What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I am the Susan J. Rosowski Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at UNL and also an affiliate member of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at UNMC. I also serve as the Director of the Nebraska Redox Biology Center, a multi-institutional research organization of faculty within the NU system.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
The good life! To be perfectly honest, my family and I did not know a whole lot about UNL or Nebraska before moving here, but this move seemed like a great career opportunity and we have absolutely no regrets about coming here 11 years ago. Here at UNL, I’ve got to interact and work with some very fine, talented and supportive people from diverse backgrounds here at UNL. The vibrant research environment, available resources and infrastructure to support my research program are also nothing short of impressive. My family and I quickly fell in love with Lincoln and its welcoming atmosphere. We are happy to call Nebraska home.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy teaching and interacting with talented, goal-oriented students and am committed to training the next generation of independent, critically thinking scientists capable of conducting impactful research in the future. It is truly gratifying to see their professional growth and celebrate their successes. I view these interactions as a two-way street and always am eager to learn something new from these talented individuals.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest professional achievement is being lucky enough to provide some seminal contributions to the field of mitochondrial biology and advancing the understanding of mitochondria in health, cellular stress and human diseases. Those discoveries were quite impactful and contributed to the revival of general interest in understanding fundamentals of mitochondrial function worldwide. My greatest personal achievement is my family, of course. We have been blessed with two wonderful kids who are an endless source of joy and sheer fun.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
Before becoming a scientist, I have seriously considered a career in music and played as a guitarist with several rock and blues bands. Though I am no longer as good as I used to be, I have a sizable collection of guitars at home and enjoy playing the instrument whenever I get a moment.
What is your life like outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family. I also spend quite a bit of time reading books, going on long-distance bike rides and jamming out on my guitars.