Gabrielle R. Merchant, Au.D., Ph.D., director of the Translational Auditory Physiology and Perception Laboratory at Boys Town National Research Hospital, was named the recipient of the 2026 Omaha Woman in Science Award by Nebraska Cures.
The award recognizes an outstanding woman whose work advances scientific knowledge and improves lives. Honorees are selected for their significant contributions to discovery and innovation, the betterment of society, excellence in communicating science to the public or policymakers, and for leadership and a commitment to advancing opportunities for women in science.
“Our board selected Dr. Gabrielle Merchant because she represents the very best of science and service—advancing groundbreaking research while also championing the importance of biomedical funding with policymakers,” said Amanda McGill Johnson, executive director of Nebraska Cures. “Her impact extends far beyond her lab, benefiting patients, families and the broader scientific community.”
Omaha Woman in Science Award recipients are chosen yearly by the board of directors of Nebraska Cures, a nonprofit organization that advocates for biomedical research and innovation. Dr. Merchant was honored at the organization’s Spring Tribute Reception on April 29 in Omaha.
Previous honors for Dr. Merchant include the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Visionary Recognition in 2024 and the Early Career Researcher Award from the American Auditory Society in 2025.
“From the moment Dr. Merchant arrived at Boys Town Hospital, she distinguished herself as an early-stage investigator by doing translational work that turns scientific discoveries into real-world solutions. She’s also a tireless advocate for the families we serve, and for the power of science to improve lives,” said Ryan McCreery, M.D., vice president of Research at Boys Town Hospital.
Dr. Merchant’s research integrates biomedical engineering principles with clinical audiology to improve the detection and characterization of middle-ear disease and associated hearing loss, particularly in children and specialized populations, including individuals with Down syndrome.
“Her work has the potential to impact how we assess and treat ear infections, and how we evaluate hearing in young children and individuals with Down syndrome,” said Lori Leibold, Ph.D., senior director of hearing research at Boys Town Hospital. “She has a background in rigorous science as well as in clinical audiology, which provides a unique opportunity to translate research findings into tangible improvements in clinical care.”
Dr. Merchant’s research is supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense. She also holds adjunct and secondary faculty appointments at Creighton University and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
“Dr. Merchant is not only advancing science at the highest level, she is also helping to educate the next generation of clinicians and researchers,” said Dr. McCreery. “Her deep sense of purpose is no doubt informed by her own experience as a foster youth and first-generation college student—an experience she shares with so many of the children we serve at Boys Town.”