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News RoomNews from the Office of Research and Creative Activity at the University of Nebraska at Omaha

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News ReleaseYesNoYesYes1753876860000More than 79,000 Maverick alumni in the Omaha area are powering local businesses, driving tax revenue, and shaping Nebraska’s future.//news/2025/07/img/1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_social.jpg

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1200800"$2.44B in total economic impact generated by UNO alumni in the Omaha metro in 2024" overlaid on an aerial view of campus, with an icon of a wallet above and a white silhouette of Omaha landmarks at the bottom./news/2025/07/img/1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_callout_2.jpg

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120080079,135 UNO alumni currently live in the Omaha metro area" with a simple line icon of a house above the text./news/2025/07/img/1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_callout_3.jpg

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1200800"12,459 jobs supported by alumni earnings and spending (7,622 directly and 4,837 indirectly)" with a line icon of a briefcase above the text./news/2025/07/img/1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_callout_41.jpg

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1200800Icon of an envelope with a paper labeled "TAX" above large text "$974.86M"; below it reads, "in total tax revenue generated, including income, payroll, property, and sales taxes."/news/2025/07/img/1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_callout_5.jpg

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1200800"$1.44B in direct local spending injected into the metro economy by UNO grads" with a line icon of a shopping cart above the text.

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) alumni are a multi-billion-dollar economic powerhouse, according to a new report.

➡️ What’s new:

An economic impact study commissioned by the UNO Alumni Association and conducted by UNO Economics Professor Christopher Decker, Ph.D., found that degree-holding UNO alumni supported $2.4 billion in total economic impact, supported thousands of jobs, and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue.
This report is the first in the university’s 117-year history focused exclusively on the impact university alumni have on the Omaha metro area.
View the full report on the UNO Alumni Association website.

💡 Why it matters: UNO is built to develop and retain Omaha talent.

85% of students are from the Omaha metro, with an NU System-best 67% of grads still living in Nebraska five years after graduation.
UNO graduates carry the NU System’s lowest average student debt at $19,000, nearly half the national average.
In a time when cities across the country are struggling with brain drain, UNO’s alumni are an engine of stability, growth, and community investment.

📈 By the numbers:

79,135 UNO alumni currently live in the Omaha metro area.
$2.44 billion in total economic impact generated by UNO alumni in the Omaha metro in 2024.
12,459 jobs supported by alumni earnings and spending: 7,622 directly and 4,837 indirectly
$974.86 million in total tax revenue generated, including income, payroll, property, and sales taxes
$1.44 billion in direct local spending injected into the metro economy by UNO grads.

🎤 What they’re saying:

Omaha Mayor John Ewing: “As a proud graduate of UNO and the mayor of this great city, I see the impact of our alumni every day in our businesses, in our classrooms, and in our neighborhoods. This report confirms what we’ve known for a long time: the strength of Omaha is the strength of its people. And thanks to UNO, we’re building a city that goes beyond developing talent. We keep it, nurture it, and prepare it to lead future generations. That’s the kind of future worth investing in.”
Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, UNO Chancellor: “This report proves what we’ve always known: UNO alumni are a driving force behind Omaha’s economy. Their impact sends a powerful message across the state and the country that Omaha is a place where families build futures and businesses thrive. This is one of America’s best cities, and Mavericks are at the heart of that story.”
Anthony Flott, UNO Alumni Association Executive Director: “The Maverick network is more than a community. It’s a catalyst for growth that we can quantify for the first time ever. This report underscores the power of relationships built through UNO’s approach to mentorship, internships, and industry partnerships. The momentum we’re seeing is real, and it’s making an impact where it matters most: in careers, companies, and communities across Omaha.”
Chris Decker, Ph.D., UNO Economics Professor: “Brain drain is a major problem for Nebraska. Yet, many, if not most, UNO graduates are bucking this trend. They choose to stay once they earn their degree. They invest their talents, energy, and resources in the Omaha community, becoming business and civic leaders. Our graduates are flipping the narrative from brain drain to brain gain, and that’s a game changer for the future of our city and our state.”

