A retirement tea for Barbara Switzer will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. Oct. 25 in the Sorrell Center’s Linder Reading Room.
Switzer, a lab assistant for UNMC College of Medicine Dean Brad Britigan, M.D., came to UNMC in 1984, becoming a technologist in the research lab of then-chairman of pathology and microbiology David Purtilo, M.D., studying the Epstein-Barr virus and its immunological consequences. She later joined the lab of Bruce McManus, M.D., Ph.D., testing samples of patients with myocarditis as part of a national study.
In 1988, she became technologist, teacher and manager of the Monoclonal Antibody Core Facility, an appointment she held through November 2011, working with many different researchers and lab scientists, developing custom antibodies for use in their research, as well as performing sterile cell culture, protein purification, small animal work and all the administrative paperwork and billing.
From there, she moved to her current position in Dr. Britigan’s lab.
“I was able to use my medical bacteriology education as a medical technologist and my animal and immunology experience from the Monoclonal lab to undertake his experiments,” Switzer said. “I have had a rewarding experience in working with Dr. Britigan.”
Switzer said her 35 years at UNMC have gone quickly.
“I have met many wonderful people (and few not-so-wonderful), and generally had a positive experience,” she said. “I always recommend UNMC as a work place. The benefits have been many, and my family and I are grateful to have been part of this organization.”
Dr. Britigan said working with Switzer for the past eight years has been a pleasure.
“Without Barb, my ability to carry on research while serving as dean would have been nearly impossible,” he said. “Barb possesses a unique combination of excellence in laboratory skills, ability to build and sustain personal relationships, inquisitiveness, grit and enthusiasm for whatever she is doing. She was making outstanding contributions to research at UNMC long before I arrived. Her presence on our campus will be missed by not just me, but by all with whom she came into contact. I know we all wish her the best in her retirement.”
The campus is invited to the Oct. 25 event.
Congratulations on your retirement Barb! May the years ahead bring you joy and relaxation.
Was a pleasure to have worked with you and known you as a friend! You will be greatly missed! Happy retirement and many new adventures to come!
Great picture! I have enjoyed knowing you for all these years! Congratulations and I hope you have a great time in your retirement years!
Barb's outstanding career here at UNMC is a great reminder of the immeasurable contributions by that special group of career scientists who have provided 30-plus years to our institution's basic research labs. They certainly helped carry us to where we are today. Thanks Barb!
Thanks for being my mentor when I started working for D.T.Purtilo back in '85. Our paths have crossed so many times, in multiple ways, over the years that it feels inadequate simply to wish you well. However, enjoy the slower pace and please stay in touch.
Well deserved accolades on your long-serving career. Wish you all the best!
Congratulations, Barb! It has been a pleasure to work (and play) with you over the years. Remember playing softball together on the UNMC softball league longer ago than we'd care to admit? You may have heard that retirement is great; my experience confirms this. Enjoy! Best wishes for you and your family.
Barb,
Loved your picture and have enjoyed following you and your family throughout the years at UNMC! Best wishes on your well deserved retirement. -Ann Kruger PT
Barb,
I cannot say enough about how you have so positively impacted us in Cancer research at Eppley !! I have enjoyed learning & brainstorming with you- working together on countless critical Monoclonal Antibody Core projects! On behalf of myself and several Danish novel hybridoma developers, I'm sending a sincere standing ovation to you! May your journey continue to bring a perfect balance of quantitative/qualitative happiness!