Distinguished Scientist: R. Katherine Hyde, PhD

This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored at a ceremony on Oct. 29 for UNMC’s 2026 Scientist Laureate, Research Leadership, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator recipients.

R. Katherine Hyde, PhD, will receive a Distinguished Scientist Award. Distinguished Scientist Awards, which are sponsored by the chancellor, recognize researchers who have been among the most productive scientists at UNMC during the past five years.

• Name: R. Katherine Hyde, PhD
• Title: Professor, UNMC Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UNMC College of Medicine
• Joined UNMC: 2013
• Hometown: Waterville, Maine

Please describe your research focus in three words or less: 

• Leukemia
• Hematopoiesis
• Transcription

Why is research important in the world today? 

The last couple of decades have produced so many new tools and approaches in biomedical research that have the potential to dramatically change the way we understand biology and treat disease. This is an exciting time to do research because of all the possibilities.

My research will make a difference because: 

Current treatments for acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic come with significant side effects and aren’t curative for a lot of patients. My lab focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms that cause leukemia so that we can develop novel treatments that are less toxic and more effective. Our research will contribute to a cure for children and adults with leukemia.

The best advice I’ve ever received is: 

Focus on the things you can control, not on the things that are out of your hands.

Three things you may not know about me are:

• I have three cats named Alexei, Leo and Maki.
• I taught myself how to quilt during the pandemic.
• My first job was as a secretary in my father’s office. It’s where I learned to type without looking at the keys.