Research

Research in CPACS

When it comes to finding solutions and improving communities, CPACS students, faculty, and staff are involved in hands-on research in a variety of applications. In addition, we have three units established just to address specific state and national research priorities.

Please contact the unit individually to learn more about each program's specific research programs.

Research Units

Listed below are CPACS research focused units, all of which offer students opportunities to engage in their programs through various employment mechanisms ranging from internships to graduate assistantships.

Center for Public Affairs Research

The Center for Public Affairs Research is a research and community outreach unit of the UNO College of Public Affairs and Community Service.  CPAR is the lead agency for the Nebraska State Data Center Program. This program is a cooperative program between the U.S. Census Bureau and individual states. This relationship has resulted in CPAR taking an active role in analyzing and disseminating information from the 1990, 2000 and 2010 Censuses. CPAR is located in CPACS 108, 402.554.2134.

Nebraska Center for Justice Research 

The Nebraska Center for Justice Research shares a focus on engaging citizens, creating solutions, and serving the community. Our mission is to collaborate with federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as with public and private social service organizations, in research, evaluation and implementation related to the promotion public safety. The NCJR includes the Juvenile Justice Institute which promotes best practices in juvenile justice by providing technical assistance and completing policy and program evaluations for state and local agencies, as well as private organizations. NCJR is located in CPACS 218, 402.554.3494.

JJI provides consultation and guidance regarding juvenile justice research in order to inform leaders and policymakers of current trends and needs in the juvenile justice system.

JJI provides consultation and guidance regarding juvenile justice research in order to inform leaders and policymakers of current trends and needs in the juvenile justice system.

NASA Nebraska Space Grant Consortium

As part of NASA's National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, the Nebraska Space Grant is funded to promote aerospace-related research, education, and public service programs to encourage a diverse workforce. This is accomplished through a national network of colleges, universities, industry and federal agency partners. The Nebraska Space Grant offers several funding opportunities. Through higher education and public programs, they focus on teacher training and workforce development via student fellowship and internship opportunities. The NASA Space Grant office is located in CPACS 041, 402.554.3772.

Urban Research Grants

Part of the mission of the College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) is “to conduct research, especially as it relates to concerns of our local and statewide constituencies.” CPACS has always had an urban mission, and one way that mission is served is to perform applied research relevant to urban society in general, and the Omaha metropolitan area and other Nebraska urban communities in particular. One way CPACS does this is to provide funding to CPACS faculty and staff to conduct urban research. For more information, visit the Urban Research Grant page.