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College of Information Science & Technology News

Thursday, May 15, 2025
  1. UNO
  2. College of Information Science & Technology
  3. News
indextrue1747208706679systemNews RoomMavericks are making news. Follow the latest headlines to learn about our dedication to students, our national recognition for community engagement and Division I athletics, and the opportunities to excel in scholarship and research. Students, faculty, staff and alumni are changing the landscape of our community every day.IS&T news room, college headlines. News Room/news/indexCISTsite://CIST/news/indexcnebel13873817717615780474317399946092571463720400000
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1716181200000/news/photo8035navigationYessite://CIST/news/photo8035CISTphoto80351647283///YouTube

Artificial Intelligence and Advancements in Education

by Victor Winter, Ph.D., UNO Professor of Computer Science

Our society is currently undergoing a historic transformation due to Generative AI, which includes Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Gemini and art generators like Midjourney and DALLE. This technology is incredibly versatile, extremely capable and evolving at an astonishing rate.

Incorporating Generative AI into modern organizations is no longer optional. In an analysis published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in January 2024, they predict that 60% of all jobs in advanced economies will be impacted by AI. Furthermore, predictions of the size and scope of the impact on the jobs market are increasing as the capabilities of LLMs increase.

Education is one of the areas most significantly impacted by Generative AI. ChatGPT 4 has expert and near-expert level abilities in virtually all subjects taught across K16. Gemini Ultra has expert-level capabilities. As for the capabilities of ChatGPT 5, which is expected to be released later this year…the world is holding its breath.

The ever-increasing capabilities of LLMs create enormous opportunities for students who want to learn, but also for those who are not so interested in learning, which is a challenge for educators. Regardless of mindset, the younger generation is learning how to work with LLMs to solve the problems that are put before them, and it is up to educators to give students the “right” problems to solve.

From an educational standpoint, working with an LLM should make an individual more capable over time. Properly engaging with this technology should also serve as a force multiplier of one’s abilities. Educators must re-imagine education and integrate LLMs into their curriculums to achieve these goals.

To leverage LLMs in an educational setting, assignments will need to fundamentally change and become more interactive. Students could be required to submit a dialog (e.g., a debate) with an LLM instead of a monolog on a particular topic (e.g., an essay or a report). Structured concept explorations can also enable customized, virtual experiential learning using LLMs. This will prepare students for the job markets of the future, where these skills will be required.

Starting in the 2024 academic year, the Computer Science Department at the University of Nebraska at Omaha will offer an introductory course on Generative AI. This sophomore-level AI course will be part of a new bachelor’s degree in AI that the Computer Department developed in the Fall of 2023. The new program is currently working its way up the administrative approval ladder.

Also, UNO’s Computer Science Department and its Division of Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives are developing a series of microcredential courses for professionals. The first course in this series should be available in the summer or early fall of 2024.

To take a deeper look at the current and developing trends of AI, visit IS&T’s Labs and Centers website and Frontiers of Tech YouTube channel.

 

For other stories, follow the link here.

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/news/2024/05/artificialintelligencedepartmentphoneemailcategoryCollege of Information Science and Technologylocationevent-startsevent-endssite://CIST/news/2024/05/artificialintelligenceCISTartificialintelligence[Article Heading]Artificial Intelligence and Advancements in EducationUNO Magazine Spring Issue about the College of IS&TMay 20, 2024 11:50 AM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1739944800000Two College of Information Science & Technology (CIST) graduate students will present their groundbreaking research at the 39th Annual AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence — an honor achieved by less than 5% of submissions./news/2025/02/img/jorge-yuliya-students.gifnavigationYessite://CIST/news/2025/02/img/jorge-yuliya-students.gifCISTjorge-yuliya-students.gif2657951200800///YouTube

➡️ What’s new:  

UNO Ph.D. student Zachary Hansen and M.S. student Eleuterio Lillo Portero have been selected to present their research at the 39th Annual AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AAAI-25)—one of the most prestigious AI conferences in the world. Both students have co-authored these publications with Dr. Jorge Fandinno, a 2024 NSF CAREER Award winner.


💡 Why it matters: 

With 12,957 submissions and an acceptance rate of less than 5% for oral presentations, this achievement places Hansen and Lillo Portero among the top AI researchers globally. Their work highlights UNO’s growing impact in artificial intelligence research and its commitment to advancing the field.


📝 The research:

  • Zachary Hansen & Dr. Jorge Fandinno – Recursive Aggregates as Intensional Functions in Answer Set Programming: Semantics and Strong Equivalence
  • Eleuterio Lillo Portero & Dr. Jorge Fandinno – Solving Epistemic Logic Programs using Generate-and-Test with Propagation

📅 The conference:

  • Event: 39th AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence
  • Date: February 25 – March 4, 2025
  • Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA
  • Hosted by: Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), the premier scientific society for AI research

🎤 What they’re saying:  

Dr. Jorge Fandinno, Assistant Professor, CIST: “Having two UNO students selected for oral presentations at AAAI-25 is a remarkable achievement. Their research represents the cutting edge of AI and logic programming.”


🌎 The big picture:

This milestone underscores UNO’s leadership in artificial intelligence research, the excellence of its graduate programs, and the mentorship of outstanding faculty​. As AI continues to shape the future, UNO students are contributing to its evolution on a global stage.

Hansen and Lillo Portero will present their findings in Philadelphia next February. Their work will be published in the conference proceedings, further establishing UNO as a research powerhouse in AI.

Read more: Learn more about the AAAI Conference and UNO’s IS&T NLPKR Lab

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/news/2025/02/uno-graduate-students-earn-prestigious-recognition-at-top-ai-conferencedepartmentCollege of Information Science & TechnologyphoneemailcategoryResearchCollege of Information Science and Technologylocationevent-startsevent-endssite://CIST/news/2025/02/uno-graduate-students-earn-prestigious-recognition-at-top-ai-conferenceCISTuno-graduate-students-earn-prestigious-recognition-at-top-ai-conferenceUNO Graduate Students Earn Prestigious Recognition at Top AI ConferenceUNO Graduate Students Earn Prestigious Recognition at Top AI ConferenceTwo College of Information Science & Technology (CIST) graduate students will present their groundbreaking research at the 39th Annual AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence — an honor achieved by less than 5% of submissions.Artificial Intelligence, ResearchTwo College of Information Science & Technology (CIST) graduate students will present their groundbreaking research at the 39th Annual AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence — an honor achieved by less than 5% of submissions.Feb 19, 2025 12:00 AM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1717686000000The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program offers the National Science Foundation's most prestigious awards in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization./news/2024/05/img/20220902_ist_headshot_50.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2024/05/img/20220902_ist_headshot_50.jpgwww20220902_ist_headshot_50.jpg1528571200800Assistant professor, Jorge Fandinno, Ph.D., has received the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award. Headshot of assistant professor, Jorge Fandinno, Ph.D. ///YouTube

Jorge Fandinno, Ph.D., an assistant professor of computer science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), was honored with the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award, marking a significant milestone not only for himself but also for UNO's College of Information Science and Technology. 

