard steps down as interim vice chancellor for research and economic development. Steve officially joined ORED in 2014, when Prem appointed him associate vice chancellor for research, but he collaborated with Prem and others in ORED on many projects since he came to Nebraska in 1998 as an assistant professor of computer science and engineering.
Many ORED staff had the opportunity to work with Steve in his role as associate vice chancellor from 2014-2016. He worked closely with colleagues in Research Compliance Services and the Institutional Animal Care Program, as well as administrative coordinators, who appreciated his collaborative efforts and expansion of their responsibilities. In 2015, he was named empowered official for export control, a new position charged with oversight of increasingly important export control laws. Steve expanded collaborations with the associate deans for research, which strengthened ties between the colleges and ORED, and co-chaired the campuswide Achieving Distinction Task Force as part of Chancellor Ronnie Green’s strategic planning process.
Chancellor Green named Steve interim vice chancellor for research and economic development on Aug. 29, 2016, when Prem stepped down. Steve took on this leadership role as ORED faced its most difficult challenge, the loss of Prem. He moved ORED forward in a difficult time, engaging us in planning for the future of Nebraska research. We thank Steve for his steady guidance and confidence in all of us.
“Our task this year is to build on Prem’s work and provide a solid foundation for the next vice chancellor,” he said when Ronnie appointed him. You did well, Steve. Thank you from all of us.
Upcoming News and Events
May 1, “Nebraska Research Jumpstart: NIH Funding”
This initiative is aimed at sparking new research teams and supporting projects eligible for National Institutes of Health funding. Contact Megan McMasters, ORED’s events and outreach manager, to inquire about late registration.
May 16, Portal to the Public Workshop
The workshop will help University of Nebraska faculty improve their science communication and outreach skills. Check the ORED website for more information and registration details later this week.
Welcomes and Farewells
Seth Burkey rejoined ORED as a research data analyst. In this role, he will oversee the analysis and reporting of research data for ORED. Seth will be located in Canfield for a couple of months, and will then transition to the third floor of the Paul Research Center. From 2008-2011, he was a computer support analyst with ORED, and since then has been with the university’s information technology services group.
Amy Silvester-Brooks joined ORED as a project manager. She will provide critical project management and coordination for a variety of strategic projects and initiatives and will oversee the administrative team in Canfield.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: KELLY HEATH
This month, the spotlight is on ORED’s Kelly Heath. If you have a colleague you’d like to see featured in a future edition of OPEN, submit your idea here.
What is your title in ORED, and how long have you been part of the team?
Kelly: I am director and attending veterinarian for IACP, and I will have been with ORED six years in June.
Explain how your team fits into ORED’s overall mission.
Kelly: Our team oversees the use of animals in the university’s research, teaching and extension outreach programs. The administrative office conducts the day-to-day business of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. The animal care team also manages and staffs the IACP service centers located in the Life Sciences Annex and Manter Hall. The IACP team has 3 strategic objectives to meet this mission: provide exceptional animal care; ensure compliance with federal, state, local and institutional regulations; and serve as an advocate and resource for research involving animals.
What would people never guess you do in your role?
Kelly: I can run a mean vacuum cleaner (left) . . . but this is what I really do (right)!
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise your colleagues.
Kelly: Anyone who knows me understands that I am not a runner (although that depends on how big the cow chasing me is), but I am proud to say I completed a half marathon two years ago.
If you could be anyone from any time period for a day, who would it be and why?
Kelly: Winston Churchill. He presided over some really dark times in history, and I would like to understand how he was able to overcome those obstacles.
What have you always wanted to try, but never have (so far)?
Kelly: Getting my pilot license.
What would a perfect day off look like to you?
Kelly: Going fishing with my grandchildren.
WATER COOLER CHAT
Looking for a place to eat? Your colleagues provided plenty of ideas:
Derek Bargmann, Sponsored Programs: “Toast. I’ve never had a bad experience there, and the food has been really good as well.”
Seth Burkey, Research Finance and Information Systems: “Pancho Villa Mexican Grill – excellent food and margaritas.”
Mari Greer, Office of the Vice Chancellor: “I have three ‘favorites,’ depending on my mood. For good Mexican, it has to be Hacienda Real in the Highlands. Their chicken nachos are my favorite, and I love the bean dip they serve with their chips. For a more romantic evening, it has to be Vincenzo’s, you can’t go wrong with anything you order there, and the atmosphere is great for date night. And, last but certainly not least is Buzzard Billy’s. The red bean and rice with hush puppies is always what I order!”
