By the time I graduated from college, I had seen the political and economic challenges of Watergate, the U.S. exiting Vietnam, the oil embargo that led to rationing of gas, inflation that drove mortgage interest to 18%, and two recessions in the decade of the ‘80s, the first of which led to cuts in federal spending that impacted grants and social programs. Yet, through these challenges that affected everyone, the war on cancer was launched, a new biotechnology industry emerged and created novel classes of potent drugs, and the foundation was laid for the development of mRNA vaccines, therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, and CAR-T therapy. In addition, Microsoft and Apple launched the personal computing revolution that provided new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, and the concepts of work/life balance and belonging began to take shape. What has been overall a positive trajectory was not linear. 

While change is inevitable and the opportunities that result can be valuable, the uncertainty associated with rapid change complicates decision making and creates concern for personal achievement and wellbeing. What can be done in uncertain times? 

Viktor Frankl stated that the ultimate of human freedoms is “to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way”. As mentioned by Karen Gould in the newsletter last month, one good starting point is to choose to rely on your personal values to guide all decisions. A second is to choose how to express those values in a positive way in everyday activities and life pursuits. 

Choosing your own way also includes how you plan to develop from today to the person you want to be in the future. It is important to take control of what is mostly within your control - goals and the plans to achieve them. Have your goals changed or are there new opportunities to pursue? Are the paths to those goals still relatively straightforward and

clear of significant obstacles? The goals and plans that were made in the past might need modification to be successful in the future. 

Uncertainty can make us want to cling to the successes of the past and not take on new risks to pursue less certain long-term goals, but it is important to continue growing personally and professionally even during challenging times. Focusing on developing ‘career capital’ - a term used by author Cal Newport to describe the skills, experiences, and demonstrated competencies that build trust and open opportunities for new growth and new responsibilities - can provide tangible short-term goals that increase your value as you pursue long-term goals. Risk can also be mitigated by more thoroughly probing the

‘adjacent possible’ space - a term coined by Stuart Kauffman and popularized by Steven Johnson - which describes the collection of new opportunities that align closely with your established competencies and available resources. Smaller steps may require more time to reach a goal, but the goal will be reached with greater certainty, and failures will be less costly.

As we pursue the unique goals that make our individual lives better, I encourage you to choose to commit to two common goals as well: express gratitude to everyone that improves your life even a little bit and have empathy for all, because regardless of your

assumptions, the other person may be in a more difficult situation than you. We are in this together, and when we cannot change a situation, “we are challenged to change ourselves” - Viktor Frankl. 

Faculty Achievements

Shantaram Joshi, PhD was awarded the 2025 Spirit of Community Service Award, which will be awarded at the 2025 Annual Faculty Meeting. The Spirit of Community Service Award is presented to a faculty member who, through continuing commitment to the surrounding underserved or isolated communities, has used expertise, resources, talent, and time outside of UNMC duties or has enabled others to provide community service in the following types of programs/projects:

• Projects intended to assist disabled individuals of any age or to combat/prevent disease, and to relieve physical or psychological ailments.
• Programs/Projects designed to support an appreciation and preservation of the community’s heritage through good citizenship, appreciation of rights and liberties, and participation in community improvements.
• Programs to meet the needs of senior citizens.
• Programs designed to expand the educational or vocational/career opportunities for all ages.
• Programs/Projects designed to increase mental, physical, and character development in children/youth.
• Programs intended to assist in resolving the needs of economically disadvantaged groups or individuals in either faith-based or community-based groups or organizations.
• Other programs/projects that distinctly aid individuals or community groups, utilize originality and unique approaches to community service, significantly increase student participation, and/or promote diversity and address urban/rural problems.

Congratulations Dr. Joshi and thanks for making UNMC and the world a better place.

Avinash Veerappa, PhD who is an instructor in Babu Guda's group, was granted promotion and will become an Assistant Professor July 1, 2025.

Graduate Student Update

Student Achievements

Harris awarded Jefferson Ingenuity Award

Hannah Harris, PhD was awarded the 2024-2025 Thomas Jefferson Ingenuity Award for a PhD student who has exhibited unmatched creativity and ingenuity in completion of the research requirements of their doctoral dissertation. This award will be presented at spring 2025 convocation.

Camero Wins Graduate Scientific Poster Award at Anatomy Connected 2025

Congratulations to Ali Camero, third-year doctoral student in the MGCB Anatomy Teaching Track, for winning first place at the American Association for Anatomy annual conference for her poster “The negative regulation of PR55-controlled PP2A by the p53 tumor suppressor”. Posters were judged by members of the Committee for Early Career Anatomists in four categories, including Graduate Scientific, which Camero won. The judges were particularly impressed with Camero’s ability to translate complex scientific concepts into a clear and engaging message. They noted that this skill will serve her well in her future aspirations as an educator. 

When asked about her experience, Camero said “At first, I though there was no way that I could effectively communicate all the critical aspects of my work while making it understandable and meaningful to those outside the field. After hours of practice, I refined my delivery, ensuring both clarity and impact. When Dr. Cassidy announced my name, the effort felt entirely worthwhile. Receiving this honor from my teaching mentor, Dr. Cassidy, made the experience even more meaningful. It was truly unforgettable, especially being my very first conference.”

