Graduate Voices | Office of Graduate Studies | University of Nebraska Omaha

Graduate Voices: Real Stories. Lasting Impact.

Behind every graduate degree is a story of growth, determination, and opportunity. Graduate Voices highlights the experiences of University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) graduate students, alumni, and faculty mentors who are making an impact in their careers, research, and communities. Explore these inspiring graduate student stories to discover what it's like to pursue a graduate degree at UNO, gain insight into the graduate school experience, and see how mentorship, innovation, and lifelong learning help shape success both on campus and beyond.

photo of Elizabeth Zermeno — Elizabeth Zermeno

Ph.D. in Biomechanics and Kinesiology
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Miltary-affiliated Student

"I wasn't initially planning to pursue a Ph.D. at UNO after I graduated, but my advisor at the time encouraged me to apply for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. I spent several months working on my application, and during that time, I realized how much I enjoyed research. After I received the fellowship, it only made sense to pursue a Ph.D.

As a Ph.D. student, my research focuses on the development and pre-clinical evaluation of small-diameter vascular grafts, specifically looking at how we can develop and integrate biomimetic vascular grafts for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease. Being an NSF Graduate Research Fellow has provided me with the platform to dive deep into these mechanical complexities, collaborating with mentors like Dr. Kaspars Maleckis and Dr. Jason MacTaggart to bridge the gap between vascular graft engineering and surgical application.

Beyond the lab, I’ve found immense fulfillment in mentorship and STEM outreach. Whether I am guest lecturing for introductory courses or participating in campus tours and events, I am passionate about equipping and inspiring the next generation of researchers.”

Rebecca Gomez Rascon

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
First-generation College Student

“As a first-generation college student, college did not always feel within reach, and I often questioned my place in higher education. That began to change after a meaningful conversation with Dr. Jim Rogers. He helped me recognize that while pre-med may not have been the right path for me, I still had so much potential to succeed in another field. His guidance encouraged me to keep searching for a path where I could grow, serve others, and make a meaningful impact.

Through UNO’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, I have gained the support, confidence, and training to develop as a future counselor. The program has deepened my understanding of what it means to serve clients with cultural awareness, compassion, and respect for their lived experiences. UNO has helped me grow not only as a graduate student, but as a future professional prepared to make a meaningful impact in the mental health field.”

Joel Jarusek

Master of Science in Secondary Education (Teacher Academy Project concentration)
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Working Professional

“During my time at UNO, I had opportunities that shaped both my academic and professional goals. As a physics student, I worked in biophysics and MRI research laboratories, contributing to multiple scientific publications, and served as a teaching assistant and planetarium educator. After completing my undergraduate degree, I knew I wanted a career that combined my passion for science with my desire to make a difference in students’ lives. UNO's Teacher Academy Project (TAP) made that transition possible. The faculty and staff have been incredibly supportive, helping me navigate the shift from scientific research into education and giving me confidence as I prepare for the classroom. Through TAP, I am preparing to become a high school physics and mathematics teacher, and I am grateful for the mentorship, encouragement, and opportunities UNO has provided throughout my journey.”

Kaela Du Giulio

Master of Science in Health and Kinesiology
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
International Student

“As a graduate research assistant in the School of Health and Kinesiology, I became heavily involved in research. I was able to work closely with my mentor and build the skills I needed to take on greater responsibilities in the lab. I have been substantially involved in a large multi-state evaluation study where I stepped into a major leadership role and managed a team of sixteen student research assistants across six different disciplines. UNO fosters a supportive environment that has allowed me to develop closer connections with faculty and collaborate across different areas of focus. My educational experience at UNO, along with guidance from my mentor, has helped me build a stronger foundation in research. I now feel confident and prepared for new research opportunities in medical school, and I look forward to using everything I learned at UNO. Go Mavs!”

Kathleeen Halstead

Master of Science in School Counseling
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Military-affiliated, Working Professional, Hybrid Student

“My graduate experience at UNO helped me grow both personally and professionally. Through my school counseling program, I gained a deeper understanding of the educational system and strengthened my ability to support the whole child by recognizing how social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs impact academic success. The experience also expanded my understanding of the school counselor's role as an advocate, collaborator, and leader within schools. Moving forward, I will continue teaching in an elementary school while looking forward to the opportunity to transition into an elementary school counseling position within my community school. For those pursuing a similar path, I encourage you to prioritize your own mental health and continue developing your advocacy skills, as school counselors play an essential role in supporting students and promoting their success.”

Reem Serbi

Master of Business Administration in Marketing Innovation and Strategy
College of Business Administration
First-generation College Student

“Moving to the United States came with a lot of uncertainty, and as a first-generation college student, I once saw graduate school as something far out of reach. During my undergraduate experience at the University of Nebraska Omaha, I found more than an education, I found a community that believed in me, supported me, and helped me grow into myself. That sense of belonging is one of the biggest reasons I chose to return to UNO for my MBA in Marketing Innovation and Strategy.

One of the most meaningful parts of my graduate experience has been serving as a Graduate Assistant in the College of Business. Through this role, I have had the opportunity to support students, contribute to campus initiatives, and organize a teamwork skills workshop in collaboration with the Skills Lab. These experiences helped me discover how much I enjoy helping others grow while continuing to grow myself.

After graduation, I hope to continue finding my purpose through a career that allows me to connect with people, help others, and keep learning along the way.”

Vidya Bommanapally

Ph.D. in Computing & Information science, Artificial Intelligence
College of Information Science & Technology
First-generation College Student and International Student

“Joining UNO opened opportunities I had not imagined. I began my journey at UNO as a master’s student, where I was introduced to artificial intelligence through my project experiences. With the encouragement of faculty and advisors, I began to see AI not only as a technical field, but as a research area with the potential to solve meaningful real-world problems. Those experiences cultivated my interest in research and inspired me to pursue a full-time Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence.

As a Ph.D. student, my advisors and mentors at UNO have provided the guidance, resources, and support needed to pursue cutting-edge research in AI, a field that is rapidly growing and transforming many areas of work. Their mentorship has also connected me with practical, interdisciplinary collaborations across areas such as biomedical research, materials science, and beyond. My time at UNO has helped me grow as a researcher and has given me the confidence to contribute to AI research that connects innovation with real-world impact. UNO has been a place where mentorship, research, and collaboration came together and helped me find my direction.”