Emily Hanus, Research Compliance Services: “Hacienda Real. They bring out complimentary chips, salsa and bean dip and are always very friendly. It’s our favorite Mexican restaurant in town.”
Jenn Klein, Research Compliance Services: “I love 9 South CharGrill! Such a great local restaurant with a great atmosphere and even better food, especially if you are a fry connoisseur. Their waffle fries are pretty dang good.”
Elijah Luebbe, Sponsored Programs: “MōMō Pizzeria & Ristorante has an awesome modern and relaxed feel with some great Italian food. Everything I’ve tried has been excellent, but my favorites have been a fried ball of cheesy risotto as an appetizer (don’t remember the name and not on the regular menu) and bread pudding for dessert. They don’t take reservations, which I love because that means grabbing a cocktail and taking time to slow down and talk to people while you wait.”
Suzan Lund, Sponsored Programs: “I have so many! Pho Factory is one that’s closest to Paul Hall. Love their spring rolls and rare steak pho.”
Megan McMasters, Office of the Vice Chancellor: “I absolutely love Hiro 88. I love their Yin’s Chicken and California rolls. The atmosphere is great and the location is convenient if you are having dinner before or after a downtown event or concert.”
Terri Murray, Sponsored Programs: “La Paz is my favorite restaurant because I love Mexican food and margaritas! It also brings me fond memories of Julie Poykko-Post, who trained me in pre-award when I first came to the Office of Sponsored Programs and was a wonderful delight to work with.”
Kacey Nelkin Pedersen, Sponsored Programs: “Lazlo’s, a long-time staple in the Lincoln restaurant scene. My family and I love Lazlo’s because it’s always good, has a reliably family-friendly environment for my kids and they are so friendly. I love to branch out and try new restaurants, but when I need a place that I know will serve good food and can count on everyone leaving happy, then Lazlo’s is my first choice.”
Kristen Ohnoutka, Research Finance and Information Systems: “Misty’s, Lazlo’s and Taco Inn.”
Andrea Schreiber, Sponsored Programs: “That’s like being asked to choose a favorite child! For today, I’ll say Grey Whale Sushi. Their sushi is FANTASTIC! I’m looking forward to trying Grey Whale’s new poke restaurant on Q Street.
Ashton Waite, Proposal Development: “For a great burger and waffle fries, visit H.F. Crave. If you’re looking for ice cream, try Ivanna Cone in the Haymarket – it has the best baklava ice cream you can find (though unfortunately it’s not a regularly offered flavor!).”
Rachel Wenzl, Research Compliance Services: “The Cellar at the downtown Oven. It has the best wine selections and the food/charcuterie is amazing every time!”
Anonymous: “One of many is Granite City. I currently love their Chicken Limone. They also usually have a ‘Chef’s Features Menu’ with some yummy choices. And last but not least – their dessert minis are the best!”
Anonymous: “Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill. It always has great food and the atmosphere is always great.”
The spring semester wraps up this week, which means summer is around the corner. Tell us about your favorite vacation spot, or a destination you’d love to travel to, here.
THE MONTH IN PICTURES
Jessica Cronin, Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, welcomed an April Fool’s/Easter baby. Everyone is doing great and big sister Riley is very proud of her little sister, Regan Jae, who was 8 pounds, 7 ounces and 21.25 inches long.
Elijah Luebbe (far left), Sponsored Programs, traveled to Pennsylvania last weekend to drum at the Atlantic District Youth Gathering. Elijah is part of a band called Catalyze — check out the group’s Facebook page for photos and videos!
Kacey Nelkin Pedersen, Sponsored Programs, traveled to Boca Raton, Florida, with her family of five for her cousin’s wedding, a black-tie event at the Waldorf Astoria Boca Raton. Kacey and her husband, Adam, had the ultimate childless date night, thanks to her dad who watched their three boys, including baby Gus. The family rented a house at Deerfield Beach, which is just a short walk from the ocean, and experienced many “firsts” on the trip: taking the boys to the ocean, Gus’s first authentic Italian meal and Max and Hank’s first trip to a 7-Eleven for Slurpees!
Thanks to all who contributed to this month’s OPEN Book. If you have news you’d like to share in the newsletter, submit it here or sent it to Tiffany Lee at tlee9@unl.edu.