Students visit Tissue Sciences Facility

Students who are taking GCBA 825 - Human Histology learn about cells, fundamental tissues and organ systems. To enhance their learning and knowledge, the students visited the UNMC Tissue Science Facility. The students learned about the services provided in the facility including basic & specialized histology, staining, immunohistochemistry, imaging techniques which are conducted here at UNMC on both human and animal tissues.

Student Events Held

Student Bake-off

A special thank you to everyone who participated in the student bakeoff and enjoyed all of the good things. Meng-Tao Sun was voted at the person who brought the best baked item.

Upcoming Student Activities

April - Science Photo Contest

This is a reminder this month’s student event is scientific photos and muffins! We are looking for photo submissions from students and faculty of the department. The photos just need to be science related meaning that you can submit any photos ranging from florescent microscopy to a picture of you hanging out in lab. To submit a photo, you will need to email the photo to Kyle Rohrer (krohrer@unmc.edu) or Soumi Basu (soumi.basu@unmc.edu) no later than April 11. The photos will be displayed in the MGCB admin office on April 21^st and there will also be muffins there for you to enjoy while looking at the photos.

May 23rd - Art on the Green

Invite your mentor out to the green space in front of the DRC and enjoy some time to decorate the sidewalks with chalk, paint on some canvas and enjoy fellowship with your fellow students and faculty! RSVP to Soumi Basu (soumi.basu@unmc.edu) to endure we have adequate supplies.

Department Community Enhancement

April 18th: The Wildest Birthday You Didn’t Know You Needed - Animal Crackers Birthday!

Let’s be honest—Animal Crackers weren’t just cookies; they were experiences. Tiny lions and tigers parading out of that iconic red circus box. Some of us chomped heads first (no judgment), others lined them up for an edible zoo experience. Either way, those sweet little creatures were a cornerstone of snack-time nostalgia.

But did you know April 18th marks the official Animal Crackers Birthday? Yep, these crunchy critters have been delighting snackers since 1902. That’s over 120 years of elephants, giraffes, and monkeys getting eaten by the handful.

Why Should Adults Care?

Because you deserve a little whimsy. Adulting is serious business—budgets, deadlines, taxes (😩). Animal Crackers are a crunchy portal back to simpler times, when your biggest problem was whether to save the gorilla or eat it.

How to Celebrate Like a Grown-Up:

• Snack Break Rewind: Pick up a box and share with your coworkers. Bonus points for tea pairings or wine pairings (yes, it’s a thing).
• Cookie Charcuterie: Get fancy—combine crackers with fruits, cheeses, and dips for a quirky board that says "I'm fun, but I have a 401(k)."
• Animal Cracker Bake-Off: Crumble them into pie crusts, layer them in parfaits, or dip them in chocolate. Adulting means snacks can be fancy and fun.

So go ahead, grab a box, embrace the crunch, and give a little nod to your inner kid this April 18th. Because some snacks never go out of style.

Honoring Our Administrative Professionals on April 23, 2025

Celebrating the Backbone of Our Workplaces: Administrative Professionals Day 2025

Mark your calendars for April 23, 2025, as we observe Administrative Professionals Day, a special occasion dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of administrative staff who keep our department running smoothly.​

A Brief History:

Established in 1952 as National Secretaries Week, this observance was created to acknowledge the vital role of administrative personnel in the workplace. Over the years, it has evolved to encompass a wide range of administrative roles, reflecting the expanding responsibilities and diverse titles within the profession. Today, Administrative Professionals Day is celebrated annually on the Wednesday of the last full week of April. ​

Why It Matters:

Administrative professionals are the backbone of any organization. They manage schedules, coordinate meetings, handle communications, and ensure that daily operations proceed without a hitch. Within GCBA their duties also included managing Canvas, assisting students, submitting grants, calculating budgets and organizing seminars as well as many other things. Their dedication and efficiency enable faculty, postdocs, staff and students to focus on their core responsibilities, making them indispensable to our collective success.​

Ways to Celebrate:

• Personalized Appreciation: A heartfelt note or a personalized gift can go a long way in expressing gratitude. Consider acknowledging specific contributions that have made a difference in your work environment.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Investing in the growth of administrative staff demonstrates a commitment to their career advancement. This could include sponsoring attendance at workshops, seminars, or providing access to online courses.​
• Team Lunch or Virtual Gathering: Organize a lunch or virtual event to celebrate together. This not only shows appreciation but also fosters team cohesion.​
• Public Recognition: Highlight the achievements of your administrative professionals in company communications or meetings, giving them the public acknowledgment they deserve.​

Looking Ahead:

As we approach Administrative Professionals Day 2025, let's take the time to reflect on the hard work and dedication of these essential team members. Their contributions often go unnoticed, but they are integral to the success of our department. By celebrating this day, we not only show our appreciation but also reinforce the value of their roles within our teams.​ Please take time to thank Megan Brown, Nancy Ballard, Bryan Katafiasz and Lindsay Radicia for all that they do to make Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy a better place to work.

Conclusion:

Administrative Professionals Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it's an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the individuals who support and enhance our department every day. Let's make April 23, 2025, a memorable day of recognition and gratitude for our administrative colleagues.