UNO Professor Shares How Cities Like Omaha Can Appeal to STEM Graduates

OMAHA – Omaha’s growing reputation for research, technology, and innovation comes at a time when the demand for workers in STEM occupations is at an all-time high. Yet Omaha still has room to grow in terms of welcoming, cultivating, and advocating for STEM professionals.

A recent report by WalletHub compared the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. on each city’s opportunities, friendliness, and quality of life for STEM professionals. Omaha came in at #41 on the list ahead of cities like New York, Nashville, San Antonio, Kansas City, Detroit, and Fresno. The rankings were based on averages across metrics in three categories: Professional Opportunities, STEM-Friendliness, and Quality of Life.

WalletHub asked for perspective on the rankings from academics nationwide, including Christine Cutucache, Ph.D., associate professor, and Haddix Community Chair of Science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). She believes that attracting additional STEM graduates to Omaha comes down to what the city has to offer in return.

“Cities can better appeal to STEM graduates by providing strong school systems, fun things to do, and a positive work environment,” Cutucache said. “STEM graduates and tech companies are ‘disruptors’ so they appreciate pushing the envelope, but they are also just like anyone else. They aim to live in an interesting, fun, and welcoming community where they can exchange ideas with others and continue to innovate.”