{"id":116547,"date":"2024-11-08T01:58:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T07:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/?p=116547"},"modified":"2024-11-08T12:59:25","modified_gmt":"2024-11-08T18:59:25","slug":"distinguished-scientist-lynette-smith-phd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2024\/11\/08\/distinguished-scientist-lynette-smith-phd\/","title":{"rendered":"Distinguished scientist: Lynette Smith, PhD"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored at a ceremony on Nov. 14 for UNMC\u2019s Scientist Laureate, Research Leadership, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator Award recipients.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Distinguished Scientist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Distinguished Scientist Award \u2014 which is sponsored by the chancellor \u2014 recognizes researchers who have been among the most productive scientists at UNMC during the past five years.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Name: <\/strong>Lynette Smith, PhD<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Title: <\/strong>Associate professor, Department of Biostatistics, UNMC College of Public Health<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Joined UNMC:<\/strong> August 2000<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Hometown:<\/strong> Culbertson, Nebraska<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Describe your research focus in three words or less: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cancer biomarker discovery and validation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why is research important in the world today?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Research, when appropriately carried out, is the best way to answer scientific questions due to its unbiased and systematic nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    My research will make a difference because:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    My work as a statistician is to ensure rigorous study design and that the most appropriate analysis methods are applied to address research questions. I also provide interpretations and assistance in results dissemination. Applying the best statistical practices to biomarker research, we hope to identify biomarkers that can detect cancer early when it can be resected, especially for pancreatic and ovarian cancers. We have found that single biomarkers do not have adequate performance for use in surveillance or screening, so as part of my biostatistics methodology development, we are working to determine combinations of biomarkers that have good performance upon validation. This requires robust methods for combining the biomarkers as well as protections against model overfitting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The best advice I\u2019ve ever received is:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Growing up on a farm, I experienced a way of life that taught me to work hard and keep focused on the goal you wish to achieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Three things you may not know about me are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • I have crocheted two blankets and numerous scarves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • I have a cute Bichon Frise, even though I am a cat person.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Our team tied for first place in a “Schitt\u2019s Creek” trivia contest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Dr. Smith is an associate professor in the Department of Biostatistics with the UNMC College of Public 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