In today's fast-changing tech world, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly common across industries. The NSF CAREER award recognizes Fandinno’s innovative research project, which focuses on advancing the field of Knowledge Representation and Reasoning within AI. More than ever before, computers play a crucial role in decision-making across various sectors and the importance of transparent AI systems cannot be overstated. Fandinno’s project addresses this critical need by developing methodologies to create AI systems that are not only effective and robust but also clear and comprehensible. 

His project focuses on improving how computers understand information and make decisions, which are vital for AI systems used in important fields like healthcare and national security. Fandinno strives to make sure these knowledge-intensive systems can use both qualitative and quantitative data effectively while still being easy for people to understand. 

One of the key innovations of Fandinno’s project lies in its approach to bridging the gap between human-readable languages and the effective handling of numerical data. Traditional methods have often focused on either readability or quantitative analysis, but not both. Fandinno’s project seeks to integrate these aspects.  

By using a programming language like Answer Set Programming, a form of declarative programming language geared towards difficult search problems, and improving computational solving abilities, Fandinno’s work enhances the performance of AI systems while preserving their readability. 

“In high-stakes applications, trust in AI is crucial, and requires an understanding of its operations. Traditionally, systems focused on qualitative reasoning have lacked precision. Ensuring AI's transparency and comprehensibility in handling quantitative data is vital for future applications,” said Fandinno. 

Fandinno’s project goes beyond research to include a new educational approach. By teaching upcoming computer scientists how to create and use transparent AI systems, the project ensures that this important field continues progressing. 

Funded jointly by the Division of Information & Intelligent Systems / Robust Intelligence and the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, Fandinno’s project exemplifies the NSF's commitment to supporting research that not only demonstrates intellectual merit but also has broader impacts on society. 

Fandinno is the first faculty member in IS&T to receive the NSF CAREER award, and is only the third UNO faculty member that has received this award. 

“Dr. Fandinno’s years of research have culminated in this remarkable accomplishment. I commend him for his dedication and persistence,” said Martha Garcia-Murillo, Ph.D., dean of UNO’s College of Information Sciences and Technology.  

Fandinno’s receipt of the NSF CAREER award is a testament to his dedication and innovative contributions to the field of AI and Knowledge Representation. His research not only pushes the boundaries of existing knowledge but also has the potential to significantly impact how AI systems are developed and utilized in high-stakes environments. As UNO continues to excel in research and innovation, Fandinno’s  achievement serves as an inspiration to the university community and beyond. 

“The NSF CAREER Award received by Dr. Fandinno will elevate the national profile of the UNO Computer Science Department, underscore our strong support for early-career faculty, and provide substantial impetus to our current and future curricular and research initiatives in AI,” said Mahadevan Subramaniam, Ph.D., department chair for Computer Science at UNO.

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/news/2024/05/dr-jorge-fandinno-honored-with-national-science-foundation-career-awarddepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communications phoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryFacultyCollege of Information Science and TechnologyAwardslocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2024/05/dr-jorge-fandinno-honored-with-national-science-foundation-career-awardwwwdr-jorge-fandinno-honored-with-national-science-foundation-career-awardDr. Jorge Fandinno Honored With National Science Foundation CAREER AwardDr. Jorge Fandinno Honored With National Science Foundation CAREER AwardThe Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program offers the National Science Foundation's most prestigious awards in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.Bella Lockwood (Watson) The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program offers the National Science Foundation's most prestigious awards in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.Jun 6, 2024 10:00 AM
News ReleaseYesNoYesYes1678341600000Joel Elson, Ph.D, has teamed up with Erin Kearns, Ph.D., on a chatbot that walks users through identifying and reporting suspicious activity—which they hope will improve the quality and quantity of reporting./news/2023/03/img/20230228_chat_bot_04.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2023/03/img/20230228_chat_bot_04.jpgwww20230228_chat_bot_04.jpg20230228_chat_bot_04.jpg2068341200800Erin Kearns, Ph.D., and Joel Elson, Ph.D.Erin Kearns, Ph.D., and Joel Elson, Ph.D.///YouTube
About the #NUforNE Series: This article is part of the University of Nebraska's #NUforNE series. #NUforNE features students, faculty, staff and alumni from across the University who are making an impact on Nebraska.

A stranger loitering in your neighborhood. A vehicle cruising the streets repeatedly. People arriving or leaving from homes at unusual hours.

You feel things are a little off, but you’re not sure why—or even what to do about it. Should you call the police? Nothing is overtly wrong. You’re not sure if what you’re seeing is suspicious activity.

But you don’t want to be labeled as an interfering neighbor. It doesn’t seem like it’s any of your business. You’re certain somebody else has already reported it.

Suspicious behavior or activity can be any action that is out of place and doesn’t fit into the usual day-to-day activity of your community. Too often, people are confused about what they should report and why. But by reporting suspicious situations or activity, you aid the police and make your community a safer place to live. You can reduce violence, minimize victimization, and improve overall quality of life.

So why don’t more people report the things they see?

The Department of Homeland Security believes that public safety is everyone’s responsibility. They run a program called “If You See Something, Say Something” that helps people recognize behaviors that may indicate a potential link to terrorism—and understand how to report suspicious activity to appropriate law enforcement or local authorities. Prompt, detailed reporting of suspicious activities can help prevent violent crimes or terrorist attacks.

How do people report this type of behavior or situations? Many states have designated a tip line to collect reports of suspicious activity. Others have online forms that can be filled out. And a team of researchers at the University of Nebraska at Omaha are working on a chatbot that walks users through identifying and reporting suspicious activity—which they hope will improve the quality and quantity of reporting.

Dr. Joel Elson, an assistant professor of IT innovation, has teamed up with Dr. Erin Kearns, a criminologist, on the project. Their complementary research strengths create a unique perspective on suspicious activity—one that brings together technology, criminology and psychology to address—and potentially remove—the barriers to reporting.

"It's a true team effort," Kearns said. "Dr. Elson studies human-computer trust, I study law enforcement and community trust. Without both areas of expertise, you couldn't develop this chatbot."

The research is funded under a $715,000 federal grant. Grants like these build on state support—which pays faculty and keeps buildings open and lights on—and allow researchers to pursue innovative approaches to pressing problems.


Building Technology People Can Trust

The National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education Center (NCITE) is the Department of Homeland Security's Center of Excellence for terrorism prevention and counterterrorism research. It is located in Mammel Hall at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Elson and Kearns are both NCITE senior leaders and researchers.

This two-phase project is one of 37 prevention-focused research projects that DHS selected in 2021 for awards totaling $20 million through its competitive Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant Program.

In the first phase, Kearns and Elson conducted a national survey, a local study and focus groups to learn about barriers to tips reporting and processing. They also developed a chatbot prototype. They have started the second phase, which involves refining and testing the chatbot.

The chatbot will be embedded in existing reporting platforms as an alternative to filling out a static web form. The information it receives is fed into existing networks. The goal: to elicit more complete information from people through dynamic ways of communication, using a conversation back and forth to prompt better responses.

Technology gives the research potential broad national application.

“Technology is able to exponentially multiply what a single individual can do,” Elson said. “This could increase the opportunities for issue prevention by making reporting easier and more scalable.”

The two researchers are working with Sarpy County on the project.

“The whole goal of this is preventing a Columbine, a Parkland, a Virginia Tech,” Sarpy County Sheriff Captain Kevin Griger said, referring to past mass shootings. “This grant matters because it will help us better understand why and how people are giving tips—and why they are not giving tips. Those tips will help us better prevent acts of targeted violence.”

