From the Frontlines to the Classroom: Dr. Michelle Black's Journey of Research on Deterrence

Dr. Michelle Black, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), came to the College of Arts and Sciences in 2016 after an extensive career in international security and civil service. We interviewed Dr. Black about her background and asked her why she chose her field of study.

Dr. Black explains that before coming to UNO, she worked in the Department of Defense (DOD) for over seventeen years. First, as a psychological operations specialist in the US Army, US Special Operations Command. Second, as a defense contractor, and finally, as an Air Force Civilian. She commented that her time working in international security shaped her current research interests, which focus on deterrence, intelligence, counterterrorism, and conflict studies.

She explained that real-life experiences executing counterterrorism and insurgency operations in the field and overseas inspired her to gain a deeper understanding of how conflict starts and why it continues.

Dr. Black enjoys working with and mentoring students, specifically on current research projects. A few of her projects include researching for the National Counterterrorism, Innovation, Technology and Education Center (NCITE), a Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence, to understand the needs and requirements for counterterrorism and intelligence training and education. Dr. Black also leads a cross-discipline student research team at the Nebraska Deterrence Lab at the Peter Kiewit Institute (PKI) at UNO, where students conduct research and develop computer applications for experiments and security agencies, such as the DOD, FBI, and NATO.

Watch the interview with Dr. Black below: