General Information
Biography
Sandra Vlasnik joined UNO as an adjunct instructor in 1998 after working as a Software Engineer for a government contractor in Bellevue, Nebraska, where she developed skills in all phases of software development. She joined the faculty of the College of Information Science & Technology as a full time instructor in 2005. Her primary responsibilities include teaching a variety of courses for the College, with a primary focus in computer programming languages, application development, programming concepts, and database development. She was awarded the IS&T Instructor Teaching Award, the AIM Institute Tech Educator Award in 2014 and the UNO Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award in 2009, a reflection of her dedication to her students.After earning her Master's degree in Computer Science in 2013 from UNO, Sandy expanded her role as the Coordinator for Diversity and Inclusion, serving on the College Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Teaching Interests
Web Application Development, Full-stack Development, Computer programming, Software Engineering, Database Design and Implementation, and IT Ethics
Research Interests
Software Development Methodologies
Service Summary
Sandy serves as a committee member on the ISQA Undergraduate Program Committee, as an IS&T representative on the DCS FAPC, and as a Change Leader for the Regional National Center for Women in Technology (NCWIT).
Awards and Honors
2014 Tech Educator Award, Teaching - 2014
UNO Alumni Excellence in teaching award, Teaching - 2009
2025 Instructor Teaching Award, Teaching - 2025
Education
BS, UNO, Omaha, NE, Computer Science, Physics, 1988
MS, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, Computer Science, Software Engineering, 2013
Professional Development
Other, Equity and Inclusion Certificate Co-Hort, 09/01/2020 - 05/01/2022
Workshop, Universal Design: Make Your Course Accessible, 09/21/2018 - present
Workshop, Faculty Search Training workshop , 10/22/2020 - present
Conference Attendance, Nebraska Women in STEM Conference, 04/03/2025 - 04/04/2025
Conference Attendance, Women in Tech Summit, 03/07/2025 - present
Service
Department, College, and University
IS&T Advisory Committee, Committee Member, Advise the Dean on matters initiated by the committee or by the Faculty, or on matters referred to the Committee by the Dean,formulate legislation for presentation to the Faculty, and other duties as required., 08/01/2021 - 08/31/2021
ISQA UPC, Committee Member, 01/01/2012 - present
Community
TD Ameritrade - Panel, Guest Speaker, 11/04/2019 - present
NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Award - NE and SW IA Region, Program Coordinator, 08/01/2011 - 08/31/2011