Researchers know there are gaps in reporting. People might not know what behavior merits reporting, how or where to report it and can show reluctance in elevating to law enforcement. A drop in community trust in public institutions contributes to this reluctance.

Improving tips reporting processes can build trust and strengthen community resilience to violence.

“We hope our work will contribute to building trust and support efforts to protect innocent lives,” Elson said.


Working Across Disciplines

Elson’s background connects psychology and technology. He received his undergraduate degree from Creighton in psychology, his master’s degree from UNO in management information systems and his Ph.D. from UNO in information technology. One of his research interests is how human experience and technology can be improved and furthered.

He was drawn at a young age to computers and tech systems. In middle school, Elson participated in a competition to improve community wellness, where he proposed a computing system to be used on recreational paths—a foreshadowing of the smart watches people would eventually wear to track calories, distance and heartrate.

“I’ve always thought technology has a tremendous potential to enhance our lives—whether that’s in health, improvements to our community or the ability to get work done,” Elson said.

Born and raised in Nebraska, Elson believes that the work being done at UNO is unique:

“You can accomplish things in Nebraska that can't be achieved anywhere else in the country. It's because Nebraskans come together and get things done—we support one another.”

Kearns received her undergraduate degree in political science and psychology from Miami University, her master’s degree in forensic psychology from the City University of New York, and her Ph.D. in criminology and public policy from American University.

She was a freshman in college on 9/11 and worked as a teaching assistant for her Ph.D. mentor in an undergraduate class he taught on terrorism. That’s when it all clicked for her: both criminology and terrorism address law making, law breaking and responses to law breaking—a thread she has explored through her research.

Her research expertise includes the relationships between law enforcement and communities, public perceptions of law enforcement and how to improve those perceptions. Kearns also studies media representations of terrorism in news and entertainment, such as the popular Fox television show “24”—and how those representations influence public perceptions of terrorism.

Kearns work on public perception translates well to studying people’s willingness to report on suspicious activity.

“There’s myriad factors in why people do or don’t report,” Kearns said. “People ask themselves: is this really something I should report? Do I trust the authorities enough to talk to them? Do I want to get involved? Will I be wasting someone’s time if this turns out to be nothing?”


Preventing Terrorism—from the Heart of the Nation

The chatbot grant is the first prevention award won by NCITE researchers from the College of IS&T and the College of Public Affairs and Community Service. NCITE was created in 2020 when UNO received its largest federal grant ever—$36.5 million over 10 years for counterterrorism studies—from the Department of Homeland Security.

UNO was chosen to house NCITE following a highly competitive selection process that involved a site visit to Omaha by a team of DHS officials. UNO’s selection among dozens of universities submitting letters of interest reflected a long record of leadership across the university in national security and defense.

“NCITE not only has a unique mission, but a unique location,” Kearns said. “Being located here in Nebraska, in the middle of the country, we have the ability to think about and address counterterrorism issues in a much more grounded—and on the ground—way.”

Although the academic research hub is based at UNO, its reach stretches beyond Nebraska. Led by Dr. Gina Ligon, the center’s director, more than 60 academics from 26 universities work in counterterrorism research—innovating, educating and creating new prevention strategies.

“NCITE provides a vehicle for us to use our professional training and personal experiences to help fight violent groups who have already formed—and help prevent individuals from ever joining one in the first place,” Ligon said.

Ligon’s vision is to build a robust, relevant academic research hub that offers insight to help the national security workers in the field prevent terrorist attacks.

“Terrorism is a complex problem that calls for many different talents, energies, and resources,” Ligon said. “NCITE allows for focused collaboration across our institutions, leading to a comprehensive approach.”

An approach like the one taken by Kearns and Elson—working across disciplines to create an innovative solution to a real-world problem.

chatbot

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/news/2023/03/nu-for-ne-preventing-violent-acts-through-chatbotsdepartmentUniversity of NebraskaphoneemailcategoryStaffGeneral PublicCurrent StudentsFacultyProspective StudentsParents and FamiliesMedialocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2023/03/nu-for-ne-preventing-violent-acts-through-chatbotswwwnu-for-ne-preventing-violent-acts-through-chatbots#NUforNE: Preventing Violent Acts Through Chatbots#NUforNE: Preventing Violent Acts Through ChatbotsJoel Elson, Ph.D, has teamed up with Erin Kearns, Ph.D., on a chatbot that walks users through identifying and reporting suspicious activity—which they hope will improve the quality and quantity of reporting.#NUforNE, chatbotsJackie OstrowickiJoel Elson, Ph.D, has teamed up with Erin Kearns, Ph.D., on a chatbot that walks users through identifying and reporting suspicious activity—which they hope will improve the quality and quantity of reporting.Mar 8, 2023 4:00 PM
New & Noteworthy
News ReleaseYesNoYesYes1716154200000Once a Maverick, always a Maverick!//news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_afternoon-ceremony_001.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_afternoon-ceremony_001.jpgwww20240517_afternoon-ceremony_001.jpg1640481200800/news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_morning-commencement_021.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_morning-commencement_021.jpgwww20240517_morning-commencement_021.jpg1952451200800UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFAUNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA/news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_morning-ceremony_003.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_morning-ceremony_003.jpgwww20240517_morning-ceremony_003.jpg2160001200800/news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_morning-ceremony_009.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_morning-ceremony_009.jpgwww20240517_morning-ceremony_009.jpg1797151200800/news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_chancellor_li_mike_kemp.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_chancellor_li_mike_kemp.jpgwww20240517_chancellor_li_mike_kemp.jpg1946311200800UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, presents Mike Kemp with the Chancellor’s Medal AwardUNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, presents Mike Kemp with the Chancellor’s Medal Award. The award was also presented to Connie Schaffer, Ed.D./news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_morning-ceremony_007.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_morning-ceremony_007.jpgwww20240517_morning-ceremony_007.jpg1798761200800/news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_afternoon-ceremony_004.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_afternoon-ceremony_004.jpgwww20240517_afternoon-ceremony_004.jpg1696591200800/news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_morning-ceremony_004.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_morning-ceremony_004.jpgwww20240517_morning-ceremony_004.jpg1637221200800/news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_morning-ceremony_005.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_morning-ceremony_005.jpgwww20240517_morning-ceremony_005.jpg1969181200800UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, celebrates after conferring degrees at May 2024 Commencement.UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, celebrates after conferring degrees at May 2024 Commencement./news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_afternoon-ceremony_007.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2024/05/img/commencement/20240517_afternoon-ceremony_007.jpgwww20240517_afternoon-ceremony_007.jpg2366961200800YouTube

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) celebrated its Spring 2024 graduating class on Friday, May 17. Family members, friends, faculty, and staff gathered in Baxter Arena as more than 1,800 graduates received their degrees.

Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affarirs Phil He, Ph.D., officiated the commencement ceremonies, welcoming guests and congratulating students on their achievements.

Chancellor Li told students, “Throughout your time here, you have honed your skills, expanded your knowledge, and forged lasting relationships. You have faced challenges head-on, embraced diversity of backgrounds and thoughts, and grown into individuals poised to make a mark on the world. As you prepare to cross this stage and step forward into the next part of your journey, know that we are so proud of you.”


