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Faculty, Alumni, Community Partners Recognized in 2021 TOYO List

This year's list of Ten Outstanding Young Omahans features multiple UNO connections.

Christine Cutucache

Christine Cutucache, Ph.D., Haddix Community Chair of Science, director of UNO's STEM TRAIL Center, and associate professor of biology, is one of this year's 10 TOYO honorees. 

Each year, the Omaha Jaycees recognize young professionals in the Omaha community who make a difference with their "Ten Young Outstanding Omahans" (TOYO!) awards. This year, UNO features prominently with six of this year's 10 recipients being Mavericks or having ties to UNO-led projects.

The annual award honors individuals between the ages of 21 and 40 who show exemplary commitment to improving the Omaha community through selfless acts of kindness while excelling in their professional careers.

UNO faculty member Christine Cutucache, Ph.D., Haddix Community Chair of Science, director of UNO's STEM TRAIL Center, and associate professor of biology, is one of this year's honorees.

"The selection to be honored as a TOYO! is quite the honor," Cutucache said. "I’m grateful to be able to serve our great city through meaningful partnerships, and I’m eager to keep working on the workforce needs surrounding STEM.”

In addition to her work with the STEM TRAIL Center, Cutucache founded the popular Nebraska STEM 4U program, which engages youth in out-of-school-time activities focused on STEM. She is also a trained tumor immunologist who has published more than 35 peer-reviewed journal articles and earned a Fulbright grant.

Cutucache said her goal is to stop "brain drain" in Nebraska by inspiring a love for STEM and passion for cultivating university-affiliated start-up projects and businesses.

“I would love for every student to have an opportunity to be a scientist at least three times a week with hands-on engagement across out state,” Cutucache said.


Congratulations to all our Maverick honorees!

  • Darryl Brown, Sr., Kingdom Builders Christian Center (Huespring Mentor)
  • Brad Christian-Sallis, Civic Nebraska (Alumnus - Political Science)
  • Christine Cutucache, University of Nebraska at Omaha (Faculty)
  • Armando de Alba, UNMC (OLLAS Faculty)
  • Leontyne Evans, Greater Omaha Chamber (Mother of Maverick in the Making Recipient)
  • Racquel Henderson, Terraluna Collaborative (Alumna - Criminology)
About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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