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From left: David Kelly, Ph.D., research assistant professor in the Eppley Institute, explains how the equipment works in the Automated High-Throughput Screening Facility as State Sen. John Nelson, legislative aide John Murante and UNMC Vice Chancellor for External Affairs Bob Bartee look on. |
“He’s not very excited about the work he does is he?” the senator from Omaha asked facetiously after leaving a very thorough presentation on Monday by David Kelly, Ph.D., in the Eppley Institute Automated High-Throughput Screening Facility.
During his presentation, Dr. Kelly demonstrated an enthusiasm that Nelson had noted in others around campus.
Vice Chancellor for External Affairs Bob Bartee then told the senator that he could have visited nearly every laboratory on campus and run across a similar level of energy from the lab’s personnel.
Aside from the campus energy level, Nelson said he also has been amazed by the campus’ growth and the cutting-edge work being done by UNMC scientists.
“There’s so much innovation happening here,” said Nelson, who credited UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., and other campus leaders for creating an environment conducive to such creativity and enthusiasm.
Aside from Dr. Kelly, Nelson met with College of Nursing Dean Virginia Tilden, D.N.Sc., and discussed such issues as nursing shortages, distance education and rural health education.
Bartee said he was glad the senator got a sense of the passion many UNMC scientists display.
“I was happy that Sen. Nelson was able to visit and see how excited our researchers are about their work,” Bartee said. “Such enthusiasm is the key to our success and growth as a medical center and I was thrilled that Sen. Nelson could sense that energy.”