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U.S. Rep. Lee Terry learns about crystallography from UNMC’s Gloria Borgstahl, Ph.D. |
The Omaha native visited the automated lab in NHS University Hospital with Rod Markin, M.D., Ph.D. The lab was recently upgraded with LAB-InterLink Inc.’s automated specimen processing center, which will benefit laboratory workers, as well as patients, by processing specimens more quickly and efficiently.
The congressman also met with Gloria Borgstahl, Ph.D., of the Eppley Institute to learn more about crystallography and its role in the fight against disease. Dr. Borgstahl uses crystallography to analyze three-dimensional atomic structures of protein molecules to see what they look like and understand how they work. While in Dr. Borgstahl’s Lied Transplant Center lab, Terry also saw the new X-ray facility, which will help her analyze crystals.
During his visit, Terry also was briefed by Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., on recent activities and achievements by UNMC faculty and staff. They also discussed the status of UNMC’s efforts to be designated a national emergency biopreparedness laboratory center.
Terry visits the medical center three or four times each year for tours and updates. Last week, he was joined by Molly Koozer-Lloyd, district director of his Omaha office, and Angela Selzle, a University of Nebraska at Omaha student and intern, also in the Omaha office.
Terry, who represents Nebraska’s second district, was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1998.