UNK senior and chemistry major Samantha Rau is conducting hands-on DNA research on campus. Alongside her mentor, associate chemistry professor Kristy Kounovsky-Shafer, Samantha is working on analyzing long strands of DNA more effectively. It's one example of how UNK students get to participate in actual lab research, putting their knowledge and understanding to use in real situations. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST … [Read more...] about Loper Experience Podcast: Chemistry major Samantha Rau conducts DNA research
Kristy Kounovsky-Shafer
Biology professor Janet Steele takes pie in face for fundraiser
Biology professor Paul Twigg “won” the UNK Health Science Club’s annual “Pi(e)-A-Professor” fundraiser in 2020. This year, it was his wife’s turn to experience the sweet taste of victory. Fellow biology professor Janet Steele took one for the team Monday as Twigg delivered a pie to her face – all for a good cause. The event featured five faculty members, with the top vote-getter receiving the messy reward. Members of the UNK community voted by donating various items … [Read more...] about Biology professor Janet Steele takes pie in face for fundraiser
Kristy Kounovsky-Shafer: ‘Sometimes success is being able to do something no one else has done before’
Kristy Kounovsky-Shafer’s research is guided by a piece of advice she received as a doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For every question you answer, five more questions should arise. “That means you’re actually doing something interesting,” Kounovsky-Shafer said. “Because if you’re not doing something interesting, then you get no more questions out of the project.” This is how the associate chemistry professor approaches her research at the … [Read more...] about Kristy Kounovsky-Shafer: ‘Sometimes success is being able to do something no one else has done before’
Helping hands: UNK faculty making much-needed medical supplies
By TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications KEARNEY – There are five 3D printers inside Kristy Kounovsky-Shafer’s research lab at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Typically, the associate chemistry professor and her students are using this equipment to create devices that concentrate DNA for genome sequencing and analysis. The past month, though, has been anything but typical. Instead of working in the lab, UNK students are finishing the semester through remote … [Read more...] about Helping hands: UNK faculty making much-needed medical supplies
Pratt-Heins Awards recognize UNK faculty for excellence
By TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications KEARNEY – Three University of Nebraska at Kearney faculty members were recognized Friday with the prestigious Pratt-Heins Faculty Awards for their excellence in teaching, service and scholarship and research. Brenda Eschenbrenner, Kristy Kounovsky-Shafer and Linda Van Ingen accepted the awards during UNK’s Faculty/Staff Convocation in the Fine Arts Recital Hall. Each honoree received a plaque and $2,000. The Pratt-Heins … [Read more...] about Pratt-Heins Awards recognize UNK faculty for excellence