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A U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE)
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NCITE Research

  1. UNO
  2. National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE)
  3. Our Research

Combating terrorism has grown more urgent, difficult, and complex.

That’s why getting the right tools and practices into the hands of front-line counterterrorism workers is so important.

NCITE’s mission is to take down silos and streamline the process to put research into product and practice. The sheer scope of the threat environment outlined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security calls for a customer-driven, relentless academic pursuit.

NCITE aims to be a leading national resource that brings together some of the best minds and cutting-edge ideas around the field of counterterrorism.


NCITE is the hub for:

50+ researchers from 26 academic institutions working on 20 focused projects.

Their focus centers on four main themes:

NCITE Center's 4 research themes


Theme 1: The Nature of Counterterrorism and Targeted Violence Operations

How can we spot new technologies terrorists could use?

Gary Ackerman – University at Albany

How does today's threat environment influence the threat of terrorism?

Martha Crenshaw – Stanford University

How will extremists use the metaverse?

Sam Hunter – UNO
Scarlett Miller – Penn State University

How are platforms like Twitter used by extremist groups?

Matthew Jensen – Univeristy of Oklahoma
Shaila Miranda –
Univeristy of Oklahoma
Shane Connelly
– Univeristy of Oklahoma

How do the traits and backgrounds of recruits play a role in terrorist organizing?

Evan Perkoski – University of Connecticut
Meredith Loken – University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Alec Worsnop – University of Maryland

What threats are public officials facing?

Pete Simi – Chapman University
Seamus Hughes – George Washington University Program on Extremism

How does political discourse turn violent during elections?

Adan Vela – University of Central Florida
Steven Windisch – Temple University

What is the current violent extremist threat to the U.S. homeland?

Lorenzo Vidino – George Washington University Program on Extremism
Seamus Hughes – George Washington University Program on Extremism


Theme 2: Strengthening the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative

How effective is SAR in detecting cybercrime?

Thomas Holt – Michigan State University
Steven Chermak – Michigan State University
Joshua Freilich – City University of New York


Theme 3: Preventing Terrorism and Targeted Violence

How can DHS partner with families of extremists to reduce recidivism?

Karyn Sporer – University of Maine


Theme 4: Research on Counterterrorism and Targeted Violence Workforce Development

How can the intelligence community improve training to prevent terrorism?

Michelle Black – UNO
Lana Obradovic – UNO
Deanna House – UNO

How does studying terrorism affect the workforce?

Matthew Crayne – University at Albany
Neil Shortland – University of Massachusetts, Lowell

What datasets do the counterterrorism workforce need?

Michael Logan – Kennesaw State University
Steven Windisch – Temple University

How are counterterrorism practitioners affected by exposure to violent material?

Joseph Young – American University
Daisy Muibu – University of Alabama


NCITE Education Projects

How can MBA students help the Homeland Security Enterprise?

Erin Bass – UNO
Erin Pleggenkuhle-Miles – UNO

How can Information Technology students help the Homeland Security Enterprise?

Doug Derrick – UNO

How can we interest more minority students in HSE careers?

Eric Frost – San Diego State University
Lance Larson – San Diego State University


Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) and Other Projects

What's the impact of TVTP grant programs?

Matt Allen – UNO

How can we reintegrate the families of foreign fighters?

Austin Doctor – UNO

How has the IED threat landscape changed?

Austin Doctor – UNO

How can we evaluate the efficacy of threat assessment tools?

Sam Hunter – UNO

How can we screen for insider threats in law enforcement?

Erin Kearns – UNO

Can a chatbot help identify threats?

Joel Elson – UNO

For a list of projects and summaries:

Y3 NCITE Project Summaries

Contact Us

  • University of Nebraska Omaha
  • NCITE
  • 6708 Pine Street Omaha, NE 68182

  • Media Inquiries—Erin Grace: egrace@unomaha.edu

  • Grant Inquiries: ncite@unomaha.edu

  • General Inquiries: ncite@unomaha.edu

  • Meet Our Team

National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE)

  • Center of Excellence
  • Mammel Hall
  • Rod Rhoden Business Innovation Center Suite 270
  • 6708 Pine Street
  • Omaha, NE 68182  map this location
  • ncite@unomaha.edu
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