Lookin’ at U – Kara Rivera

Each Thursday, we randomly feature a medical center employee.

This week, we learn more about Kara Rivera, a lab technician in the College of Pharmacy.

Kara Rivera

• Name: Kara Rivera
  
• Hometown: Omaha
  
• No. of years at UNMC: One

Tell us a bit about what you do here at UNMC.

I am a Lab Tech II in the COP under Dr. Serguei Vinogradov. I synthesize nanogels for research in cancer treatments. Our lab collaborates with other labs in the university as well as nationwide. We recently got a grant from USSTRATCOM that we are very excited about.

Commitment to excellence is one of UNMC’s brand values. Tell us of a time you witnessed a person or group act with a commitment to excellence.

I think every lab tech in the department is committed to excellence. Sometimes I will come in to do work on the weekends or as early as 6 a.m. and I will notice other labs bustling when I come in. I love working in a department that has technicians and professors so eager to do the work they enjoy and who are committed to their research.

What is your favorite Fall activity?

Baking! I have already started with cookies, banana bread, pumpkin bread and pecan pie!

List three things people may not know about you.

• I recently got married. It’s been almost two months!
  
• I am an only child.
  
• I love bargain hunting. I recently bought a complete set of china for 12 place settings for $30. Now I get to use my new china for Thanksgiving.