🌎 The Big Picture: This report reinforces UNO’s core mission to educate learners, drive economic mobility, and strengthen community partnerships. The measurable impact of alumni on jobs, tax revenue, and regional growth demonstrates clear alignment with UNO’s strategic pillars. UNO delivers hands-on, career-focused education and fosters strong local ties that help graduates stay, contribute, and lead in Nebraska communities.

Editor’s Note: This report has been updated throughout to correct economic impact outputs that resulted from a miscalculation of Ph.D. income increases. Table 1 of the report initially showed a $6.11 million total after tax income increase. The adjusted total is $4.16 million.

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Report: UNO Alumni Fuel $2.4 Billion Boost to Omaha’s Economy

More than 79,000 Maverick alumni in the Omaha area are powering local businesses, driving tax revenue, and shaping Nebraska’s future.

Sam PeshekMore than 79,000 Maverick alumni in the Omaha area are powering local businesses, driving tax revenue, and shaping Nebraska’s future.

Jul 30, 2025 7:01 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYesA new UNO-UNMC collaboration is harnessing AI to turn meal photos into personalized nutrition advice, aiming to improve care for women with gestational diabetes./news/2025/08/img/shutterstock_1684310332.jpg

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1200800Photo: Shutterstock. Person using smartphone to track nutrition facts and calories in her food.///

Gestational diabetes is on the rise and poses serious health risks to mothers. Now, a collaboration between the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) could revolutionize how nutrition advice is delivered to expectant mothers.

🔬 What’s new:

Led by Chun-Hua Tsai, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science at UNO’s Department of Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis (ISQA), the team is developing an AI-driven tool that turns a simple smartphone photo of a meal into personalized nutrition guidance for women with gestational diabetes.
The system uses advanced artificial intelligence – including OpenAI’s GPT-4 Vision and other state-of-the-art models – to recognize foods in the photo and analyze portion sizes, then generates tailored dietary recommendations based on that analysis.
Medical experts and dietitians are working alongside the AI, reviewing and refining its suggestions to ensure the nutrition advice is accurate, safe, and customized to each patient’s needs.

💡 Why it matters:

Rates of gestational diabetes are increasing in the U.S. (along with related concerns like obesity and preterm birth), creating an urgent public health challenge for mothers and infants.
Many patients find traditional food journaling ineffective and burdensome, which can make it harder to manage gestational diabetes. By making diet tracking as easy as snapping a photo, this approach could boost patient engagement and accuracy in reporting.
A more engaging, AI-guided tool can help expectant mothers manage their health more easily and effectively, potentially leading to healthier pregnancies and better outcomes for both mom and baby.
The technology also gives health care providers a new way to deliver personalized care while potentially reducing health care costs – all of which strengthens Nebraska’s reputation as a hub for health care innovation.

🔎 Zoom in:

Using a multimodal AI approach, the UNO-UNMC team built a system where a patient simply takes a photo of her meal, and the AI does the rest. Advanced vision and language models analyze the image to identify the foods and portion sizes, then cross-reference that information with nutritional guidelines to generate instant, tailored dietary advice.
Throughout the development process, UNO’s Chun-Hua Tsai, Ph.D., worked alongside UNMC’s medical nutrition experts to train and fine-tune the system, ensuring the recommendations are both accurate and easy to understand. This interdisciplinary collaboration bridges technology and health care to make managing gestational diabetes more intuitive for patients.
With promising initial results, the team is already looking ahead – preparing to seek additional NIH funding to broaden the research and even exploring the AI framework’s potential to predict which patients might develop gestational diabetes in the future.

🗣️ What they’re saying:

Chun-Hua Tsai, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science at the Department of Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis (ISQA): “We wanted to design a tool that makes managing gestational diabetes easier, not harder. By combining advanced AI with real-world clinical expertise, we’re turning something as simple as a smartphone photo into reliable, personalized guidance. Our hope is that this technology not only improves health outcomes for mothers but also empowers patients to feel more confident in their daily choices.”
Ann Anderson Berry, M.D., professor in UNMC’s Division of Neonatology: “Gestational diabetes can be overwhelming for patients, but this approach makes it simpler. By harnessing AI to give immediate, tailored feedback, we’re empowering moms to manage their health more effectively and improving outcomes for both mother and baby. It’s a great example of how technology and medicine can team up to solve real-world problems.”
Corrine K. Hanson, Ph.D., professor of medical nutrition at UNMC: “For many patients, keeping a traditional food diary is tedious and often ineffective. This tool turns a quick meal photo into instant, personalized nutrition guidance, which makes it much easier for women to stick to their diet plans. And because we’ve built the system hand-in-hand with clinical experts, providers can trust that the advice is accurate, and patients can feel confident following it.”

🤝 Grant information

Funding source: University of Colorado (seed grant)
Funding amount: $5,000
Award number: Project ID UNO-00069835

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This UNO and UNMC Project Could Revolutionize How Nutrition Advice is Delivered to Expectant Mothers

A new UNO-UNMC collaboration is harnessing AI to turn meal photos into personalized nutrition advice, aiming to improve care for women with gestational diabetes.

A new UNO-UNMC collaboration is harnessing AI to turn meal photos into personalized nutrition advice, aiming to improve care for women with gestational diabetes.Bella Lockwood-WatsonA new UNO-UNMC collaboration is harnessing AI to turn meal photos into personalized nutrition advice, aiming to improve care for women with gestational diabetes.

Aug 27, 2025 12:00 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1756875600000UNO and CU Boulder researchers are developing a data-driven parole decision tool aimed at safely reducing overcrowded prison populations while maintaining public safety./news/2025/09/img/shutterstock_2663947015.jpg

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1200800A realistic photograph of the inside of a US prison. Photo: Shutterstock. A realistic photograph of the inside of a US prison. The prison is very overcrowded with many prisoners in orange jumpsuits. ///

Iowa’s prisons are 22% over capacity and have been operating beyond their limits since 1989. The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) researchers think an algorithm might be part of the solution.

➡️ What’s new:

A UNO and CU Boulder research team has received a Arnold Ventures (AV) grant to develop and test a new parole decision-making tool that could help address decades-long prison overcrowding.
Iowa’s prison system has operated above capacity since 1989 and is currently 22% over capacity. State officials set a goal to reduce the prison population to 100% of capacity by December 2027, and the tool will assist by identifying low-risk individuals for earlier release.
The tool’s impact will be measured in a year-long field trial: over the course of 12 months, the Iowa Board of Parole will randomly receive the tool’s “yes”/“no” release recommendations for only a subset of eligible cases, allowing researchers to observe how much the recommendations change parole decisions and subsequent recidivism.

💡 Why it matters:

U.S. prison populations have increased by 700% since the 1970s, straining state budgets and communities. Iowa’s overcrowding is a microcosm of a nationwide challenge. The United States imprisons a larger share of its population than any other independent democracy.
Releasing too few prisoners worsens overcrowding, but releasing too many or the wrong individuals can threaten public safety. Parole boards face intense pressure to balance these concerns.
If a risk assessment tool can safely pinpoint who is ready for release, states could return low-risk individuals to society, reduce correctional costs, decrease violence and stress inside prisons, and create a model to ease crowding elsewhere.

🔎 Zoom in:

The research team is building the tool using years of administrative data from the Iowa Department of Corrections and Judicial Branch, employing a rigorous risk-needs assessment (RNA) algorithm.
The model sets two risk thresholds – one for any re-offense and one for violent re-offense – and only inmates rated low risk on both receive a “yes” recommendation for early release.
Each eligible parole case is distilled to a simple “yes” or “no” recommendation. Every month, the lowest risk of reoffenders are identified for potential release, in numbers calibrated to gradually bring Iowa’s prison population down to 100% capacity by the end of 2027.
Nebraska’s Board of Parole is also observing the project as a potential model. UNO researchers are working with Nebraska officials on a pilot to adapt the tool for Nebraska’s needs, highlighting its broader promise beyond Iowa.

🎤 What they’re saying:

Jennifer Tostlebe, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at UNO and project co-investigator: “This collaboration between universities and parole authorities allows us to tailor the tool to real-world needs. By working together with officials in Iowa, we can ensure the science translates into actual safety and policy improvements.”
Alex Kigerl, Ph.D., Research Associate at UNO’s Nebraska Center for Justice Research and project researcher: “If this works in Iowa, it could be a blueprint for other states. Our goal is a reusable model – a parole decision tool that can help any system facing overcrowding to safely reduce their prison population.”
David Pyrooz, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology at CU Boulder and co-principal investigator: “We’re conducting a rigorous test of the tool’s impact. By randomly providing recommendations in some cases and not others, we’ll get clear evidence on how much these data-driven insights influence parole decisions and outcomes.”
Stephen Billings, Ph.D., Associate Professor at CU Boulder and project researcher: “Prison overcrowding is a complex public policy challenge. This project shows how innovation and evidence can inform that challenge – using analytics to enhance decision-making in a way that benefits public safety, individuals, and taxpayers alike.”
Zachary Hamilton, Ph.D., Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at UNO and the study’s principal investigator: “We’re leveraging data in a new way to help parole boards make more informed decisions. It’s about maintaining public safety while finally tackling a prison overcrowding problem that has persisted for decades.”

🤝 Grant information:

Funding source: Arnold Ventures
Award number: NuRamp number NRF167191
Title: Development and Evaluation of a Parole Decision Making Tool
Note: This material is based upon work supported by Arnold Ventures under Award No. NRF167191. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Arnold Ventures.

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Could an Algorithm Help Solve Prison Overcrowding?

UNO and CU Boulder researchers are developing a data-driven parole decision tool aimed at safely reducing overcrowded prison populations while maintaining public safety.

UNO and CU Boulder researchers are developing a data-driven parole decision tool aimed at safely reducing overcrowded prison populations while maintaining public safety.Bella Lockwood-WatsonUNO and CU Boulder researchers are developing a data-driven parole decision tool aimed at safely reducing overcrowded prison populations while maintaining public safety.

Sep 3, 2025 12:00 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1754456400000UNO researchers are reinventing combat footwear with the “FlyBand ExoBoot” designed to prevent ankle injuries and speed recovery.//news/2025/08/img/20241216_boot-exoskeleton_64.jpg

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1200800A subject tests a FlyBand® ExoBoot prototype by walking up a flight of stairs at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Biomechanics Research Building. A subject tests a FlyBand® ExoBoot prototype at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Biomechanics Research Building. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications /news/2025/08/img/20241216_boot-exoskeleton_46.jpg

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1200800A UNO student assists with testing a FlyBand® ExoBoot prototype at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Biomechanics Research Building. A UNO student assists with testing a FlyBand® ExoBoot prototype at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Biomechanics Research Building. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications /news/2025/08/img/20241216_boot-exoskeleton_72.jpg

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1200800A subject tests a FlyBand® ExoBoot prototype at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Biomechanics Research Building as students observe. A subject tests a FlyBand® ExoBoot prototype at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Biomechanics Research Building. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications /news/2025/08/img/20241216_boot-exoskeleton_7450.jpg

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1200800A subject tests a FlyBand® ExoBoot prototype at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Biomechanics Research Building by balancing on a declining platform. A subject tests a FlyBand® ExoBoot prototype at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Biomechanics Research Building. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications/news/2025/08/img/20241216_boot-exoskeleton_31.jpg

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1200809UNO students assist with testing a FlyBand® ExoBoot prototype at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Biomechanics Research Building. UNO students assist with testing a FlyBand® ExoBoot prototype at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Biomechanics Research Building. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications /news/2025/08/img/20241216_boot-exoskeleton_80.jpg

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1200800A subject tests a FlyBand® ExoBoot prototype at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Biomechanics Research Building by ducking under a crossbar. A subject tests a FlyBand® ExoBoot prototype at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Biomechanics Research Building. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications

Ankle sprains keep U.S. military servicemembers on the sidelines a combined 6 million days each year. University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) researchers are working to change that.

🥾What’s new:

UNO Biomechanics researchers are testing the FlyBand® ExoBoot, an exoskeleton embedded inside a regulation combat boot invented by Connecticut-based company, Motive Labs.
With no motors or batteries, this innovative system uses carbon-fiber “stability cartridges” to deliver customizable ankle support for injury recovery and prevention.

💡 Why it matters:

Each year, musculoskeletal injuries cost U.S. military personnel an estimated 25 million limited-duty days. Lateral ankle sprains alone contribute up to 6 million of those days, many of them preventable.
The FlyBand ExoBoot aims to cut those numbers by helping service members recover faster and avoid re-injury, all while maintaining natural movement and mobility.
Lab tests at UNO show the prototype rivals the standard of care of current boots-plus-ankle-brace combinations for inversion control while offering the lowest resistance to natural walking motions.
If successful, the design will be relevant in a wide range of footwear, from hiking boots, to work boots, to high-top basketball sneakers

🔎 Zoom in:

The boot’s stiffness can be fine-tuned using interchangeable cartridges.
It supports lateral movement without restricting forward motion, unlike traditional braces, increasing the ability for ligaments to heal.
A spring-like “exotendon” helps reduce energy demand by up to 11% during walking.
Lab tests show performance that matches or exceeds conventional brace-boot combos.
It’s also the first military footwear to incorporate a female-specific anatomical design.

⚡ What’s next:

A new lab study is underway and enrolling 20 service members with chronic ankle instability, followed by a six-week take-home trial using smart sensor instrumentation.
The research team plans to apply for a full Clinical Trial Award from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).

🎤 What they’re saying:

Sara Myers, Ph.D., Biomechanics Professor, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Creative Activity, and the study’s principal investigator: “This is exactly the kind of research UNO was built to do: community-engaged, mission-driven, and focused on real-world impact. We’re proud to be collaborating on a project that not only advances science, but also directly improves the health and readiness of those who serve.”
Adam Rosen, Ph.D., Director of the UNO School of Health and Kinesiology and the study’s co-principal investigator: “Reducing ankle injury risk for service members is important as ankle injuries are among the leading causes of decreased physical impairment and function in active populations. The FlyBand ExoBoot’s ability to provide personalized, responsive support could also improve care for athletes, first responders, and anyone recovering from an ankle injury.”
Mark Roser, Founder of Motive Labs: “Working with UNO has been a game-changer. Their biomechanics expertise and collaborative spirit pushed our design further than we imagined. Together, we’ve created a platform for innovation that bridges science and service.”

🤝 Grant information:

Funding source: U.S. Department of Defense-Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs
Award number: Department of Defense, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs 94252410917.
Title: Increasing Soft Tissue Remodeling After Lateral Ankle Sprain by Deploying Exoskeleton-Integrated Boots to Support Longer-Term Rehabilitation Protocols in Return to Duty.
Note: This material is based upon work supported by the DoD SBIR Program/U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC)/Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) under Contract No. W81XWH-22-C-0103 and 94252410917. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the DoD SBIR Program/USAMRDC/CDMRP or the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA).

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This Boot Could Help Soldiers Heal Faster and Stay in the Fight

UNO researchers are reinventing combat footwear with the “FlyBand ExoBoot” designed to prevent ankle injuries and speed recovery.

Sam PeshekUNO researchers are reinventing combat footwear with the “FlyBand ExoBoot” designed to prevent ankle injuries and speed recovery.

Aug 8, 2025 4:15 PM

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News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1756357200000UNO researchers are shining a light on labor trafficking in Nebraska, revealing how victims are exploited and how communities can fight back.//news/2025/08/img/20250828_labor-traffic-study_01.jpg

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1200800Teresa C. Kulig, Ph.D., criminology professor at UNO and principal investigator of the study, presented findings at the inaugural event that offers a first-ever look into labor trafficking in Nebraska. Teresa C. Kulig, Ph.D., criminology professor at UNO and principal investigator of the study, presented findings at the inaugural event that offers a first-ever look into labor trafficking in Nebraska. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications. /news/2025/08/img/20250828_labor-traffic-study_04.jpg

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1200800Community members attended the inaugural event that offers a first-ever look into labor trafficking in Nebraska.Community members attended the inaugural event that offers a first-ever look into labor trafficking in Nebraska. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications. /news/2025/08/img/20250828_labor-traffic-study_06.jpg

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1200778Community members attended the inaugural event that offers a first-ever look into labor trafficking in Nebraska.Community members attended the inaugural event that offers a first-ever look into labor trafficking in Nebraska. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) researchers have completed the state’s first comprehensive study of labor trafficking to better understand how and why this hidden crime occurs, and how to stop it.

➡️ What’s new:

UNO’s two-year study is the first to systematically assess labor trafficking across Nebraska, drawing on a statewide survey of hundreds of professionals and interviews with stakeholders and a survivor.
The research confirms that labor trafficking is happening in multiple Nebraska industries – from farms and factories to restaurants, domestic work, and even cleaning services – despite few perpetrators ever facing charges.

💡 Why it matters:

Labor trafficking is a serious, under-recognized problem that harms victims and communities. It’s considered a public health and safety concern that demands a coordinated response.
This new data will help Nebraska agencies and policymakers have a better understanding of these crimes. Understanding how labor trafficking happens locally can improve training, identification, and support services – ultimately preventing exploitation before it starts.

🔎 Zoom in:

A statewide survey received 582 responses from Nebraska professionals, of which 170 had firsthand experience with labor trafficking cases or survivors.
Nebraska law enforcement officials noted major challenges in investigating these cases: inconsistent protocols, outdated or unclear procedures, language and cultural barriers, and the difficulty of gaining trust from traumatized victims all hinder effective action.
Service providers – those helping survivors with shelter, legal aid, counseling, etc. – reported limited resources and patchy coordination, especially in rural areas of Nebraska. Common survivor needs include safe housing, legal services, mental health support, translation assistance, job help, and basic necessities like food and medicine.

🎤 What they’re saying:

Teresa C. Kulig, Ph.D., UNO expert and criminology professor and the study’s principal investigator: “Labor trafficking is a complex crime that requires a coordinated approach for investigation and response efforts. Our goal with this study was to pull back the curtain on these crimes. We now have evidence that it’s happening here in Nebraska, and this knowledge is power. It will help communities recognize the red flags and rally resources to protect vulnerable workers.”
Sadaf Hashimi, Ph.D., UNO expert criminology professor and co-principal investigator: “For too long, the nature and scope of labor trafficking have been difficult to identify. Victims are often unaware of their circumstances or reluctant to come forward, which creates challenges for detection. By documenting these experiences, law enforcement and service providers can be better equipped to recognize and support survivors.”

⚡ What’s next:

The report lays out actionable next steps for Nebraska. Recommendations include launching public awareness campaigns about labor trafficking, integrating screening tools for frontline workers, and ramping up cross-agency training so that police, prosecutors, and service providers can better coordinate their efforts.
One bold idea from the researchers is the creation of a Center on Labor Trafficking (CLT) in Nebraska. Such a center would serve as a statewide hub to implement these recommendations – uniting law enforcement, policymakers, and community organizations to share information, train professionals, and ensure survivors across Nebraska get the help they need.

🤝 Grant information:

Funding: This project was supported by The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, with additional support from UNO’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Note: The findings and conclusions are those of the research team and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funding organizations.

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UNO Study Offers First-Ever Look Into Labor Trafficking in Nebraska

UNO researchers are shining a light on labor trafficking in Nebraska, revealing how victims are exploited and how communities can fight back.

UNO researchers are shining a light on labor trafficking in Nebraska, revealing how victims are exploited and how communities can fight back.Bella Lockwood-WatsonUNO researchers are shining a light on labor trafficking in Nebraska, revealing how victims are exploited and how communities can fight back.

Aug 28, 2025 12:00 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1757048400000Binge drinking among older adults is rising, and UNO researchers are uncovering how it may speed up muscle loss and accelerate aging./news/2025/09/img/shutterstock_2489436673.jpg

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1200800Photo: Shutterstock. A photo of a person grabbing a full shot glass from a row of shot glasses. ///

🍺 What’s new: Binge drinking’s impact on muscle aging has been largely overlooked in research. Now, a team of three UNO scientists, Dongwoo Hahn, Ph.D., Song-Young Park, Ph.D., and Gwenael Layec, Ph.D., are launching a study to determine how heavy alcohol use might speed up muscle loss and frailty in older adults.

This new collaboration combines UNO expertise in vascular function, muscle metabolism, and muscle contractile function for a comprehensive look at alcohol’s effects on the body. The researchers aim to uncover the cellular mechanisms by which alcohol misuse accelerates the aging process in muscles.

💡 Why it matters:

Binge drinking is on the rise among older adults – in 2022, about 1 in 5 Americans over 50 reported binge behavior.
Chronic heavy drinking can severely damage muscles: up to 60% of long-term alcohol misusers develop alcohol-related muscle weakness – a condition five times more common than alcoholic cirrhosis. This loss of muscle mass and strength greatly increases an older person’s risk of fatigue and frailty.
Identifying how alcohol accelerates physical aging is critical for intervention. The findings from this project could inform future lifestyle or dietary recommendations to help older adults with alcohol use disorder stay healthier longer.

🔎 Zoom in:

Most alcohol research to date has focused on the brain and liver, leaving a gap in understanding its effects on skeletal muscle. This study addresses that gap by examining alcohol’s impact on muscle aging directly at the tissue level.
The UNO research team is measuring how alcohol misuse affects blood vessel function, muscle cell metabolism, and overall muscle performance – an integrative approach that provides a full picture of alcohol’s toll on the aging body.
The long-term goal is to pinpoint specific cellular changes (for example, in mitochondria or proteins) that explain why heavy drinking accelerates muscle deterioration.
By discovering these mechanisms, the researchers hope to identify new targets for therapy or diet that could mitigate alcohol-related physical decline with age.

🎤 What they’re saying:

Song-Young Park, Ph.D., UNO Distinguished Associate Professor of Health and Kinesiology and a lead investigator: “This is exactly the kind of collaborative research UNO excels at – tackling real-world health challenges with an integrated team. By uniting our expertise in vascular, metabolic, and muscle physiology, we can address the complexities of how alcohol speeds up aging in a way no single field could do alone.”
Gwenael Layec, Ph.D., UNO Associate Professor of Health and Kinesiology: “We know heavy drinking can make people weaker as they age, but we don’t fully understand why. By studying alcohol’s effects on muscle cells and blood vessels, we aim to pinpoint how misuse accelerates the aging process at a biological level.”
Dongwoo Hahn, Ph.D., UNO Assistant Professor of Health and Kinesiology: “Our goal is to translate these findings into solutions. If we can identify what alcohol is doing to muscles, we can potentially recommend lifestyle changes or treatments that help people with alcohol use disorder stay strong and healthy longer.”

🤝 Grant information:

Funding source: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Award number: 4610101129100

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Could Binge Drinking Impact How Quickly You Age?

