Our Mission

Dear Colleagues,

Whether a result of scientific inquiry or artistic expression, institutions of higher education are wonderful places to experience the fruits of human imagination. At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, we leverage our collaborations with international partners, government agencies, academia, and the community to offer students a wide range of hands-on educational opportunities. From musical performances in Shanghai to cutting-edge research internships in high-containment biodefense laboratories, these connections, combined with the support from our wonderful faculty and staff, provide unique learning experiences that prepare our students for successful and fulfilling careers.

The mission of the Office of Research and Creative Activity (ORCA) is to foster ongoing scholarly activities, and to provide leadership and vision for the development of future research programs, creative endeavors, and intellectual pursuits.

A critical aspect of this support includes our students, who are encouraged to bring their energy and creativity to the classroom, the research laboratory, or the studio. Finally, we encourage our faculty and students to take leadership roles in their disciplines and to forge new and innovative approaches that push the boundaries of existing paradigms.

UNO’s research and creative activity continue to receive acknowledgment by local, national, and international audiences. Year over year, UNO’s external funding exceeds previous records, garnering tens of millions of dollars annually. These funds provide our students with access to exceptional scholarly experiences with dedicated faculty mentors.

The faculty leadership and staff in ORCA are here to support your scholarly endeavors. We provide seed grant funding for faculty and students and will discuss strategic ways to move your research forward. Our staff is here to assist with submissions to external sponsors, contracting, compliance, understanding intellectual property guidelines, and more. Please contact us so we can help you meet your research and creative activity goals.

Sincerely,
Kenneth W. Bayles, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Creative Activity