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Office of Research and Creative Activity News

Friday, July 18, 2025
  1. UNO
  2. Office of Research and Creative Activity
  3. ORCA News
indextrue175095133905045562049News RoomNews from the Office of Research and Creative Activity at the University of Nebraska at Omaha1462078800000News Room/news/indexOffice of Research and Creative Activitysite://Office of Research and Creative Activity/news/indexcnebel17194374713624556204917528509971621672552800000
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1744650000000//news/2025/04/img/20250411_rcaf_11.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/04/img/20250411_rcaf_11.jpgwww20250411_rcaf_11.jpg1433091200800A student shares their poster presentation at the Research and Creative Activity Fair (RCAF) inside of UNO's Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center.Two individuals engage in conversation during the Research and Creative Activity Fair at the University of Nebraska at Omaha on April 11, 2025. One person, holding a coffee cup, discusses a research poster while the other listens attentively. The background features a poster with information about the event./news/2025/04/img/20250411_rcaf_18.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/04/img/20250411_rcaf_18.jpgwww20250411_rcaf_18.jpg1540231200800A student dressed in a black shirt plays a classical guitar at the Research and Creative Activity Fair at the University of Nebraska at Omaha on April 11, 2025. He is focused and engaged in his performance.A student plays a classical guitar at the Research and Creative Activity Fair (RCAF). He is focused and engaged in his performance./news/2025/04/img/20250411_rcaf_06.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/04/img/20250411_rcaf_06.jpgwww20250411_rcaf_06.jpg1567031200800A student shares their poster presentation at the Research and Creative Activity Fair (RCAF) inside of UNO's Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center.A student shares their poster presentation at the Research and Creative Activity Fair (RCAF) inside of UNO's Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center.YouTube

➡️ The news: On April 11, 2025, University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) students from every college participated in the 17th Annual Research and Creative Activity Fair (RCAF). The event spanned across four buildings: the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center (CEC), Strauss Performing Arts Center, Criss Library, and Weber Fine Arts Building. The fair featured research presentations, artistic performances, and innovative projects by undergraduates, graduates, and doctoral students. 

💡 What did we see? 

  • Nearly 300 students shared their work—from cutting-edge scientific research to captivating artistic performances. 
  • The event highlighted a diverse array of academic disciplines, showcasing the rich breadth of talent at UNO. 
  • Students had the chance to network with faculty, industry experts, and peers, creating valuable connections for future endeavors. 

💡 Why it matters: RCAF serves as a career-launching platform. It provides students with the chance to present work that could shape their professional journeys, whether in science, education, social work, or the arts. UNO’s RCAF continues to inspire students to bridge the gap between academics and real-world applications, helping them gain skills that extend far beyond the classroom. 

🤝 Who Supported it? This year’s fair was proudly sponsored by UNO’s Alumni Association, Bio Nebraska, Nebraska National Guard, Great Plains IDEA, Holland Computing Center, and Invest Nebraska. 