Binge drinking among older adults is rising, and UNO researchers are uncovering how it may speed up muscle loss and accelerate aging.

Binge drinking among older adults is rising, and UNO researchers are uncovering how it may speed up muscle loss and accelerate aging.Bella Lockwood-WatsonBinge drinking among older adults is rising, and UNO researchers are uncovering how it may speed up muscle loss and accelerate aging.

Sep 5, 2025 12:00 AM

News ReleaseYesNoYesYes1752210000000Supported by a federal grant, UNO researchers are measuring the impact of OPD’s mandatory mental health check-ins. The initiative could become a national model for law enforcement wellness./news/2025/07/img/shutterstock_2528397333.jpg

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1200800Photo: Shutterstock. Police officer speaking into walkie-talkie. ///

Can one mental health check-in change a police officer’s life?

University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) researchers are partnering with the Omaha Police Department (OPD) to evaluate an innovative officer mental health program that’s challenging the stigma and redefining care in law enforcement.

➡️ What’s new: UNO School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Professor Samantha Clinkinbeard, Ph.D. has received an $88,777 subaward from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) through the FY2024 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) to assess the effectiveness of OPD’s mandatory annual mental health check-ins for high-trauma unit personnel.

💡 Why it matters: Law enforcement officers face disproportionate exposure to trauma, contributing to elevated risks for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicide.

More police officers die by suicide each year than in the line of duty and are also 54% more likely to die by suicide than the average American worker.
UNO’s research provides critical insights into how structured mental health support can improve wellness, increase help-seeking behaviors, and reduce stigma in policing.

🔎 Zoom in: The grant builds on a 2022–2024 pilot, which served roughly 60 officers per year and led to significant improvements:

Support for the program among participants rose from 61% to 85% over two years.
Stigma fell dramatically: participants reporting concerns about the negative consequences of seeking help dropped from 56% to 18%.
Some participants described feeling more validated and less apprehensive after their sessions, and clinicians noted reduced resistance and increased openness by the second year, suggesting that the initiative may be helping to normalize mental health check-ins and create space for more open conversations around wellness.

⚡️ What’s next:

The FY2024 grant will expand check-in access to an estimated 185 OPD personnel per year in 2025 and 2026. UNO’s evaluation will include comparative surveys, pre/post testing, and qualitative feedback from both officers and clinicians.
UNO researchers will present findings to national law enforcement audiences, including at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Officer Safety and Wellness Symposium.
OPD is also exploring ways to enhance scheduling options, and potentially expand the program departmentwide.

🎤 What they’re saying:

Samantha Clinkinbeard, Ph.D., UNO School of Criminology and Criminal Justice: “There’s growing recognition of the urgent need to address officer mental health in more proactive and sustained ways. Agencies across the country are grappling with high levels of stress and burnout, and in some cases, devastating outcomes. What we’ve seen so far in Omaha suggests that building accessible mental health support into departmental culture through interventions like peer support and mental health check-ins shows promise. This expanded evaluation will help us better understand what’s working, for whom, and whether this model could be adapted more broadly.”
Employee Resource Sgt. Mandee Kampbell, who leads the program for the Omaha Police Department: “This pilot has sparked a ripple effect in how we think about supporting our officers long-term. Partnering with UNO has added insight, credibility, and momentum to this work. We’re excited to keep building on that together because when officers feel supported and well, they’re better equipped to serve the communities that rely on them every day.”

📌 Grant award information:

Funding source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
Award number: 15JCOPS-22-GG-04063-LEMH

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Omaha Police Break Mental Health Stigma with Help from UNO Researchers

Supported by a federal grant, UNO researchers are measuring the impact of OPD’s mandatory mental health check-ins. The initiative could become a national model for law enforcement wellness.

Sam PeshekSupported by a federal grant, UNO researchers are measuring the impact of OPD’s mandatory mental health check-ins. The initiative could become a national model for law enforcement wellness.

Jul 11, 2025 12:00 AM

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