Allied Health Blog
Wellsandt and Jackson receive funding for study
Liz Wellsandt, PhD, (Principal Investigator) and Mariah Jackson, PhD, were awarded two years of funding from the Rheumatology Research Foundation to determine if the amount of physical activity people do during recovery from ACL reconstruction affects the health of their knee cartilage and changes in body fat. The “Activity, Cartilage, and Adiposity Early After ACL […]
Jul 27, 2026
Welcome new staff: Ali Mercado
Ali Mercado, MAEd, is a new research coordinator in the CAHP Office of Research Affairs. Here’s more about Ali in her own words: Before joining UNMC, I spent 14 years at the University of Nebraska at Kearney as an undergraduate student, graduate student, and staff member in Exercise Science. During my time there, I served […]
Jul 24, 2026
Welcome new faculty: Shayla Yoachim, PhD, MA
Shayla Yoachim, PhD, MA, recently joined the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions faculty in Kearney. Here’s more about Dr. Yoachim in her own words: I am a born and raised Husker, growing up in Omaha and then attending UNL for my undergrad and master’s degree, and UNMC for my PhD. After earning my doctorate, […]
Jul 23, 2026
Welcome new faculty: Sara Mottl
Sara Mottl, MLS(ASCP)CM, LSSGB, recently joined our faculty in the Medical Laboratory Science program. Here’s more about Sara in her own words: I attended Central Community College in Hastings, Nebraska, where I earned my Associate’s degree before continuing my education at the University of Cincinnati, where I completed my Bachelor of Science. Over the years, […]
Jul 21, 2026
Research Leads to New Resources and Opportunities for Cancer Survivors, Healthcare Providers, and Researchers
Taken from the Great Plains IDeA-CTR newsletter – July 13, 2026 Through pilot funding from the 2025-26 Great Plains IDeA-CTR Community-Engaged Research Pilot Project, investigator Mariah Jackson, PhD, and an interdisciplinary team developed the Community-Academic Partnership to Improve Health of Cancer Survivors – a collaborative forum where cancer survivors, healthcare providers, community organizations, and researchers […]
Jul 15, 2026
Perfusion student elected VP
Blair Bell, second-year perfusion student, was elected vice-president of the Student Council of The American Society of Extracorporeal Technology (AmSECT). In her role as vice president she will help oversee all national and international student council activities of the professional organization. Only eight students out of all perfusion students nationally are elected to the AmSECT […]
Jul 14, 2026
Welcome new faculty: Kate Heelan, PhD
Kate Heelan, PhD, has recently joined our research faculty. Here’s more about Kate in her own words: Prior to joining UNMC, I spent 25 years at the University of Nebraska at Kearney as a faculty of exercise science, department chair and director of the Physical Activity and Wellness Lab. During my tenure at UNK, I […]
Jul 2, 2026
Welcome new faculty: Paige Johnson
Paige Johnson, MLS(ASCP)CM, is the new clinical coordinator of microbiology/serology in the medical laboratory science program. Here’s more about Paige in her own words: I was born and raised in Omaha, and I am excited that I get to continue my career in the same city I know and love. I attended the University of […]
Jun 5, 2026
Genetic Counseling Program Awards Outstanding Faculty
The Master of Genetic Counseling program is proud to announce the recipients of its annual awards, recognizing faculty and staff who precept, educate, and overall support the mission of the program. This program is housed in the College of Allied Health Professions and in partnership with the Munroe Meyer Institute. Inspiring Confidence Through Education The […]
Jun 4, 2026
Welcome new faculty: Denise Arrick
Denise Arrick, MS, is a new assistant professor in the College of Allied Health Professions with a focus on anatomy education (gross anatomy, histology and embryology). Here’s more about Denise in her own words: I am pleased to return to the University of Nebraska Medical Center after relocating to Louisiana with my husband in 2011. […]
May 21, 2026