Student Speakers

Two graduating students, Ja'Nae Smith and Ellen Vogltanz, were asked to speak on behalf of their fellow graduates.

Morning Ceremony

Ja’Nae Smith, a psychology major with a concentration in industrial-organizational psychology, expressed her pride in being a Maverick and admiration for the hard work and determination of this graduating class.

Recalling the activist Frederick Douglass’s words, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress,” Smith urged students to not let difficulties or failures define their journeys. She said, “Resilience is not just about bouncing back from setbacks; it is about rising above adversity with grace and courage. It is about facing challenges head-on, embracing failure as a steppingstone to success, and never losing sight of our dreams and aspirations.”

Afternoon Ceremony

Ellen Vogltanz, a business administration major with concentrations in human resources and management & leadership, noted that many of the graduates in attendance started college in Fall 2020, a semester of “uncertainty and fear” over the COVID-19 pandemic.  Since then, she has been excited to see people come together for wonderful college experiences and friendships.

This inspired Vogltanz to be optimistic about the choices ahead, and she shared this enthusiasm with the audience. “UNO taught me to say yes to multiple opportunities that empowered me to pursue my personal and professional growth. I encourage you all, when faced with new opportunities, to say, ‘Yes!’ Invest in yourself, pursue your growth, and never forget that you matter and that you are loved.”


Keynote Speaker

Julia Boorstin, CNBC’s senior media and tech correspondent, as well as contributor to CNBC’s “TechCheck” franchise, was the keynote speaker. She encouraged graduates to think like good leaders by embracing their own potential and encouraging those around them.

“Leadership is the conviction to think independently and the courage to ignite change, the determination to draw out the quietest voices among your peers, and to make sure that you have access to the widest breadth of perspectives to inform the wisest decision,” Boorstin said.


Special Recognitions

This year’s recipients of an honorary doctorate and other awards of special recognition were:

Honorary Degree: Rick Lanoha

Rick Lanoha is the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Commerce degree for his demonstrated excellence and accomplishments. He is the president and CEO of Kiewit Corporation. Lanoha proudly proclaims UNO alum status and holds a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. He is a board member of Valmont Industries, Inc., and a member of Business Roundtable, an association of CEOs leading U.S. companies.

Chancellor’s Medal Award: Connie Schaffer, Ed.D.

Connie Schaffer, Ed.D., is the director of UNO’s Center for Faculty Excellence, where she leads and designs programs that onboard new faculty, provide opportunities for faculty professional development, facilitate faculty mentorship, and more. She has also served the UNO community in other ways, as a professor in the Teacher Education Department, a Faculty Senate representative, and director of Ombuds Services.

Chancellor’s Medal Award: Mike Kemp

Mike Kemp served as UNO’s first head hockey coach for twelve years, then moved into administrative roles in the athletic department. During that time, he helped develop the hockey program to be admitted into the Central Collegiate Hockey Conference, where the team performed well and earned home playoff games in eight of those ten years. He also oversaw the design and construction of several athletic facilities and served as a board member for the American Hockey Coaches Association, Special Olympics of Nebraska, Nebraska Sports Council, and Omaha Sports Hall of Fame. He is entering retirement at the end of May.

Order of the Tower Award: Lisa Y. Roskens

Lisa Y. Roskens is the CEO of Burlington Capital, LLC., where she led a restructuring of the company to focus on real estate, agribusiness, and venture capital, the sale of two publicly-traded subsidiaries, and entry into the venture capital sector. Her efforts extend to innovative projects that help the community, such as providing affordable housing for veterans.

Order of the Tower Award: Thomas and Aileen Warren

Aileen Warren is the president and CEO of the Institute for Career Advancement, a nonprofit organization that works to develop community and organization leaders. She serves on the Omaha Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and has worked with the YWCA, Urban League of Nebraska, the Boys and Girls Club, and Omaha Home for Boys. Thomas Warren served in law enforcement for twenty-four years, and four of those years were as the chief of the Omaha Police Department. During that time, he worked to improve police-community relations and reduce overall crime in the area. After his retirement in 2008, he worked as the president and CEO of the Urban League of Nebraska and now serves as the chief of staff to Omaha’s mayor.

Alumni Achievement Award: Rolland Thompson 

Rolland Thompson is the founder and CEO of Tactical Air Support, a defense company that focuses on value-based, innovative, and technology-driven products and services for the U.S. Armed Forces. He previously served five years in the U.S. Army and 26 years in the Navy before earning an Executive MBA from UNO. He also sponsors projects to assist veterans and prevent veteran suicide, including the Wounded Warrior Foundation, the Step-Up Foundation, and the Navy SEAL Foundation.

Alumni Achievement Award: Debra K. Anderson

Debra K. Anderson is the district mental health liaison for Papillion La Vista Community Schools and an adjunct professor and program manager at UNO’s Grace Abbott School of Social Work. In her more than thirty-five years of experience in child welfare and mental health, she has served as the deputy director at Project Harmony Child Advocacy Center and founded a school-based mental health program and a national child abuse neglect training institute. She currently serves as a board member of several organizations in the community that provide guidance on mental health in schools.


Once a Maverick, Always a Maverick!

"No matter how far your next adventure takes you, remember that UNO will always be with you. Because once you are a Maverick, you are always a Maverick" — Chancellor Li.

Watch this year's ceremonies

View and download this year's program (PDF)

3 News Now: "'If you believe something, you can do it' UNO graduates ready for commencement four years after COVID-19"

Students posing with decorated caps

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/news/2024/05/celebrating-the-class-of-2024departmentUNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communicationsphoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryCollege of Public Affairs and Community ServiceFacultyMediaProspective StudentsCollege of Education, Health, and Human SciencesCurrent StudentsCollege of Arts and SciencesAlumniKeynote SpeakersCollege of Communication, Fine Arts and MediaCollege of Information Science and TechnologyGraduate StudiesGeneral PublicEngineeringAwardsParents and FamiliesCollege of Business AdministrationStafflocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2024/05/celebrating-the-class-of-2024wwwcelebrating-the-class-of-2024Celebrating May 2024 UNO GraduatesCelebrating May 2024 UNO GraduatesMore than 1,800 Mavericks became alumni after graduating from UNO on May 17.Commencement, GraduationAmanda CraigMore than 1,800 Mavericks became alumni after graduating from UNO on May 17.May 21, 2024 5:15 PM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1674712800000//news/2023/01/img/1200_w82a0070.jpgnavigationYessite://CAS/news/2023/01/img/1200_w82a0070.jpgCAS1200_w82a0070.jpg1200_w82a0070.jpg2601461200800Group photo of the MADAM research teamNebraska Deterrence Lab team members at the December experiment, from left: Deanna House, Michelle Black, Medicine Flower Blue Star, Jimmy Hang, Miranda Barna, Lana Obradovic, Josie Nelson, Rachel Urban, and Tyler White./news/2023/01/img/1200_w82a0049.jpgnavigationYessite://CAS/news/2023/01/img/1200_w82a0049.jpgCAS1200_w82a0049.jpg1200_w82a0049.jpg2091361200800Josie Nelson stands talking in the front of the roomGraduate Assistant Josie Nelson briefs the room on her team's findings and experience participating in the experiment the day prior./news/2023/01/img/1200_w82a0029.jpgnavigationYessite://CAS/news/2023/01/img/1200_w82a0029.jpgCAS1200_w82a0029.jpg1200_w82a0029.jpg2122401200800Participants discuss the previous day's experiment and initial analysis of the actors in the scenario. Pictured from left: UNL Graduate Assistant Rachel Urban, UNO Undergraduate Student Miranda Barna, and Tyler White, NSRI Fellow and Associate Professor of Practice of Political Science and Director of National Security at UNL.YouTube

To help agencies better anticipate emerging national and international security challenges and deter future threats, researchers at the Nebraska Deterrence Lab are developing and testing tools that can help inform decision-making and analysis. Contributors and collaborators include faculty and students from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).

In December of 2022, agents and analysts from the FBI joined faculty and students to run an experiment using the multi-actor deterrence analysis methodology (known as MADAM). In the experiment, participants analyzed potential threats to the Nebraska and Iowa agricultural economy — these threats could include anything from actions by terrorist groups or unfriendly nations to threats like climate change, cyber threats, and diminished access to resources.

For a critical infrastructure sector tasked with feeding the world, understanding which vulnerabilities exist and how they might be exploited by others is crucial to understand, particularly in today’s environment.

Dr. Michelle Black, principal investigator on the project and Co-Director of the lab, said the experiment shows how the research can be applied to current and relevant security issues — especially those close to home. In working with FBI analysts in this scenario, they are testing the flexibility of MADAM and looking for feedback on how the tool could help classify unfriendly actors (state and non-state actors) and potential threats. In many ways, the tool and actor profiles need to be fluid so they can be adapted for various scenarios.

“If we start putting up walls, that limits our collaboration and our chance to innovate,” Black said.

For each state or non-state actor identified within the scenario, a proprietary algorithm scores aspects such as objectives and actions. Participants in the experiment input the data into a custom developed tool, created by UNO’s College of Information Science and Technology (IS&T) graduate student Steve Saunders. Dr. Deanna House, Co-Director of the lab, established space and resources to help create the lab in August 2022. House converted previous research and experiments — including one with NATO participants which relied exclusively on hand-written analysis and took five full days — into the design of a tool coded by Saunders and used by the FBI experiment. The software reduced the time required to less than half.

Several other undergraduate and graduate students, in addition to Saunders, have contributed to the MADAM project. Josie Nelson, a graduate student in political science, has worked on the project for almost three years, starting during her undergraduate years at UNO.

“I've always been drawn to international affairs and security, and this project is a great nexus of the two,” Nelson said. “I think we are doing some really groundbreaking research that's getting attention from a lot of government agencies, including our FBI counterparts here. We've worked with NATO in the past, and we're hoping to get a [Department of Defense] agency for our next scenario.”

Jimmy Hang, an undergraduate pursuing a bachelor’s of multidisciplinary studies, was drawn to the project while taking Black’s course on U.S. foreign policy. He added, “It’s been a really great experience working on this project with Dr. Black, and with this work we are developing and fostering partnerships between UNO and other agencies.”

The project overall provides an opportunity for students to learn unique skills through active, hands-on research. Medicine Flower Blue Star, a graduate student in political science focusing on international affairs, joined the project in fall 2022 and said she’s thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“I love research, and I love connecting information,” Blue Star said. “Meeting people who are actually working within the field and seeing how they think and analyze things has been so beneficial.”

Nelson said the results of the experiment so far validate the work and show the methodology is a lot more versatile than originally thought. The experiment and its outcomes will help further research in deterrence and national security, and hopefully provide value to agency partners.

FBI Omaha Supervisory Intelligence Analyst Wade Greening said, “Staying ahead of evolving threats to U.S. interests is core to the FBI’s mission. When we can work with partners to deter adversaries now from criminal activity, our communities will be safer, and our agricultural partners can continue fulfilling their critical role in feeding this nation.”

The full Nebraska Deterrence Laboratory team includes:

  • Michelle Black, Associate Professor of Political Science at UNO, Security Innovations Academic Program Director and Research at NCITE, and NSRI fellow
  • Deanna House, Assistant Professor of Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis at UNO and NSRI fellow
  • Lana Obradovic, Director of International Studies and Associate Professor of Political Science at UNO, and NSRI fellow
  • Tyler White, Associate Professor of Practice of Political Science and Director of National Security at UNL, and NSRI fellow
  • Elsbeth Magilton, Director of Externships and the Executive Director of the Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law, University of Nebraska College of Law at UNL
  • Josie Nelson, Graduate Assistant and Student at UNO
  • Steve Saunders, Research Assistant at UNO
  • Rachel Urban, Graduate Assistant and Student at UNL
  • Medicine Flower Blue Star, Graduate Student at UNO
  • Miranda Barna, Undergraduate Student at UNO
  • Jimmy Hang, Undergraduate Student at UNO
  • Cameron Carpenter (UNO Contributor)
  • Blake Hopping (UNO Contributor)
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/news/2023/01/nebraska-deterrence-lab-hosts-experiment-with-regional-fbi-agentsdepartmentphoneemailckopietz@unomaha.educategoryStaffFacultyResearchCurrent StudentsAlumniMediaCollege of Information Science and TechnologyGeneral PublicCollege of Arts and Scienceslocationevent-startsevent-endssite://CAS/news/2023/01/nebraska-deterrence-lab-hosts-experiment-with-regional-fbi-agentsCASnebraska-deterrence-lab-hosts-experiment-with-regional-fbi-agents[Article Heading]Nebraska Deterrence Lab Hosts Experiment with Regional FBI AgentsAgents from the FBI joined the Nebraska Deterrence Lab to run an experiment analyzing potential threats to the Nebraska and Iowa agricultural economy.Courtni KopietzAgents from the FBI joined the Nebraska Deterrence Lab to run an experiment analyzing potential threats to the Nebraska and Iowa agricultural economy.Jan 13, 2023 12:00 AM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1713520800000During the forum, Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, and a panel of campus leaders gave an update on strategic planning and received feedback from the campus community on how to best position UNO for the future.//news/2024/04/img/20240412_strategy_forum_05.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2024/04/img/20240412_strategy_forum_05.jpgwww20240412_strategy_forum_05.jpg1641221200800Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFAAt the end of the forum, Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, provided insight into UNO's concerted efforts to designate this year as the 'year of strategy.'/news/2024/04/img/20240412_strategy_forum_01.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2024/04/img/20240412_strategy_forum_01.jpgwww20240412_strategy_forum_01.jpg1580861200800Phil He, Ph.D.,Phil He, Ph.D., senior vice chancellor of Academic Affairs, provided updates on key efforts such as academic vitality and low-enrolled programs assessment, while also unveiling the forthcoming Weitz Innovation and Excellence initiative./news/2024/04/img/20240412_strategy_forum_02.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2024/04/img/20240412_strategy_forum_02.jpgwww20240412_strategy_forum_02.jpg1781541200800Faculty and staff look onMore than 200 faculty, staff, and community members attended the forum./news/2024/04/img/20240412_strategy_forum_08.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2024/04/img/20240412_strategy_forum_08.jpgwww20240412_strategy_forum_08.jpg1682291200800Attendees discuss the UNO Core and offer feedback.Forum attendees had the opportunity to provide feedback on pillars of the UNO Core and metrics for how to assess UNO's progress toward its vision, mission, and objectives./news/2024/04/img/20240412_strategy_forum_09.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2024/04/img/20240412_strategy_forum_09.jpgwww20240412_strategy_forum_09.jpg1762981200800Attendees discuss the UNO Core and offer feedback.Forum attendees had the opportunity to provide feedback on pillars of the UNO Core and metrics for how to assess UNO's progress toward its vision, mission, and objectives.YouTube

The recent Strategy Forum at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) gathered over 200 campus stakeholders, primarily faculty and staff, to discuss UNO's strategic direction and provide feedback on the strategic framework that was first introduced during last November’s Strategy Forum. This forum was a key moment for UNO to evaluate and outline its strategic direction and engage in meaningful dialogue about its future.  

