Nursing faculty member praised by director at NIH

August 26, 2021 — HOUSTON — Some faculty dig deep into research looking for ways to contribute new knowledge to the world, but not every researcher gets acknowledgement for their work from one of the most revered institutions in science.

Ngozi Mbue, PhD, a nursing faculty member at TWU Houston, received that honor from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Mbue presented research about the feasibility of a self-monitoring program within a diabetes education project for African American veterans. The research, funded by the National Black Nurses Association, was presented at the 19th annual workshop of the Network of Minority Health Research Investigators (NMRI). The network serves to encourage and facilitate participation of underrepresented members in biomedical research, and to enhance the potential of underrepresented minority investigators choosing a biomedical research career.

“The continued participation and involvement of Dr. Mbue in these training and mentoring efforts will be key to the success of this program,” Lawrence Y. Agodoa, MD, wrote in a letter of acknowledgement of Mbue’s work.

Agodoa is the director of the Office of Minority Health Research Coordination (OMHRC). The office was created by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), which is part of the NIH.

“I was so excited to meet Dr. Agodoa,” Mbue said. “It means a lot to me to be recognized not just for service but for the potential that I have. It was so nice of him to find the time to do that.”

Additionally, Mbue participated on a workshop panel after reviewing an NIH mock study. Since then, she has become a member of the NMRI South Regional Board Workshop to plan the regional workshop that will include researchers from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia.

She also serves on the NMRI COVID-19 Research Network Group, a coalition of scientists with diverse interests and backgrounds committed to advancing the understanding of the factors that impact COVID-19 severity and outcomes. She co-leads a group focused on pathobiology and treatment options for COVID-19 in underrepresented minority groups.

“It’s a real honor to be able to co-lead,” Mbue said. “I love exchanging ideas with other investigators. It’s been a great opportunity to learn as much as I can.”

Throughout the process, Mbue has appreciated the mentoring aspect with peers throughout the NMRI.

“Sharing ideas on how to navigate funding, research and academia has been so important for me,” Mbue said. “The mentors really guide me. It’s great to receive guidance and tips on how to advance my career as a minority member of faculty.”

Page last updated 3:01 PM, August 26, 2021