Health Science Collaborative: A Hub for Health Innovation at UNO
The Health Science Collaborative (HSC) is a newly renovated, interdisciplinary facility within the School of Health & Kinesiology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Officially opened during Spring Semester 2025 in the Health & Kinesiology Building, the HSC represents a transformational investment in health education, research, and community engagement on the UNO campus.
The HSC brings together students, faculty, and community partners in a dynamic, student-centered environment designed to support discovery, learning, and impact.
Facility Overview
The Health Science Collaborative encompasses more than 30,000 square feet within the Health & Kinesiology Building and includes:
- State-of-the-art research laboratories
- Flexible teaching and learning spaces
- Dedicated areas for community engagement and collaboration
- Shared infrastructure that supports interdisciplinary research and experiential learning
These spaces are intentionally designed to prepare future clinicians, researchers, and practitioners to address complex health challenges and improve outcomes across diverse populations.
Research and Experiential Learning
The HSC serves as a centralized hub for interdisciplinary health research, advancing health equity through community partnerships and nationally recognized collaborations. This unified approach strengthens UNO’s ability to attract funding, support cross-disciplinary teams, and translate research into real-world impact.
Current initiatives and partnerships include work supported by organizations such as:
- The Department of Defense
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI)
What This Means for Students
Students in the School of Health & Kinesiology utilize the Health Science Collaborative to engage in hands-on research, work with advanced laboratory technology, and collaborate closely with faculty mentors. In this environment, students move beyond the classroom to contribute to meaningful health research and real-world practice.
- Early, Real-World Experience
Work directly with faculty mentors, community partners, clinicians, and athletes in active research and applied lab settings. - Access to Advanced Facilities
Train and conduct research using state-of-the-art laboratories, motion analysis systems, and clinical evaluation spaces that mirror professional environments. - Student-Driven Opportunities
Explore personal interests, contribute to ongoing research projects, pursue funded studies, and present findings at regional and national conferences. - Career and Graduate School Preparation
Build technical skills, clinical experience, and professional networks that prepare you for careers in healthcare, research, industry, or advanced study.
“Only a few colleges have facilities like this—force plates, motion capture, all the 'fancy stuff.' I worked with softball and baseball athletes, did evaluations, went onto the field, talked with coaches. That experience prepared me for MLB work.”
- Takato Ogasawara ('25), MLB Pitching Lab Biomechanist for the Washington Nationals
Home of the UNO Pitching Lab
As a signature lab of the Health Science Collaborative, the UNO Pitching Lab provides advanced biomechanics evaluations for athletes at every stage of competition. Through collaboration between Health & Kinesiology and UNO Biomechanics, the lab combines clinical assessment and research-grade technology to support health, performance, and injury prevention.
Advancing UNO’s Mission
The Health Science Collaborative strengthens UNO’s capacity to attract and retain top faculty and students while supporting the university’s mission of excellence, engagement, discovery, integrity, and Maverick spirit.
By fostering collaboration across disciplines and connecting research to community needs, the HSC serves as a cornerstone for health innovation and community-engaged scholarship at UNO.
“It’s been exhilarating for the dream of the Health Science Collaborative to become a reality. The HSC is an exciting opportunity for the School of Health & Kinesiology to expand our broad research portfolio into a unified space and vision.”
- Adam B. Rosen, Ph.D., ATC, Director, School of Health & Kinesiology