Kicking off the forum, Deborah Smith-Howell, Ph.D., senior advisor to the chancellor, delved into the university's strategic framework, offering insights from the feedback garnered from campus stakeholders via surveys distributed at the previous strategy forum held in November.  

“The more we understand who we are, and where we want to go, the better off we will be,” said Smith-Howell.

The forum offered attendees a fresh opportunity to collectively evaluate, refine, and draft objectives and metrics aligned with the UNO Core's four pillars: educating people of the world, research and discovery, serving our communities through inclusion, and assuming responsibility for workforce and economic development. These responses will undergo analysis and review to inform the implementation of the UNO strategic framework.  

Transitioning to the initiatives underway, Phil He, Ph.D., senior vice chancellor of Academic Affairs, provided updates on key efforts such as academic vitality and low-enrolled programs assessment, while also unveiling the forthcoming Weitz Innovation and Excellence initiative. He emphasized UNO's overarching goal of optimizing campus effectiveness and empowering every program to thrive.   

“Many times, when facing challenges, we sometimes rush into finding a quick solution, but if anything, we have learned from history and large projects and how they are done, that this is not effective. We will plan thoroughly, and execute it well,” noted He, highlighting the necessity for strategic deliberation.  

Celebrating UNO's achievements, Sara Myers, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for Research and Creative Activity, spotlighted the university's significant research growth, exemplified by a remarkable $42 million in awards received in the previous fiscal year. Myers expressed optimism about UNO's trajectory, envisioning continued growth and expanded funding prospects.  

Reiterating UNO's commitment to innovation, Jaci Lindburg, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives, underscored the imperative of sustaining educational growth and detailed UNO's innovative endeavors, including microcredential programs and competency-based education. Lindburg also highlighted UNO's 22 percent surge in online learning pre-pandemic, emphasizing its significance in adapting to evolving educational landscapes.  

Rich Klein, Ph.D., vice chancellor of Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success, outlined UNO's strategies for student recruitment and retention, emphasizing their paramount importance. Klein also addressed recent changes in the FAFSA and their implications for students, further illustrating UNO's proactive approach to student success.  

Providing insights into UNO's budget and financial priorities, Carol Kirchner, vice chancellor for Business and Finance, emphasized the need for strategic assessment in navigating new budget models.  

At the end of the forum, Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, provided insight into UNO's concerted efforts to designate this year as the 'year of strategy.' Li underscored UNO's commitment to innovation and highlighted the various initiatives underway to propel the institution forward.  

"We won't remain passive. Instead, we'll actively inquire: 'What changes are occurring?' and 'How can we adapt?' We must prioritize a learning-centric approach. If we advocate that learning is a lifelong pursuit, then as a university, we must exemplify this principle. Remaining stagnant isn't an option; we must be proactive in shaping our future,” said Chancellor Li.   

The forum marks a pivotal moment in the institution's journey towards defining and refining its strategic direction. From insightful updates on ongoing initiatives by key university leaders to discussions on budgetary priorities and student success strategies, the forum underscored UNO's commitment to strategic deliberation and proactive adaptation. Chancellor Li's impassioned call to embrace a learning-centric approach and prioritize innovation encapsulates UNO's dedication to shaping a dynamic and thriving future. As UNO embarks on its 'year of strategy,' it stands poised to leverage its strengths, foster innovation, and empower its community to embrace change and drive progress. 

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UNO Strategic Planning Website/https://www.unomaha.edu/strategic-planning/index.php//No
/news/2024/04/uno-hosts-the-spring-2024-strategy-forumdepartmentUNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communicationsphoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryFacultyStafflocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2024/04/uno-hosts-the-spring-2024-strategy-forumwwwuno-hosts-the-spring-2024-strategy-forumUNO Hosts the Spring 2024 Strategy ForumUNO Hosts the Spring 2024 Strategy ForumDuring the forum, Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, and a panel of campus leaders gave an update on strategic planning and received feedback from the campus community on how to best position UNO for the future.Strategy Forum, Chancellor Li, Strategic PlanningBella Lockwood (Watson)During the forum, Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, and a panel of campus leaders gave an update on strategic planning and received feedback from the campus community on how to best position UNO for the future.Apr 19, 2024 5:00 AM
Access the Experts with IS&T
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1621962000000In this installment, Gandhi answers: "What is ransomware and how does it work?"/news/access-the-experts-with-uno/_imgs/gandhiweb2navigationNosite://www/news/access-the-experts-with-uno/_imgs/gandhiweb2wwwgandhiweb2gandhiweb2162897Access the Experts is an innovative partnership between the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and News Channel Nebraska (NCN), where viewers submit their questions to be answered by UNO faculty members.A screen shot of Robin Gandhi on Access the Experts///YouTube

In This Installment of Access the Experts

Robin Gandhi, Ph.D, director of the UNO School of Interdisciplinary Informatics, answers the question: "What is ransomware and how does it work?"

 

About Gandhi

An expert in areas related to cybersecurity Gandhi holds teaching and research interests in areas that include information assurance, software assurance, regulatory requirements, risk assessment, and more.

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///news/block-boilerplate/access-the-expertsnavigationNowwwaccess-the-expertsAccess the ExpertsAccess the ExpertsYes
/news/access-the-experts-with-uno/robin-gandhi-what-is-ransomwaredepartmentphoneemailcategoryGeneral Publiclocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/access-the-experts-with-uno/robin-gandhi-what-is-ransomwarewwwrobin-gandhi-what-is-ransomwareAccess the Experts: Robin GandhiAccess the Experts: Robin GandhiIn this installment, Gandhi answers: "What is ransomware and how does it work?"Access the ExpertsIn this installment, Gandhi answers: "What is ransomware and how does it work?"May 25, 2021 12:00 PM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1604469600000In this installment, Hall answers: “How does the order in which information is consumed across websites impact what a person sees next?”/news/access-the-experts-with-uno/_imgs/hallweb.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/access-the-experts-with-uno/_imgs/hallweb.jpgwwwhallweb.jpghallweb.jpg1702311200800Access the Experts is an innovative partnership between the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and News Channel Nebraska (NCN), where viewers submit their questions to be answered by UNO faculty members.Magie Hall///YouTube

In This Installment of Access the Experts

Magie Hall, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of IT Innovation, University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) College of Information Science & Technology (IS&T), answers the question: “How does the order in which information is consumed across websites impact what a person sees next?”

 

About Hall

Hall’s research investigates the integration of digital systems and people, through methods that include social media analysis, social simulations, and more.

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///news/block-boilerplate/access-the-expertsnavigationNowwwaccess-the-expertsAccess the ExpertsAccess the ExpertsYes
/news/access-the-experts-with-uno/magie-halldepartmentphoneemailcategoryCurrent StudentsFacultyStaffMedialocationsite://www/news/access-the-experts-with-uno/magie-hallwwwmagie-hallAccess the Experts: Magie HallAccess the Experts: Magie HallIn this installment, Hall answers: “How does the order in which information is consumed across websites impact what a person sees next?”Access the Experts, College of Information Science & Technology, CISTIn this installment, Hall answers: “How does the order in which information is consumed across websites impact what a person sees next?”Nov 4, 2020 12:00 AM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1601614800000In this installment, Hale answers: “What makes someone vulnerable to spam and phishing attacks?”/news/access-the-experts-with-uno/_imgs/haleweb.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/access-the-experts-with-uno/_imgs/haleweb.jpgwwwhaleweb.jpg2198091200800Access the Experts is an innovative partnership between the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and News Channel Nebraska (NCN), where viewers submit their questions to be answered by UNO faculty members.Matt Hale still///YouTube

In This Installment of Access the Experts

Matthew L. Hale, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in UNO’s School of Interdisciplinary Informatics, College of Information Science and Technology, answers the question: "What makes someone vulnerable to spam and phishing attacks?"

 

 

About Hale

A cybersecurity expert, Hale can speak to the tactics of scammers and best practices for avoiding being phished, and other cybersecurity concerns. His current research interests lie at the intersection of security and software engineering with specific focuses on building and testing secure web services, mobile applications, and wearables.

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///news/block-boilerplate/access-the-expertsnavigationNowwwaccess-the-expertsAccess the ExpertsAccess the ExpertsYes
/news/access-the-experts-with-uno/matt-haledepartmentphoneemailcategoryStaffMediaFacultyCurrent Studentslocationsite://www/news/access-the-experts-with-uno/matt-halewwwmatt-haleAccess the Experts: Matt HaleAccess the Experts: Matt HaleIn this installment, Hale answers: “What makes someone vulnerable to spam and phishing attacks?”Access the Experts, College of Information Science & TechnologyIn this installment, Hale answers: “What makes someone vulnerable to spam and phishing attacks?”Oct 2, 2020 12:00 AM
IS&T In the News /https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-information-science-and-technology/research-labs/centers/centers.php/https://web.unomaha.edu/-temporary-slug-ccd6848c-f8e2-467f-9784-e6ae0aafe2bf?hs_preview=uxPGDHug-56899454838/https://www.technologyreview.com/s/603637/how-a-college-kid-made-his-honda-civic-self-driving-for-700//http://netnebraska.org/article/news/1164962/uno-software-helps-id-remains-missing-us-service-members/news/ist-media-mentionsnavigationYessite://CIST/news/ist-media-mentionsCISTist-media-mentionsIS&T Media MentionsView more IS&T media mentions...IS&T Mavericks are thought leaders, innovators, and news-makers. We'll be updating this page monthly with media stories featuring IS&T faculty, staff, students, and alumni. IS&T Mavericks are thought leaders, innovators, and news-makers. We'll be updating this page monthly with media stories featuring IS&T faculty, staff, students, and alumni. http:///http:///////Students/http://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-information-science-and-technology/information-systems-and-quantitative-analysis/student-involvement/index.php/http://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-information-science-and-technology/school-of-interdisciplinary-informatics/student-involvement/index.php/http://www.unomaha.edu/news/maverick-weekly/Outreach/http://www.ist.unomaha.edu/women-in-it//http://itacademy.unomaha.edu/https://techademy.unomaha.edu/Faculty & Staff/http://www.unomaha.edu/facsen//http://sac.unomaha.edu//http://
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1657947600000The refrain from the classic John Denver song is more than just an ode to nostalgia. In recent years, it has echoed the importance rural communities are placing on infrastructure./news/2021/10/img/smart-bridges-grant-photo.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2021/10/img/smart-bridges-grant-photo.jpgwwwsmart-bridges-grant-photo.jpgsmart-bridges-grant-photo.jpg1630431200800Researchers from both UNO and UNL are finding ways to help alert state officials before Nebraska b ridges fail. Pictured are (from left) Brian Ricks, Ph.D., Robin Gandhi, Ph.D., Deepak Khazanchi, Ph.D., Daniel Linzell, Ph.D., and Chungwook Sim, Ph.DUNO and UNL researchers stand by a bridge in rural Nebraska///YouTube

The refrain from the classic John Denver song is more than just an ode to nostalgia. in recent years, it has echoed the importance rural communities are placing on infrastructure.

Impacting everything from grocery runs to doctor appointments to soccer games, consistent transportation is incredibly important to everyone, especially when you don’t have daily necessities within walking or biking distance.

Since 2017, the Nebraska Department of Transportation has worked with the University of Nebraska System on many projects to improve mobility in rural areas. This includes efforts led by a partnership between UNO Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR) and the University of Nebraska at Kearney to grow and sustain transportation options in rural Nebraska communities so that informed discussions about improving transit systems can occur. Funding for the project was recently renewed in 2022 for another two-and-a-half years.

“We’re providing research, data and efficient systems to build the capacities of rural transit agencies to continue their work of community development. We are also getting people together and having a conversation about how to expand mobility options throughout the state,” Josie Gatti Schafer, Ph. D., director of CPAR said. “It’s really about digging into what challenges in those communities are and working with the people there to respond effectively and efficiently.”

With a need for public transit services across the state, the NU System is also assisting these rural agencies through an online tracking system to assist providers with access to federal funding, as well as maintaining and promoting a website, nebraskatransit.com, so more people in these communities know about the services available.

“You don’t know what challenges and hurdles they would have to overcome to do basic things that a lot of people with a car would take for granted,” Schafer said. As the demand for transportation to access basic needs increases, the research and resources of the NU System will continue to help serve communities.

“Knowledge is power and the data and data systems we provide can help rural communities sustain and transform,” Schafer said. “There’s this want to be responsive and accountable, and they need these research services to do so.”

However, UNO’s role in transportation improvements across Nebraska isn’t just tied to public transit. Researchers are also improving the roads themselves.

Allowing for effective transportation over everything from small overpasses to large rivers, bridges are vital to transportation across the state, as is their maintenance

“When we construct bridges, bridges are inspected every two years,” Robin Gandhi, Ph. D., professor in the school of interdisciplinary informatics, said. “You get a snapshot of how the bridge is behaving and make sure that any problems are noted. As the bridge ages, it’s important to keep track of how quickly the bridge is deteriorating.”

Gandhi and a team of experts from UNO and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have paid special attention to bridges in rural communities and were recently awarded a $5 million grant from the Department of Defense Army Corps of Engineers to conduct research that will extend the lifespan of bridges through new monitoring technology.

On top of being used to make comparisons, patterns found throughout decades of government data can also aid systems created to monitor the behavior and health of bridges, so that awareness of weakening or failing bridges can happen sooner.

“Having a real-time perspective and analysis of bridge health is important. But you know, just attaching sensors to a bridge and monitoring one bridge, yes that’s possible,” Gandhi said. “But do we have the data infrastructure or framework by which we can monitor and analyze the structural health of all rural bridges or bridges in an entire state, in an entire country? That certainly becomes a much larger scalability privacy, and security issue.”

