New leadership for 2 Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence

Anna Dunaevsky, PhD, professor in the UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences, is the new principal investigator and director of UNMC’s Cognitive Neuroscience of Development and Aging Center of Biomedical Research Excellence after being approved by the National Institutes of Health.

She replaces Tony Wilson, PhD, following his departure from UNMC.

The goal of this Phase I Center of Biomedical Research Excellence, or COBRE, is to advance both investigators and the infrastructure required to develop neuroscience research. A specific objective of a Phase I center is to support junior investigators and prepare them to compete for peer-reviewed extramural NIH funding.

Awarded funding in March 2020, the Cognitive Neuroscience of Development and Aging Center is a multi-institutional effort, focused on building capacity not only at UNMC but also the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Boys Town National Research Hospital and Creighton University.

With the change in leadership, the center of excellence has changed its scope. The original focus was on human subjects research, and Dr. Dunaevsky has expanded the focus to include laboratory and translational research.

“In addition to individualized mentoring for our research project leaders, the CoNDA Center hosts neuroimaging workshops, career development presentations and a vibrant neuroscience seminar series,” Dr. Dunaevsky said.

Nanomedicine Center of Biomedical Research Excellence
David Oupicky, PhD, professor in the UNMC College of Pharmacy, was nominated by the external advisory board and approved by the National Institutes of Health to take over as the principal investigator and leader of UNMC’s Nanomedicine Center of Biomedical Research Excellence.

The nanomedicine COBRE was first funded in 2008. Tatiana Bronich, PhD, professor in the College of Pharmacy, was leader of the Phase II COBRE and oversaw the application for the Phase III COBRE. She left earlier this year to take a dean position.

Said Dr. Oupicky, “I have worked closely with Dr. Bronich since the beginning of the Phase III COBRE, both as a co-investigator and leader of the scientific and professional development council. I see a great future for nanomedicine research at UNMC, and bringing this COBRE successfully to the finish line is important for the next steps in nanomedicine development in Nebraska.”

The mission of the Nebraska Center for Nanomedicine is to improve disease treatment and drug delivery through nanotechnology. Nanomedicine uses tiny particles to improve therapies and diagnose diseases; it was used in the development of the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines.

“The main goals in the remaining two years are to assure the sustainability of the core facilities beyond the COBRE funding since they have become essential for the continued growth of nanomedicine research,” Dr. Oupicky said. “We will also continue to expand existing research strengths through the support of collaborative interdisciplinary research with a strong focus on junior faculty to strengthen their research capabilities and funding support.” University of Nebraska Medical Center