About
Neka received her BS in Pharmacology and BA in Psychology from SUNY-University at Buffalo in Buffalo, NY. During this time, she was involved in neuroscience research, specifically memory processes in young children. Neka received her PhD training in Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics from the University at Buffalo/Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY. She received her post-doctoral training in metastatic colorectal cancer from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)/Eppley Cancer Institute in Omaha, NE, where she studied under the guidance of the late Dr. Michael G. Brattain.
Her specialty was in colorectal, breast, and metastatic cancer involving transforming growth factors (alpha and beta) and their respective receptors (epidermal growth factor receptor and transforming growth factor beta receptor). Neka transitioned to neuroscience, specifically traumatic brain injury and the role of VEGF and its receptors as potential targets for therapeutic intervention or an immunotherapy agent. She received her post-doctoral training in neuroscience from University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)/College of Pharmacy in Omaha, NE.
Using her training and experience, Neka transitioned to a profession in higher education administration and developed expertise in assessment, accreditation, strategic planning, data analysis/reporting, data visualization, and teaching research methodology to doctoral EdD students. Neka currently supports Doctor of Education (EdD) doctoral students on their doctoral and dissertation journey by serving as a Dissertation Committee Chair or Dissertation Committee member in an Education & Healthcare Leadership department. Neka works to always maintain a close relationship with her passions – science, research, and education. Neka works to stay current with the literature and advancements of various interests through her involvement in select organizations, webinar trainings, and learning platforms. Neka enjoys learning new things and putting them into practice.
expertise
- Molecular pharmacology
- Colorectal, breast, and metastatic cancer
- Neuroscience
- Traumatic brain injury
- Quantitative Research
education
- University at Buffalo, State University of New York - Biochemical Pharmacology, BS; Psychology BA; Minor - Medicinal Chemistry
- University at Buffalo, State University of New York - Roswell Park Cancer Institute - Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Ph.D
highlight
- 2010-2012: Journal of Solid Tumors (Invited Peer Reviewer)
- April 2018: Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference, Chicago, IL. "Persistence and Completion Strategies from the Heartland” Presentation.