Thirteen faculty members at the University of Nebraska Medical Center recently were honored with awards that recognized excellence in teaching and community service.
The Spirit of Community Service award, bestowed for continuing commitment to underserved or isolated communities, was presented to Claudia Chaperon, Ph.D., assistant professor in the UNMC College of Nursing. She was recognized for developing comprehensive geriatric assessment programs for UNMC's Mobile Nurse Managed Clinic, an Omaha retirement community and a community-based palliative care agency. The programs have helped older Nebraskans and those who care for them throughout the state.
Two faculty received the Outstanding Faculty Mentor of Graduate Students award for the profound effect they have on mentoring graduate students. Recipients are UNMC Eppley Institute professors, Kay-Uwe Wagner, Ph.D., and Michael Brattain, Ph.D.
The Outstanding Teaching Award, which reflects a meritorious record of excellence in teaching activities was presented to: William Chaney, Ph.D., professor in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology; Whitney Goldner, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine in the section of diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism; and Craig Piquette, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine in the section of pulmonary, critical care, sleep and allergy medicine.
Geoff Talmon, M.D., assistant professor of pathology and microbiology, received the Hirschmann Prize for Teaching Excellence for Basic Science Education as well as a Golden Apple Teaching Award. Dr. Talmon also received the College of Medicine Class of 1962 Basic Science Outstanding Teacher Award.
Sarah Keim Janssen, Ph.D., assistant professor of genetics, cell biology and anatomy, received a Golden Apple Teaching Award from first-year medical students.
Wendy Grant, M.D., associate professor of surgery and assistant dean for student affairs, received the Hirschmann Prize for Teaching Excellence for clinical education.
Stephane VanderMeulen, assistant professor, physician assistant education program, received the School of Allied Health Professions (SAHP) Teacher of the Year Award. James Somers, Ph.D., director of the physician assistant education program, who retired April 30, was honored for his 30 years of outstanding service to the SAHP.
Kathleen Volkman, assistant professor, Physical Therapy Education Program, received the 2012 Outstanding Researcher of the Year Award.
Marnie Imhoff, assistant professor in the clinical laboratory science program, received the Key to the Future Award from the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science – Nebraska. The award recognizes new members who demonstrate leadership potential with their contributions to the organization.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.
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