NCITE Research | National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE) | University of Nebraska Omaha

University of Nebraska Omaha

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

Combating terrorism has grown more urgent, difficult and complex.

That’s why getting the right tools and practices into the hands of frontline 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.

Research for Resilience

As a partner to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the interagency homeland security workforce, NCITE develops cutting-edge insights, tools, and training in support of securing the U.S. homeland from violent transnational criminal organizations, terrorists, and other illicit threat actors. NCITE’s work is end-user focused with a commitment to measurable impact and support in the long term.

THREAT ACTORS: WHO is trying to harm the U.S.?

Organizational Psychology of Homeland Threat Actors

Sam Hunter, Gina Ligon

Prosecuting Illicit Threat Actors

Seamus Hughes, Mackenzie Harms

Youth Recruitment and Mobilization to Violence

Bettina Rottweiler, Austin Doctor, Caitlin Clemmow

Disrupting Cartels

Gina Ligon, Sam Hunter, Austin Doctor

Research on Emerging Activity of Criminal and Terrorist Groups (REACT)

Erin Kearns, Austin Doctor, Teresa Kulig

TACTICS: HOW could they do it?

Mapping and Disrupting Emerging Illicit UAS Supply Chains

Austin Doctor, Joel Elson, George Grispos

Malevolent Creativity: Agentic AI and Robotic Systems as Emerging Threats

Sam Hunter, Joel Elson

Threats to Public Officials

Seamus Hughes, Pete Simi

Current and Emerging Malign Use of Geospatial Technologies to Threaten Critical Infrastructure and Crowded Targets

Austin Doctor, Marcus Boyd

TARGETS: WHERE would they attack?

Understanding and Preparing for Terrorism Risks at Event Venues

Tin Nguyen, Erin Kearns

Supporting Trusted Recognition and Interpretation of Data from Events to Enhance Fusion Center and Law Enforcement Insights

Erin Kearns, Joel Elson, Tin Nguyen

Supporting Efficient and Effective Suspicious Activity Reporting

Seamus Hughes

K–12 Soft Target Risk Assessment

Gina Ligon, Sam Hunter, Joel Elson

For a list of past projects:

Check out a full list of NCITE's Year 1-5 projects