From Boise to Biomechanics at UNO

It was the height of the COVID-19 global pandemic, and the entire world was at a standstill when Kolby Brink stumbled upon the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) through a biomechanics forum.

Brink was unsure about continuing his education after finishing his undergraduate degree in Boise, Idaho. As the pandemic limited job prospects, Brink began exploring master's programs. A researcher and UNO professor, Aaron Likens, Ph.D., had taken an interest in Brink just from the conversations the two had online via the forum.

He never intended to make the move to Nebraska, but when a graduate research assistant position opened in the Biomechanics department at UNO, Likens urged Brink to apply.

Likens offered Brink an interview after they connected, and they hit it off immediately. "We just kind of clicked," Brink explained. The research that Likens was conducting excited him, leading to Brink’s decision to pursue his master's at UNO.

“I didn’t realize how phenomenal the program was at the time, but once I got here, it became pretty obvious just how great it was,” he recalled.

Having experienced different programs during his time at Boise State, Brink quickly noticed the vast difference in resources that UNO Biomechanics had to offer.

“The department here is huge,” he said. “It’s one of the only places in the world with an entire building dedicated to biomechanics research.”

From state-of-the-art force plates and motion capture systems to specialized equipment like an aquatic treadmill and the highly sought-after computerized rehabilitation environment, Brink appreciates how accessible these resources are to students.

Brink credits a great amount of his success at UNO to the support from faculty, especially his advisor, Likens, who has been a mentor throughout his academic career.

“My advisor is great at striking a balance between guiding you and giving you the freedom to learn from your mistakes,” Brink said. This supportive environment is echoed by Brink's peers, who describe the biomechanics department as a “big family” where everyone collaborates and helps one another.

When Brink first moved to Omaha during the height of the pandemic, everything was shut down, and he didn’t know anyone.

“It was kind of a strange time to move, but I quickly saw the impact of the support system here,” he said. “UNO and my advisor were there for me during that difficult transition.”

The city of Omaha, too, surprised Brink with its warm and welcoming community, which has made him feel at home despite the drastic change in scenery.

Brink’s academic journey led him to pursue a Ph.D. at UNO after completing his master's. His passion for research and his love for the biomechanics field were key motivators.