Author: Fran Higgins
Medical Nutrition Hosts Professional Development and CEU Day in Kearney
Kearney, Nebraska — September 3, 2026 — More than 40 dietitians from across Nebraska gathered at the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex in Kearney for the Medical Nutrition Professional Development and CEU Day. The event brought dietitians together for a full day of learning, connection, and professional growth. Participants had the opportunity to […]
Sep 9, 2026
Welcome new staff: Cece Webben
Cece Webben, MS, is the new events coordinator for the College of Allied Health Professions. Here’s more about Cece in her own words: I received my BA in English from the University of Nebraska at Omaha before completing my MS in Higher Education Student Affairs at the University of Nebraska Kearney. I’ve always enjoyed working […]
Aug 21, 2026
Welcome new staff: Manasi Kate
Manasi Kate, MA, recently joined our physical therapy program as clinical education coordinator. Here’s more about Manasi in her own words: I earned my BS and MA in Communication from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Originally from Pune, India, I have a passion for education, student success, and building meaningful relationships across academic and […]
Aug 7, 2026
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