2025 Student Research and Creative Activity Fair Awardees 

Undergraduate Performances 

Best: 
Matea Jerkovic, Cameron Jordan, Hayden Johnson, Robert Russell 

Outstanding: 
Isa Wright 

Meritorious: 
Alex Martinez 

Graduate Performances 

Best: 
Kyle Paoletti 

Outstanding: 
Aaron Scobie 

Undergraduate Exhibits or Demonstrations 

Best: 
Kennedy Wallman 

Outstanding: 
Ian Andress 

Meritorious: 
Jen Riedl 

Honorable Mention: 
Alyssiah Green 

Graduate Exhibits or Demonstrations 

Best: 
Chelsea Kavich 

Outstanding: 
Savannah Boedigheimer 

Undergraduate Poster Presentations 

Best: 
Paw Thlay Wah 

Outstanding: 
Megan Althouse 

Meritorious: 
Brooklynn Schmidt 

Honorable Mention: 
Claire Wing 
 

Graduate Poster Presentations 

Best: 
Chukwuma Adinchezor 

Outstanding: 
Christopher Engsberg 

Meritorious: 
Sarah Woelfel 

Honorable Mention: 
Mahboubeh Ghanbari 

Undergraduate Oral Presentations 

Best: 
Isabelle Weber 

Outstanding: 
Izzy Vargas 

Meritorious: 
Charleston Berryman 

Honorable Mention: 
Cherylynn Gibson 

Graduate Oral Presentations 

Best: 
Sarah Lehn 

Outstanding: 
Ramin Shahbad 

Meritorious: 
Toka Mootaz AboElnour Ahmed 

Honorable Mention (Tie): 
Mehrnoush Haghighatnejad 

Honorable Mention (Tie): 
Thomas Forke 

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/news/2025/04/snapshots-from-the-17th-annual-uno-research-and-creative-activity-fairdepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communications phoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryAlumniOffice of Research and Creative ActivitiesPerformance and ExhibitsGeneral PublicMediaFacultyCurrent StudentsParents and FamiliesAwardsResearchlocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2025/04/snapshots-from-the-17th-annual-uno-research-and-creative-activity-fairwwwsnapshots-from-the-17th-annual-uno-research-and-creative-activity-fairSnapshots from the 17th Annual UNO Student Research and Creative Activity FairSnapshots from the 17th Annual UNO Student Research and Creative Activity FairThe 2025 Student Research and Creative Activity Fair brought together nearly 300 students across various disciplines to present their work in a series of presentations, performances, and exhibits. Bella Lockwood-WatsonThe 2025 Student Research and Creative Activity Fair brought together nearly 300 students across various disciplines to present their work in a series of presentations, performances, and exhibits. Apr 14, 2025 12:00 PM
News ReleaseYesNoYesYes1748546100000Principal benefactors Ruth Scott and the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation were recognized during the groundbreaking celebration.//news/2025/05/img/20250529_biomechanics-groundbreaking_001.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/05/img/20250529_biomechanics-groundbreaking_001.jpgwww20250529_biomechanics-groundbreaking_001.jpgBiomechanics Phase Three Groundbreaking Ruth Scott Nick StergiouBiomechanics Phase Three Groundbreaking Ruth Scott Nick StergiouUNO Assistant Dean and Director, Division of Biomechanics and Research Development Nikolaos Stergiou, Ph.D., left, and Ruth Scott attend a groundbreaking for phase three of the Biomechanics Research Building. The William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation generously provided the lead donation on the project.2334981200800Nick Stergiou and Ruth Scott attend a groundbreaking for phase three of the Biomechanics Research Building.UNO Assistant Dean and Director, Division of Biomechanics and Research Development Nikolaos Stergiou, Ph.D., left, and Ruth Scott (right) attend a groundbreaking ceremony for phase three of the Biomechanics Research Building on UNO's Dodge Campus Thursday, May 29, 2025. Ruth Scott and the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation were recognized as principal benefactors. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications./news/2025/05/img/biomechanics-research-building-phase-three-expansion-project.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/05/img/biomechanics-research-building-phase-three-expansion-project.jpgwwwbiomechanics-research-building-phase-three-expansion-project.jpgBiomechanics Research Building Phase Three Expansion ProjectBiomechanics Research Building Phase Three Expansion ProjectConceptual rendering of the Biomechanics Research Building phase three expansion project.2300461200800 Conceptual rendering of the Biomechanics Research Building phase three expansion project. Conceptual rendering of the Biomechanics Research Building phase three expansion project./news/2025/05/img/bill-and-ruth-scott-1200x800.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/05/img/bill-and-ruth-scott-1200x800.jpgwwwbill-and-ruth-scott-1200x800.jpgBill and Ruth ScottBill and Ruth ScottBill and Ruth Scott photographed together.1692071200800Bill and Ruth ScottBill and Ruth ScottYouTube

Highlights 

  • Principal benefactors Ruth Scott and the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation were recognized during the groundbreaking celebration. 
  • The $17.1 million addition will house the Center for Cardiovascular Research in Biomechanics, established in 2024 after UNO received an $11 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. 
  • The center’s aim is to develop innovative materials and devices to address the pressing challenges posed by vascular diseases.  


The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony today for a $17.1 million addition to the Biomechanics Research Building, celebrating philanthropic support for the transformative project. Recognized at the event were the principal benefactors, Omaha philanthropist Ruth Scott and the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation.  

“Biomechanics research put UNO and Omaha on the map,” Ruth Scott said. “UNO is the only place in the world with a building like this. When I first met Dr. Nick Stergiou in 2011, I had no clue what biomechanics was, and, wow, look how far we’ve come!”  

John Scott, vice president of the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation, said: “It is an honor for our family to champion this innovative research team. UNO Biomechanics continues to grow, providing an extraordinary return on our philanthropic investment. Yet the most profound impact will come from the life-saving advances that benefit Nebraskans and people worldwide.” 

The phase three expansion, which is entirely privately funded, supports the Division of Biomechanics and Research Development’s rapid growth and rising national prominence. It will house, among others, the Center for Cardiovascular Research in Biomechanics (CRiB), established in 2024 after UNO received an $11 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.  

The center’s aim is to develop innovative materials and devices to address the pressing challenges posed by vascular diseases. Cardiovascular disease, which includes all diseases of the heart and blood vessels, is the leading cause of death in Nebraska, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.  

“Today’s groundbreaking for the Biomechanics Research Building addition reflects the extraordinary growth of a program that is shaping the future of health, science and innovation,” said University of Nebraska System President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “This progress is a direct result of the visionary leadership of Dr. Nick Stergiou and his remarkable team, whose dedication continues to elevate the work of the University of Nebraska. We are especially grateful to the Scott family and to Ruth Scott, whose generosity and belief in our mission have touched every corner of every campus in our university system. Their continued investment in our students, faculty and the communities we serve is a powerful reminder of what visionary philanthropy makes possible.” 

The Biomechanics Research Building is located on UNO’s Dodge Campus adjacent to Caniglia Field. The 19,000-square-foot, three-level addition will be connected to the east end of the existing building. It will include laboratories, instructional space, offices, graduate student space and a collaborative space for students and researchers. The University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved the program statement and budget for the addition April 11.  

The Biomechanics Research Building opened in the fall of 2013, putting UNO at the forefront of biomechanics research with a first-in-the-world, stand-alone building dedicated solely to this field of study. The first addition, with 30,000 square feet, was completed in 2019. Construction of this second addition is expected to begin in May 2026 and be completed in early 2028. 

Ruth Scott and her late husband, Bill, have provided philanthropic support for each phase of construction.  

“This is the very definition of thinking globally and acting locally,” UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, said. “The Scott family saw a worldwide challenge in cardiovascular disease, understood the cutting-edge work already taking place in our Biomechanics Research Building and is now helping this institution take its work to new heights through their transformative generosity. This project will not only address a critical health crisis, but it will also reinforce UNO’s role as a leading public research university that innovates for the public good. This addition cements UNO Biomechanics as the destination in the world to teach, learn and discover in this vital field.” 

Biomechanics is the study of forces that act on a body and the effects they produce. It is an intersection of physiology, anatomy, physics, engineering and mathematics to solve difficult problems in human health. 

The Biomechanics Research Building’s new addition will include specialized labs to support the growth of the cardiovascular biomechanics research team, with the university committed to adding several faculty members over the next 10 years. The addition also will accommodate industry collaboration and other academic innovations in this emerging research area. UNO faculty are engaged in a range of research projects, from developing longer-lasting stents and grafts to specialized equipment such as exoskeletons to treat conditions like peripheral arterial disease.  

The Scott family’s gift was made through the University of Nebraska Foundation. It supports Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future, a historic effort to engage 150,000 benefactors to give $3 billion to support the University of Nebraska. 

“UNO Biomechanics is the perfect example of how philanthropy can drive a great university forward,” said Brian F. Hastings, president and chief executive officer of the University of Nebraska Foundation. “Ruth Scott and the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation are true visionaries — they saw the potential of this project early on and gave generously to build UNO Biomechanics into a global leader. Only in Nebraska can that happen.”  

What Others Are Saying 

“This groundbreaking marks more than the expansion of a building — it’s a milestone for our college, our university and our city. It reflects our commitment to transforming lives through innovative teaching, interdisciplinary research and community engagement that reaches far beyond campus. The impact will be felt in classrooms, clinics and communities for generations.” — Neal Grandgenett, Ph.D., Lois G. Roskens Dean of UNO College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences 

“When a university and its community join forces, the results can be transformational. UNO Biomechanics is proof. We have created something that is more than a research building. We have created an amazing present, but we are also developing a tremendous future that will attract even more brilliant students, innovative scientists and global collaborators to Omaha. An immense thank you to Ruth Scott and the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation for making this a reality.”  — Nick Stergiou, Ph.D., Assistant Dean and Director of Division of Biomechanics and Research Development, Distinguished Community Research Chair in Biomechanics, UNO 

“Cardiovascular disease is one of the deadliest health challenges worldwide. With this new facility, we will have the infrastructure to push boundaries in science and move faster toward real solutions. The urgency is clear, and now we have the momentum to match it.” — Alexey Kamenskiy, Ph.D., Professor, Director of Center for Cardiovascular Research in Biomechanics, Chair of Department of Biomechanics, UNO 

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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. 

About the University of Nebraska Foundation 

The University of Nebraska Foundation grows relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives. During the most recent fiscal year, a record $388.8 million in new funds was committed to aid UNK, UNL, UNO, NCTA and UNMC and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine. In addition, 57,603 donors supported the University of Nebraska. Alumni engagement and fundraising are efficient, with the University of Nebraska receiving more than $7 in gifts for every $1 spent. Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future is its current campaign with a goal to raise $3 billion from 150,000 unique benefactors to support the University of Nebraska. More information is at OnlyinNebraska.org. 

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/news/2025/05/uno-hosts-ceremonial-groundbreaking-for-biomechanics-additiondepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communications phoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryCollege of Education, Health, and Human SciencesMediaGeneral Publiclocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2025/05/uno-hosts-ceremonial-groundbreaking-for-biomechanics-additionwwwuno-hosts-ceremonial-groundbreaking-for-biomechanics-additionUNO Hosts Ceremonial Groundbreaking for $17.1 Million Biomechanics AdditionUNO Hosts Ceremonial Groundbreaking for $17.1 Million Biomechanics AdditionPrincipal benefactors Ruth Scott and the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation were recognized during the groundbreaking celebration.Sam PeshekPrincipal benefactors Ruth Scott and the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation were recognized during the groundbreaking celebration.May 29, 2025 2:15 PM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1750222800000KETV features UNO and NCITE expert Gina Ligon on the growing threats to public officials and the need for proactive security./news/2025/06/20240625_ncite_ribboncutting_02.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/06/20240625_ncite_ribboncutting_02.jpgwww20240625_ncite_ribboncutting_02.jpg1539361200800Gina Ligon, Ph.D., director of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE). Photo: Ryan Soderlin, Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications Gina Ligon, Ph.D., director of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE) ///YouTube

Gina Ligon, Ph.D., director of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE), was featured on KETV, addressing the increasing threats against public officials. Ligon cited recent incidents, such as the Minnesota lawmaker shootings, to illustrate the evolving nature of these threats. She also emphasized the need for proactive security measures for major upcoming events, including the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. 

💡 Why it matters: Ligon’s insights highlight the importance of planning and preparedness in the face of rising political violence, highlighting the critical role of security in ensuring the safety of public officials and event participants. 

🔍 The big picture: As global events grow in scale and political violence escalates, Ligon’s expertise provides valuable guidance on the proactive measures necessary to safeguard public figures and large gatherings. 

For more on Ligon’s commentary on security and political violence, read the full article on KETV. 

Read the full article on KETV 

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/news/2025/06/unos-gina-ligon-discusses-rising-threats-against-public-officials-and-upcoming-event-securitydepartmentphoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryResearchCollege of Public Affairs and Community ServiceCommunity EngagementMedialocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2025/06/unos-gina-ligon-discusses-rising-threats-against-public-officials-and-upcoming-event-securitywwwunos-gina-ligon-discusses-rising-threats-against-public-officials-and-upcoming-event-securityStandard Page - wwwUNO’s Gina Ligon Discusses Rising Threats Against Public Officials and Upcoming Event SecurityKETV features UNO and NCITE expert Gina Ligon on the growing threats to public officials and the need for proactive security.Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications KETV features UNO and NCITE expert Gina Ligon on the growing threats to public officials and the need for proactive security.Jun 18, 2025 12:00 AM
News ReleaseYesNoYesYes1743099300000Nikolaos Stergiou, Ph.D., has received one of the top honors in science for shaping how the world understands human movement and biomechanics./news/2025/03/img/20190905_investiture_059.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/03/img/20190905_investiture_059.jpgwww20190905_investiture_059.jpg2300101200800Nikolaos Stergiou, Ph.D. marshals the platform party from the Milo Bail Student Center to the Strauss Performing Arts Center for the investiture of Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., as UNO’s chancellor in 2019. Photo: Office of Strategic Marketing and CommunicationsNikolaos Stergiou, Ph.D. marshals the platform party from the Milo Bail Student Center to the Strauss Performing Arts Center for the investiture of Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., as UNO’s chancellor in 2019.///YouTube

A University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) researcher is set to receive one of the American scientific community’s highest honors.


➡️ What’s new: Nikolaos "Nick" Stergiou, Ph.D., assistant dean and director of the Division of Biomechanics and Research Development, will be recognized as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the organization announced.


💡 Why it matters:

  • Election as a AAAS Fellow is a lifetime honor, and all Fellows are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity.
  • Stergiou is the fifth AAAS fellow in the university’s history and the first since 1945.

🔎 Zoom in: Stergiou was elected for his “continuous community engagement and fundraising to expand public understanding of biomechanics and for visionary efforts to foster education about human movement variability around the world” in the General Interest in Science & Engineering section.


🎤 What they’re saying:

  • Stergiou: “To be named a Fellow of the AAAS is deeply humbling. It’s a personal milestone, but it’s also a reflection of the incredible people and community behind UNO Biomechanics. This honor belongs to every student, colleague, partner, and supporter who believes that research in human movement can improve lives. Together, we’ve built something extraordinary at UNO: a place where science serves people, and excellence is expected.”
  • Phil He, Ph.D., Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs: “Dr. Stergiou’s recognition as a AAAS Fellow is a testament to the standard he sets, in research and leadership. He leads by example, with vision, passion, and purpose. His work shows what’s possible when academic excellence and community impact go hand in hand.”
  • Neal Grandgenett, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Education Health, and Human Sciences: “This award is a validation of a life’s work committed to scholarship, mentorship, and community impact. Dr. Stergiou has transformed how we understand movement, and in turn, how to make lives better. He’s a true Maverick.”
  • Sara Myers, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Creative Activity: “Election as a AAAS Fellow sends a powerful message about the caliber of research happening right here at UNO. As an urban metropolitan university, we’re proving that groundbreaking, globally relevant science can thrive in communities like ours. Dr. Stergiou has helped shape a research culture that’s innovative and impactful.”

