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Lani Zimmerman, Ph.D. |
NOTE: This profile is part of a series highlighting the 26 researchers who were named UNMC Distinguished Scientists or New Investigators for 2007. Each of these researchers will be profiled in UNMC Today leading up to a March 20 ceremony to recognize their achievements.
- Name: Lani Zimmerman, Ph.D.
Title: Professor
Joined UNMC: 1975
Hometown: Poplar, Mont.
Describe your research in 25 words or less (in laymen terms, please).
My area of research is testing different interventions to promote symptom management and early recovery in cardiac surgical patients.
What led you to pursue this area of research?
When patients were being discharged earlier from the hospital, it became evident that the skills and knowledge needed had not been given to them to manage their postoperative care.
How do you see your research contributing to science?
Hopefully, findings from this research program will provide information that can be used by clinicians in practice.
Why did you become a scientist?
I enjoy studying areas and discovering what worked and what did not work to help patients.
What is your hope for the next generation of scientists?
I hope the next generation of researchers will discover different and reasonable interventions to assist patients in their recovery.
Beyond grant funding, how do you measure success?
Publications in referred journals and, evidentially, I hope to see some of these findings implemented in practice guidelines.
What would you tell a student interested in a research career?
Work hard, get consultation and listen to the critiques. Find a team to work with and keep submitting the grants.
Do you have a hero/role model? If so, what do you admire most about them?
My former dean, Ada Lindsey, Ph.D. She was a wonderful research mentor and always was very honest in her reviews of my proposals.
Tell us about your family and hobbies outside of the lab.
Most of my family still lives in Montana and we enjoy getting together for holiday, golf outings and fun.
List three things few people know about you.
I like to shop for antiques, go to movies and have friends over for dinner.