Duane Retzlaff UNMC Department of Pathology Microbiology and Immunology 

New faculty spotlight: Ashley Hein, MD

Dr. Hein is an assistant professor in the UNMC Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology.

Oct 23, 2025

Ashley Hein, MD

Spotlight on: Luke Handke

Luke Handke has spent most of his working life in a laboratory, but he’s often teaching. Usually not in front of a classroom, but more often one-on-one, helping budding scientists and colleagues. “I enjoy seeing people around me be successful, and if I can play some role in helping them to become successful in what […]

Oct 8, 2025

Luke Handke, PhD, senior scientist in the Center for Staphylococcal Research

Human DNA Identification Lab hosts genetic genealogists to work on cold cases

The Human DNA Identification Laboratory in UNMC’s Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology hosted nearly two dozen professional investigative genetic genealogists from around the country to work on a number of unsolved Omaha homicides.

Oct 8, 2025

Group of genetic genealogists who gathered in Omaha in August to work with the Human DNA Identification Lab on cold cases

New Research Grant Award winners are announced

UNMC’s Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology has announced five recipients of Research Grant Awards.

Oct 8, 2025

The RGA awardees, clockwise from top left: Drs. Ahmed Ahmed, Marika Forsythe, Rebecca Manzo, Phassawan Rungsiprakarn, and Holly Mitzel

Tissue Sciences Facility expands capabilities with new scanner

The Tissue Sciences Facility has significantly upgraded its digital pathology operations with the addition of a new scanner.

Oct 8, 2025

Ember Eldridge, TSF supervisor, with the Hamamatsu NanoZoomer S360 Digital Slide Scanner

New faculty spotlight: Pranav Renavikar, MBBS

Dr. Renavikar is an assistant professor in the UNMC Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology.

Aug 13, 2025

Pranav Renavikar, MBBS

New faculty spotlight: Ketav Desai, MBBS

Dr. Desai is an assistant professor in the UNMC Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology.

Aug 6, 2025

Ketav Desai, MBBS

Center for Staphylococcal Research’s annual workshop draws students from around the world

Sixteen young researchers received intensive instruction in genetic and metabolic techniques last month at “Staph Camp,” an annual workshop by the Center for Staphylococcal Research at UNMC.

Aug 5, 2025

The workshop, "Essentials of Staphylococcal Genetics and Metabolism," employs a mixture of classroom lectures and lab work to provide an advanced understanding of the techniques commonly used by the staphylococcal research community.

Lab’s focus on quality is reflected in latest CAP inspection

A recently completed CAP inspection showed improvements in laboratory operations; a department official credits establishment of a dedicated quality team.

Aug 5, 2025

Dr. Scott Koepsell, professor and vice chair of clinical operations for UNMC's Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology

Three new faculty members join department this summer

UNMC’s Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology added three new but familiar faces to its faculty lineup. Drs. Ketav Desai and Pranav Renavikar, who completed fellowships here in June, started July 1 as assistant professors. Dr. Ashley Hein, who finished her residency here in 2023-2024, began on Aug. 1 as an assistant professor. Dr. Desai, […]

Aug 5, 2025

From left, Drs. Ketav Desai, Ashley Hein and Pranav Renavikar