The honor recognizes outstanding scientists who have secured their first independent funding from a national source within the past year while demonstrating scholarly activity through publishing research and presenting findings at national conventions.
Originally from Blair, Nebraska, Dickey joined UNMC as an assistant professor in 2023, though she has worked at the institution in various roles since 2008. Describing her research focus as “Cancer Viruses Prevention,” she works to understand how oncogenic infections like HPV develop and progress to intervene before cancer occurs.
Research Goals and Significance
Dickey’s work aims to translate scientific discoveries into strategies that reduce the burden of cancer, generate evidence to inform clinical practice and public health policy, and improve cancer prevention. Discussing the broader importance of research, she noted that it uncovers the unknown, transforms discoveries into life-changing practices, policies, and solutions, and provides the evidence needed to improve lives.
Background and Personal Trivia
Outside of her academic and research responsibilities in the UNMC College of Public Health, Dickey shares several lesser-known facts about herself. She lived alone in Marrakech, Morocco, for her MPH capstone, a memorable part of her graduate training. Additionally, she possesses an oddly good memory for license plates and discovered she had six wisdom teeth rather than four.
Reflecting on professional guidance, Dickey shared the best advice she has ever received: Let your passion lead your career, not each individual task. Not every project will feel transformative, but the collection of your work should move you toward the bigger goal.
This profile is part of a series highlighting researchers receiving awards for UNMC’s 2026 Scientist Laureate, Research Leadership, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator categories.
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