⭐️ Career closeup:

  • Pioneering researcher: Stergiou is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in human movement variability, a field he helped establish. His research has been continuously funded by prestigious agencies like the NIH, NASA, and NSF.
  • Visionary leader: As founding chair of the Department of Biomechanics and current Assistant Dean of the Division of Biomechanics, he has built UNO into a global hub for innovation in biomechanics education and research, including in the development of UNO’s world class Biomechanics Research Building.
  • Global collaborator: Stergiou has mentored over 60 graduate students and postdocs, published 240+ peer-reviewed articles, and serves in leadership roles across international scientific organizations, advancing the field worldwide.

🧑‍💻 Learn more: Read Stergiou’s full biography on the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) website.


⚡️What’s next: Stergiou and more than 400 fellows in this year’s class will be inducted at the Annual Fellow’s Forum in Washington, D.C., this summer.

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/news/2025/03/uno-biomechanics-director-nick-stergiou-named-aaas-fellowdepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communicationsphoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryCollege of Education, Health, and Human SciencesStaffAwardsFacultylocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2025/03/uno-biomechanics-director-nick-stergiou-named-aaas-fellowwwwuno-biomechanics-director-nick-stergiou-named-aaas-fellowUNO Biomechanics Director Nick Stergiou Named AAAS FellowUNO Biomechanics Director Nick Stergiou Named AAAS FellowNikolaos Stergiou, Ph.D., has received one of the top honors in science for shaping how the world understands human movement and biomechanics.Sam PeshekNikolaos Stergiou, Ph.D., has received one of the top honors in science for shaping how the world understands human movement and biomechanics.Mar 27, 2025 1:15 PM
News
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1746641700000From smarter storage systems to fall prevention tech, UNO early-career researchers are tackling today’s toughest challenges and earning statewide recognition./_shared/images/1200x800/buildings/ash/20240606_campus-sunrise-light_57.jpgnavigationNosite://www/_shared/images/1200x800/buildings/ash/20240606_campus-sunrise-light_57.jpgwww20240606_campus-sunrise-light_57.jpg2147191200800The Arts and Sciences Hall at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.The Arts and Sciences Hall at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). ///YouTube

A group of rising research stars at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) just secured a prestigious award that puts their early-stage projects on the fast track to national recognition.


➡️ What’s new: Four UNO faculty members have been named recipients of Nebraska's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) 2024 FIRST Awards, a competitive program that supports early-career researchers across the state. Each award includes seed funding to accelerate research and strengthen future proposals for major federal grants.


💡 Why it matters:

  • Supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Nebraska EPSCoR’s FIRST Awards aim to help early-career researchers in Nebraska’s higher education institutions develop nationally competitive research agendas.

  • Many past recipients have gone on to secure prestigious NSF CAREER Awards or other major federal research grants.

  • Four of the six 2024 recipients are UNO faculty.


🔎 Zoom in: UNO’s 2024 FIRST Award recipients represent four distinct academic disciplines, each tackling urgent challenges:

  • Madhur Mangalam, Ph.D., Department of Biomechanics | Mangalam’s research explores how long-latency postural reflexes (LLRs) are affected by balance training in older adults using wobble boards. His work applies advanced data modeling to improve fall prevention strategies and support safer aging. (Project: Investigating the impact of wobble board exercises on long-latency postural reflexes in older adults)

  • Yury Salkovskiy, Ph.D., Department of Biomechanics | Salkovskiy is developing a novel, scalable electrospinning technique to produce elastic and durable biopolymer textiles, offering potential breakthroughs in medical devices, wound care, and wearable protection. (Project: High-Speed Manufacturing of Biopolymer Textiles Made of Intertwined Nanofibers)

  • Joe (Xinqiu) Yao, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry | Yao is using high-performance molecular dynamics simulations to examine how cells transmit signals at the molecular level. His findings could shape future advances in precision medicine and drug development. (Project: Elucidating the Atomistic Mechanism of GPCR-Mediated Arrestin Activation)

  • Xiaoqian (Tiffany) Zhang, Ph.D., Department of Computer Science | Zhang is designing intelligent, congestion-aware network infrastructure for next-generation storage systems. Her research enhances the speed and efficiency of data centers powering everything from cloud computing to enterprise tech. (Project: Auto-zoning Configuration and Adjustment for Disaggregated Storage Systems)


🎤 What they’re saying:

  • Phil He, Ph.D., Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs: “Our faculty continue to lead with purpose, advancing research that delivers real-world impact. These projects not only align with UNO’s mission to challenges that affect communities here in Nebraska and across the country. We thank these researchers for their commitment to innovation, and for turning ideas into action that benefits society at large.”

