Siddappa Byrareddy, PhD, named UNMC Scientist Laureate

Siddappa Byrareddy, PhD, Singer Professor of Microbial Pathogenesis and vice chair for research in the UNMC Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, has been named UNMC’s 20th Scientist Laureate.

The award is the highest honor that UNMC bestows upon its researchers.

Dr. Byrareddy, who joined UNMC in 2016, leads the Byrareddy Laboratory at UNMC, which holds as its mission “to combat some of the most formidable microbes in human history.” He specializes in research into HIV pathobiology and cure strategies, COVID-19 and other emerging viral threats including Zika and Mpox.

“Dr. Byrareddy is one of the most prolific investigators we have on campus,” said Ken Bayles, PhD, vice chancellor for research at UNMC. “His ability to identify a problem, conduct a study and write it up for publication is second to none. This was especially apparent during the pandemic, when he authored multiple highly cited papers and review articles on SARS-CoV-2.”

“The best in science is measured by traits; the most obvious to all are drive, intelligence, creativity, risk-taking and dedication,” said Howard Gendelman, MD, chair of the UNMC Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience. “But it is often overlooked personal qualities that better define success. These are the qualities that define Dr. Byrareddy. These are perseverance, resilience and dogged drive, embodied in the face of failure. He turns those failures to success.”

Dr. Byrareddy said it is a privilege to be recognized as the Scientist Laureate at UNMC.

The recognition, he said, is a testament to the dedication and excellence of his current and former research teams, his collaborators and the supportive environment provided by UNMC. It shows the commitment to rigorous, hypothesis-driven research that spans viral pathogenesis, immune-based therapies, antiviral development and translational science.

It also reflects an ongoing commitment to scientific discovery and real-world impact, he said.

“I view this honor as both recognition and responsibility to continue pursuing innovative interventions that improve health outcomes and reduce the global burden of disease,” Dr. Byrareddy said.

Dr. Byrareddy will be honored along with 17 other researchers named UNMC Distinguished Scientist, New Investigator and Research Leadership Award winners for 2025. A ceremony will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 4 p.m. in the Durham Research Center auditorium. A reception and poster session will follow in the Durham Research Center commons area.

The other awardees:

New Investigators

New Investigator Awards go to outstanding UNMC scientists who in the past two years have secured their first funding from the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Defense or other national sources. New investigators also must demonstrate scholarly activity such as publishing their research and/or presenting their findings at national conventions.

• Maher Abdalla, PhD, associate professor in the UNMC Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology
• Arpan Acharya, PhD, assistant professor in the UNMC Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience
• Kurt Fisher, MD PhD, associate professor in the UNMC Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology
• Jennifer Miller, PhD, assistant professor in the UNMC College of Nursing-Lincoln Division
• Jingjing Sun, PhD, assistant professor in the UNMC Department of Pharmaceutical Science
• Peng Zhong, PhD, assistant professor in the UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences

Distinguished Scientists

Distinguished Scientist Awards, which are sponsored by the chancellor, recognize researchers who have been among the most productive scientists at UNMC during the past five years.

• Beth Beam, PhD, associate professor in the UNMC College of Nursing-Omaha Division
• Bin Duan, PhD, associate professor in the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine
• Stacey Gilk, PhD, professor in the UNMC Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology
• Natalia Osna, MD PhD, professor in the UNMC Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience
• Gurudutt Pendyala, PhD, professor in the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology
• Palsamy Periyasamy, PhD, associate professor in the UNMC Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience
• Anthony Podany, PharmD, PhD, associate professor in the UNMC Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science
• Athena Ramos, PhD, associate professor in the UNMC Department of Health Promotion
• Micah Schott, PhD, associate professor in the UNMC Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Research Leadership

Research Leadership Awards honor scientists previously recognized as Distinguished Scientists who have a longstanding research funding history and also serve as research leaders and mentors on campus.

• Vijaya Bhatt, MBBS, professor in the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Oncology and Hematology
• Becky Deegan, PhD, professor in the UNMC Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology