UNO Graduate Justin Roberts Connects Design and Disaster Management
Justin Roberts, a May 2025 graduate of UNO's Emergency Management and Disaster Science (EMDS) program, is anything but traditional.
With an academic foundation in architectural design and engineering—and a career already in motion as an Electrical Project Designer at Morrissey Engineering—Roberts pursued the EMDS degree with one goal in mind: to build smarter, safer, more adaptable spaces that respond to emergencies rather than complicate them.
In addition to his bachelors degree, Roberts is on track to complete a master’s degree in 2026 in Architectural Engineering from the University of Nebraska. Also, he holds two associate degrees from Metropolitan Community College—an A.S. in Architectural Design Technology (2022) and an A.S. in Liberal Arts (2023).
So why did he add emergency management to his engineering academic path?
For Roberts, the decision came down to impact.
“I chose EMDS because I wanted to make a real difference in how we prepare for and respond to emergencies—especially in the world of building design,” he explains. “It gave me a way to connect those dots between engineering, safety, and the systems that protect people when things go wrong.”
As someone who works in architectural engineering by day, Roberts was especially drawn to the way EMDS challenged traditional design thinking. One standout course—EMGT 3040: Preparedness and Planning—deepened his interest in how proactive risk mitigation strategies can be integrated into physical infrastructure. “Instead of designing only to meet code, I started thinking about how buildings could actually help first responders during emergencies,” he says. “EMDS changed how I view the built environment.”
The program’s flexibility also played a major role in his success. As a working professional, Roberts appreciated UNO’s ability to offer a fully online degree while still providing meaningful faculty engagement and professional networking. “The EMDS program was designed for people like me—working adults who are trying to grow without putting everything on hold. It’s a rare thing to find that kind of support and adaptability in higher education,” he says.
One instructor who stood out was Dr. Emily MacNabb, who brings real-world expertise from Sarpy County Emergency Management. “She was the kind of instructor I admire—managing a career, a family, and still delivering high-quality education. Her versatility was inspiring,” Roberts notes.
Roberts' vision for the future is deeply interdisciplinary. With plans to enroll in the UNO’s Nebraska Certified Public Manager® program in 2026, he hopes to bridge the gaps between engineering, emergency management, and public policy. “I want to help design buildings that are more than just code-compliant. They need to be resilient spaces that actively support emergency operations and keep people safe.”
Originally from South Omaha, Roberts also gives back to the community through his volunteer work with the Society of American Military Engineers, mentoring middle and high school students in STEM innovation. One of his recent teams from Bellevue Public Schools received an award for a project that reimagined classroom safety through defensive architecture—highlighting again his belief in practical, integrated solutions to real-world problems.
He is a first-generation college student who began his professional career in the architectural engineering industry at the same time he decided to pursue higher education. He’s passionate about contributing to Omaha’s development and engineering sustainable, holistic buildings for the community.
Some semesters required balancing early mornings and late nights to fit his school schedule while still making enough to pay rent. He often stretched his maximum credit hours—even during summer terms—and leaned on strong communication with his advisors. Despite the demanding workload, he still made time to mentor other students. “When there’s a will, there’s a way,” he says.
Roberts also finds time to journal and explore philosophy, especially the intersection of classical ideas and modern challenges like technology and consumerism. “Some of the best decisions I’ve made came from giving something new a chance,” he reflects. “There are seats waiting for you at tables you haven’t even discovered yet.”
For students considering a path like his, Roberts offers this advice: take the leap.
“Don’t wait for doors to open—sometimes you have to open them yourself. That’s what UNO empowered me to do.” ~~ Justin Roberts, 2025 UNO BS in EMDS