One problem the team hopes to overcome in real-time monitoring of this information is finding ways to avoid gaps in data availability due to bad service or connectivity.

“We want to make sure that there’s a resilient data collection platform where the data collected from the bridges can be transferred to a variety of different devices, different networks, with different bandwidths so that if one of these nodes goes down, the data is still available in other nodes,” Gandhi said.

As the team continues to collaborate on different projects surrounding this vital infrastructure, Gandhi says he hopes that their work can be used to help local, state and federal agencies save time and money.

“We can prioritize bridges that are deteriorating faster and perhaps wait on other bridges that don’t need as much help.”

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/news/features/uno-magazine/summer-2022/take-me-home-country-roadsdepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and CommunicationsphoneemailcategoryCollege of Information Science and TechnologyAlumniCollege of Public Affairs and Community Servicelocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/features/uno-magazine/summer-2022/take-me-home-country-roadswwwtake-me-home-country-roadsUNO Magazine: Take Me Home, Country RoadsUNO Magazine: Take Me Home, Country RoadsThe refrain from the classic John Denver song is more than just an ode to nostalgia. In recent years, it has echoed the importance rural communities are placing on infrastructure.uno magazine, research, IS&T, CPACSEva BurklundThe refrain from the classic John Denver song is more than just an ode to nostalgia. In recent years, it has echoed the importance rural communities are placing on infrastructure.Jul 16, 2022 12:00 AM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1617598800000Briana Morrison, Ph.D., answered an urgent call to help more students study for the AP Computer Science exams Exams virtually. Is this the start of a new way of engagement? /news/2021/04/img/20181129_code_crush_006-1.jpgnavigationYessite://CIST/news/2021/04/img/20181129_code_crush_006-1.jpgCIST20181129_code_crush_006-1.jpg20181129_code_crush_006-1.jpg224776600398Dr. Morrison works with a teacher during a past event. Two teachers working together at a computer///YouTube

From Learning from Home and planning virtual events, faculty and staff at the University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Information Science and Technology spent the last year working hard to create safe and engaging learning environments for all. Faculty like Briana Morrison, Ph.D., were working double-time: teaching in IS&T's Computer Science and Computer Science Teacher Education programs, and volunteering for the Advanced Placement (AP) College Board. 

Morrison, an assistant professor, has a long history with the College Board. She was an admittedly reluctant recruit to be an AP “reader,” a professional who grades AP Exams. She said while being a reader was grueling, eight hours of straight grading for multiple days, it also made her a better instructor.

“It changed the way that I taught, and it changed how I designed and graded assessments. It made me much more efficient,” she said. After a few years, she made friends and expanded her network at these grading events – leading to an eventual invitation to join the development committee for the AP Exams. This last year, she helped ensure that everyone could take their AP Exams during the pandemic, which included helping to create over 40 different versions of the AP Computer Science Exam. Usually, the group produces two. 

“AP courses allow students to see what they will do when they do get to college. For the intellectually curious, they get to dig deeper into a subject matter, and allows them to be challenged and not coast. I think all these things are really valuable, whether or not they get college credit, it prepares them for that next step,” Morrison said.

Flexible learning, engaging lessons

Another need arose while the pandemic trudged on: how could the AP College Board encourage high-quality learning when everyone’s school district was a mix of in-person classes, virtual learning, or a mix of both? The College Board knew that students needed flexibility, and the ability to get feedback and ask questions. Thus, “AP Daily,” a series of video lectures from college professors who focus on AP subjects, was born. Morrison filmed a faculty lecture on “Arrays vs. ArrayLists: the When, Why, and How,” a subject that many AP high school teachers might not be able to fully flush out in class, but something students should understand. 

“[The AP College Board] wanted to bring in the higher education perspective,” Morrison said. “In my classes, I tend to use a lot more active learning – polls, chats, I have my bell for when they get [a question] right, I do all sorts of goofy little stuff to try and make it fun. For [the AP video], it’s more self-reflection than it is active."

The goal of the classes is to expand on the lessons a student may receive in their AP classes at their current high school. The videos might be assigned as additional learning materials by an AP teacher, but not necessarily designed to be a stand-alone class. Morrison noted that anyone could watch the videos to learn more about any given subject, however. 

Morrison added that one of the best parts of taking part in this project was connecting to others who were taking part in this video series. They were able to talk about each of their goals, their plans for the videos, and make sure the videos build upon each other. 

“I’m always amazed at how much I learn, especially from the high school teachers. They have the most inventive ideas for ways to teach things,” Morrison said. Morrison is always looking for ways she can bring back ideas to her teacher education classes and give them real-world examples of what works in classes across the country.

At the end of the day, Morrison hopes that although learning looked differently for a lot of students this last year, innovations like these videos helped students dive deeper into subjects they might not have had the opportunity to better understand. She said she was continuously inspired by her peers, who put a lot of thought and energy into making these videos approachable and useful. 

“All of these lessons – without computing, where would we be?” Morrison asked. 

/
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/news/2021/04/helping-ap-computer-science-studentsdepartmentphoneemailcategoryCollege of Information Science and Technologylocationevent-startsevent-endssite://CIST/news/2021/04/helping-ap-computer-science-studentsCISThelping-ap-computer-science-students[Article Heading]Helping AP Computer Science Students Level-Up Their GameBriana Morrison, Ph.D., answered an urgent call to help more students study for the AP Computer Science exams Exams virtually. Is this the start of a new way of engagement? computer science, AP ExamBriana Morrison helps AP Computer Science students study for their big exam. Apr 5, 2021 12:00 AM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1587013200000Whether you want to show off your Maverick spirit or just cover up that laundry pile behind you, try on one of these Zoom backgrounds during class, meetings and graduation! /_files/images/social/zoombackgrounds_cover-photo.pngnavigationYessite://CIST/_files/images/social/zoombackgrounds_cover-photo.pngCISTzoombackgrounds_cover-photo.pngzoombackgrounds_cover-photo.png14360061200800Picture of the Peter Kiewit Institute///YouTube

Whether you want to show off your Maverick spirit or just cover up that laundry pile behind you, try on one of these Zoom backgrounds during class, meetings and graduation!

Haven't spiced up your Zoom background before? Don't worry - it's easy:

  1. Select an images below and save it to your desktop (or a preferred folder).
  2. Open Zoom, go into "Settings" or "Preferences" and choose "Virtual Background."
  3. Beneath your example video there will be a small "+", select "Add Image", select your chosen background.

Will you be hanging out by the Chihuly in the atrium again? Or maybe back in your favorite classroom? Whatever background you select, know that IS&T is with you. 

Looking to travel around campus? Don't forget to check out UNO's backgrounds, and the UNO Alumni Association's selections as well. 

IS&T

 

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/news/zoom-backgroundsdepartmentphoneemailcategoryCollege of Information Science and Technologylocationsite://CIST/news/zoom-backgroundsCISTzoom-backgrounds[Article Heading]Be Maverick Proud with These IS&T Zoom BackgroundsWhether you want to show off your Maverick spirit or just cover up that laundry pile behind you, try on one of these Zoom backgrounds during class, meetings and graduation! Zoom backgrounds for UNO IS&TApr 16, 2020 12:00 AM
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