  • Sara Myers, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Creative Activity: “FIRST Awards do more than fund individual projects. They ignite ripple effects across our entire research ecosystem. These early investments help faculty build momentum, attract competitive national funding, and raise UNO’s profile as a hub for discovery that matters. We’re incredibly proud of this year’s recipients and excited to see how their work shapes the future of science, technology, and innovation.”


🌎 The big picture: The awards reflect UNO’s strategic commitment to pragmatic research, hands-on student learning, and community-engaged innovation. Each project integrates student mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration, aligning with the university’s mission to transform lives through research that matters.


🧑‍💻 Read more: Kwangsung Oh, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science, is UNO’s most recent NSF CAREER award recipient.

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/news/2025/05/four-uno-faculty-earn-nebraska-epscor-first-awardsdepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communicationsphoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryAwardsResearchOffice of Research and Creative Activitieslocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2025/05/four-uno-faculty-earn-nebraska-epscor-first-awardswwwfour-uno-faculty-earn-nebraska-epscor-first-awards4 UNO Faculty Earn Nebraska EPSCoR FIRST Awards4 UNO Faculty Earn Nebraska EPSCoR FIRST AwardsFrom smarter storage systems to fall prevention tech, UNO early-career researchers are tackling today’s toughest challenges and earning statewide recognition.Sam PeshekFrom smarter storage systems to fall prevention tech, UNO early-career researchers are tackling today’s toughest challenges and earning statewide recognition.May 7, 2025 1:15 PM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1752210000000A team led by UNO’s Teresa Kulig, Ph.D., and Tara Richards, Ph.D., has launched a national review of how police, social workers, and medical providers work together to help exploited children, and where those systems break down./news/2025/07/img/shutterstock_444872461.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/07/img/shutterstock_444872461.jpgwwwshutterstock_444872461.jpg1490751200800Photo: Shutterstock. Two law enforcement officers reviewing information on a computer screen in an office setting. The male officer is standing and pointing at the screen, while the female officer, wearing a badge, is seated and focused on the display.///YouTube

Responding to child victims of sexual exploitation is challenging and often relies on practitioners from multiple fields to intervene, including police, child welfare workers, medical providers, and victim advocates. 

These multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) are designed to coordinate care, but without more information on what models exist and how they operate, there are gaps in understanding their effectiveness.  

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Victimology and Victim Studies Research Lab (VVSRL) is working to change that.  

 


➡️ What’s new:  

  • A team of researchers from UNO, Northeastern University and the University of South Florida, led by UNO VVSRL Co-Directors Associate Professor Teresa Kulig, Ph.D., and Professor Tara Richards, Ph.D., recently launched a first-of-its-kind, four-year, nearly $1.5 million federally funded study to examine how MDTs respond to child sexual exploitation across the United States.

  • Funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the project will evaluate the structures, processes, and outcomes of MDTs, identify best practices that can be scaled nationally, and in turn, save lives.  


💡 Why it matters:  

  • MDTs are central to how the U.S. handles cases of child sexual exploitation, but little is known about how these teams function or whether they consistently serve the needs of victims. 
  • Some states mandate MDTs by law, while others operate on informal partnerships, resulting in a fragmented system with unclear outcomes for some of the most vulnerable children in the country. 

  • UNO’s research aims to close that gap with evidence-based recommendations for improving coordination, building trust across systems, and ensuring victims receive holistic, trauma-informed care. 

