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Bridging Communication to Research

Driven by a thirst for knowledge and the need for something different, Eva Burklund's journey took an unexpected turn. What she once considered 'random opportunities' became stepping stones toward her newfound passion for research.

  • published: 2023/11/29
  • contact: Bella Lockwood - Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
UNO junior, Eva Burklund, presenting her research at the Behavior and Social Sciences in Security (BASS) conference in the United Kingdom.

UNO junior, Eva Burklund, presenting her research at the Behavior and Social Sciences in Security (BASS) conference in the United Kingdom.

Eva Burklund has always been interested in understanding things beyond just the surface, and using that knowledge to impact her community.

With a long-standing passion for communication and how it shapes communities, Burklund began to pursue political science, media, and journalism at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). While this helped her build a solid network and improve her communication skills, she felt like she was missing something.

Driven by a thirst for knowledge and the need for something different, Burklund's journey took an unexpected turn. What she once considered 'random opportunities' became stepping stones toward her newfound passion for research.

Her honors colloqium professor at the time, Erin Kearns, Ph.D., associate professor for UNO’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, encouraged her to follow this new passion by becoming involved with the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education (NCITE) Center at UNO.

Soon after, Burklund began working part-time as a student communications assistant at NCITE.

Working at NCITE opened the doors to new possibilities for Burklund, who previously had not partaken in formal research. Her first day at NCITE in May 2022 was marked by an impromptu event organized by the center, hosting a Department of Homeland Security official. The focus was on dissecting the Buffalo, NY, mass shooting, a tragic incident claiming the lives of 10 individuals. As the student communicator for NCITE, she gained new insight into the operations and the critical discourse that are crucial to uncovering new findings through research.

“I am incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to work at NCITE. I have such a great community of people around me- people who have dedicated their lives to witnessing, studying, and understanding awful things that are happening around the world. I am so fortunate to have a supportive network that guided me and taught me valuable tools,” said Burklund. NCITE has even funded projects that have been funded to understand how seeing these awful things has affected their lives, their health, and their well-being.”

In October of 2022, Burklund embarked on an independent research venture, supported by the Fund for Undergraduate Scholarly Experience (FUSE). Immersed in the language used by extremists, she navigated the nuances of their rhetoric, exploring its impact. Despite the emotional depth and challenges she encountered, Burklund's fascination with communication within extremist discourse propelled her forward.

"Research requires a delicate balance between potential harm and benefits. Based on my understanding, there is a clear need for further exploration in this area. My passion lies in rhetoric and communication, driving my interest in this field," said Burklund. “Being a part of NCITE opened up various research prospects for me. Without NCITE, I wouldn't have discovered FUSE or connected with the exceptional researchers. NCITE’s support was crucial for pursuing my own research.”

The following Spring, Burklund was notified of an opportunity for students to display posters at the Behavior and Social Sciences in Security (BASS) conference in the United Kingdom. She drafted and turned in an abstract using her UNO grant-funded research on extremists' rhetoric for a BASS conference in the UK. Her project, "What Did They Say?!", analyzed extremist leaders' messaging, exploring themes within speeches. Burklund's dedication and expertise secured the top spot in the "Best Poster - Judges Award" category, displaying her ability to communicate research effectively.

In addition to her work with NCITE and FUSE, Burklund also immerses herself in multifaceted studies about civic engagement. One of her notable involvements is an AmeriCorps-funded initiative aimed at uncovering the civic engagement patterns among Midwest youth—an area frequently overlooked in research.

"The Midwest lacks a baseline for understanding how young individuals engage civically," said Burklund, highlighting the urgency of exploring this demographic's civic involvement.

"Civic engagement encompasses diverse activities—from aiding neighbors to participating in local governance," she emphasized, underscoring the project's aim to broaden the understanding of civic participation.

UNO’s support and the faculty’s mentorship have been integral to Burklund’s research expeditions. Collaborative initiatives at NCITE and opportunities to engage in vibrant interdisciplinary settings have been instrumental in fostering her growth.

"I've been incredibly fortunate in my research journey, all thanks to UNO. The remarkable individuals here have been pivotal in shaping my path and accelerating my exploration of interests. They're the cornerstone of my success. UNO, in essence, has been the driving force behind my achievements. It's been an array of opportunities, continuously presented by the university's staff and faculty, that have pushed me to be where I am today," said Burklund.