Sara Myers Named Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Creative Activity

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) has named Sara Myers, Ph.D., as interim associate vice chancellor of research and creative activity (ORCA). The decision was announced today by Interim Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Deborah Smith-Howell, Ph.D.

“Dr. Myers is a dynamic leader who brings to this role a high level of expertise, experience, energy, and passion for our research and creative activity mission that will serve the university well during a time of transition,” Smith-Howell said. “She is a Maverick in every sense in the word and I look forward to working alongside her.”

Myers began her tenure at UNO in 2005 and has held numerous positions at the university. She will fill the role previously held by Ken Bayles, Ph.D., who served in the role since 2018. The appointment is pending approval by University of Nebraska (NU) System President Ted Carter. Following Carter’s approval, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents will act on this appointment at an upcoming meeting.

“My journey as a Maverick that began as a student-athlete is something I hold dear to my heart, and I could not be more thankful for this opportunity,” Myers said. “I look forward to collaborating with some of the brightest minds in our state as we work to broaden the impact that UNO research and creativity have on our community, our state, and the world.”

Myers currently serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research (focused on STEM disciplines) and a Professor in the Department of Biomechanics. Her current research is focused on improving quality of life in older individuals and those with peripheral artery disease. Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, Department of Veterans' Affairs, and NASA.

In this capacity, Myers has contributed to setting the strategic direction for research on UNO’s campus; facilitated collaborations across campus and the University of Nebraska System; mentored and facilitated the success of junior faculty; oversaw ORCA’s internal funding/seed programs; oversaw and ensured research compliance; represented UNO on the university’s federal relations team; and served as liaison to UNO’s technology transfer partner, UNeMed. Myers has also led the development of new UNO faculty collaborations with United States Department of Defense research labs, which led to a new Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and contracts to perform research and development at UNO.

Myers holds a Bachelor of Science from UNO, a Master of Science from UNO, and a Doctor of Philosophy from UNMC.