🔎 Zoom in: Throughout the project, a national advisory board, including practitioners who are survivors with lived experience, will provide guidance to ensure the findings reflect real-world needs and frontline realities. The research team will also leverage its strong community partnerships to support data collection and analysis. The study will unfold in three phases: 

  • A systematic review of existing MDT research to map what’s already known. 

  • A national survey of MDT practitioners across diverse jurisdictions. 

  • Seven in-depth case studies capturing real-world practices, challenges, and innovations. 


🎤 What they’re saying:  

  • Teresa Kulig, Ph.D., UNO VVSRL Co-Director and project principal investigator: “We know these teams are critical, but no one has done a comprehensive review of how they work in practice for sexually exploited children. This project is designed to build a national roadmap that’s driven by data and shaped by people on the ground.” 

  • Tara Richards, Ph.D., UNO VVSRL Co-Director and co-principal investigator: “Having the National Institute of Justice place its trust in the Victimology and Victim Studies Research Lab is incredibly meaningful. It’s a reflection of the quality, rigor, and impact of the work we do, not just for Nebraskans, but for communities across the country. We’re proud to lead research that has the potential to improve how the entire nation responds to child sexual exploitation.” 

  • Joan Reid, Ph.D., University of South Florida: “Child sexual exploitation is a complex issue that no single profession can solve alone. When law enforcement, social workers, health care providers, and advocates come together, they can see the full picture of a child’s needs. This project gives us the rare opportunity to bridge those perspectives and build a stronger, more unified response.” 

  • Amy Farrell, Ph.D., Northeastern University: “Teams are trying to do the right thing, but they don’t always have the tools or models to guide them. That’s what motivates our work: the chance to create something that’s not just academically rigorous, but also deeply practical for those responding to these cases every day.” 


⚡️ What’s next: By 2028, the team will deliver: 

  • A national guidebook for MDT implementation 

  • An interactive website sharing case study insights 

  • Policy recommendations to support equity, effectiveness, and sustainability 


📌 Grant award information:  

  • Funding source: National Institute of Justice 

  • Award number: 15PNIJ-24-GG-01653-MUMU 

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/news/2025/07/can-we-fix-how-america-responds-to-child-sexual-exploitationdepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communications phoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryCommunity EngagementFacultyResearchProspective StudentsCurrent StudentsCollege of Public Affairs and Community ServiceGeneral PublicAlumniParents and FamiliesMediaStafflocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2025/07/can-we-fix-how-america-responds-to-child-sexual-exploitationwwwcan-we-fix-how-america-responds-to-child-sexual-exploitationCan We Fix How America Responds to Child Sexual Exploitation?Can We Fix How America Responds to Child Sexual Exploitation?A team led by UNO’s Teresa Kulig, Ph.D., and Tara Richards, Ph.D., has launched a national review of how police, social workers, and medical providers work together to help exploited children, and where those systems break down.Sam Peshek A team led by UNO’s Teresa Kulig, Ph.D., and Tara Richards, Ph.D., has launched a national review of how police, social workers, and medical providers work together to help exploited children, and where those systems break down.Jul 11, 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.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/07/img/shutterstock_2528397333.jpgwwwshutterstock_2528397333.jpg1495141200800Photo: Shutterstock. Police officer speaking into walkie-talkie. ///YouTube

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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/news/2025/07/omaha-police-break-mental-health-stigma-with-help-from-uno-researchersdepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communicationsphoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryCollege of Public Affairs and Community ServiceCommunity EngagementMediaResearchGeneral Publiclocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2025/07/omaha-police-break-mental-health-stigma-with-help-from-uno-researcherswwwomaha-police-break-mental-health-stigma-with-help-from-uno-researchersOmaha Police Break Mental Health Stigma with Help from UNO ResearchersOmaha Police Break Mental Health Stigma with Help from UNO ResearchersSupported 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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