Duane Retzlaff UNMC Department of Pathology Microbiology and Immunology 

Department hosts 2026 Antimicrobial Peptide Conference

The 2026 Antimicrobial Peptide Conference hosted by UNMC’s Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology this month drew more than 200 researchers from 33 countries.

Oct 27, 2026

Co-chairs of the 2026 Antimicrobial Peptide Conference, from left, are Monique van Hoek, PhD, from George Mason University, Guangshun "Gus" Wang, PhD, from UNMC, and Chuck Bevins, MD, PhD, from the University of California Davis.

Dr. Kielian is elected to leukocyte board

Tammy Kielian, PhD, a professor in UNMC’s Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, recently was elected to serve as a councilor for the Society of Leukocyte Biology.

Oct 13, 2026

Tammy Kielian, PhD, a professor in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology

Pathology fellow explores using whole-genome sequencing to identify hospital infection outbreaks

Shawn Freed, PhD, a clinical microbiology fellow in UNMC’s Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, is studying whole-genome sequencing as a way to more quickly confirm healthcare-associated infections.

Oct 13, 2026

Shawn Freed

Spotlight on Chastity West

Chastity West, microbiology/virology laboratory supervisor at Nebraska Medicine, describes her role as a problem-solver. “Troubleshooting, putting out fires, that’s my day-to-day,” she said. “I’m always on the move.”

Oct 13, 2026

Chastity West in the Microbiology/Virology Laboratory, where she is lab supervisor

Department hosts second annual pathology conference

The department’s second annual pathology conference provided a comprehensive update on diagnostic challenges and evolving practices across major pathology subspecialties.

Oct 13, 2026

Subodh Lele, MD, professor and the department's associate vice chair of faculty affairs and development, speaks at the conference.

NPHL honored for response to Andes hantavirus

The Nebraska Public Health Laboratory has received two awards associated with its response to the Andes hantavirus.

Oct 13, 2026

From left, Dr. Richard Hankins, Nebraska Infection Control Network president and assistant professor in UNMC's Department of Infectious Diseases, with NPHL team members Stevie McGill, Amanda Bartling, Emily McCutchen and Amy Roden
Education, UNMC Community

Pathology conference hosted by UNMC set for Sept. 26

Registration for the event remains open through Sept. 18.

Sep 10, 2026

Joseph Khoury, MD, chair of the UNMC Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, and Subodh Lele, MD, conference director and associate vice chair, faculty affairs and development in the department, at last year's conference.

Kirk Hansen retires as director of Regional Pathology Services

Kirk Hansen, who retired this month as director of Regional Pathology Services, is proud of the growth he’s seen in his time here. RPS, formed more than 50 years ago to provide cutting-edge laboratory testing and consultation for doctors, clinics, and hospitals across Nebraska, continues to expand each year.

Aug 11, 2026

Kirk Hansen

Dr. Iwen retires after 48 years at UNMC

Dr. Peter Iwen can look back on many accomplishments in his 48-year career at UNMC. He’s also leaving with a sense of gratitude for the people who played a big part in his journey.

Aug 11, 2026

Peter Iwen, PhD, accepts a service award at his retirement reception in July.
education, research

Students gain laboratory experience in summer programs

Eleven undergraduate students have spent their summer working and learning in our department’s laboratories.

Aug 11, 2026

Sam Acosta Castellanos, right, explains his summer research project at the SURP poster session on Aug. 6.