National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska’s Post

During game days in Lincoln, as the Sea of Red arrives, two University of Nebraska-Lincoln students make their way to the roof of Memorial Stadium, where they will direct the incoming aircraft for the pregame flyover. Mason Beck, a sophomore pre-health student and ROTC cadet, uses his radio antenna to point at the estimated time for the band to begin on the pregame time sheet. The military flyovers are a vaunted tradition, and they are largely made possible through the behind-the-scenes work of the university’s Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Each home game, the students, who have applied and trained for the positions, are stationed atop the stadium, radios and time sheets in hand, communicating with pilots as the countdown to kickoff begins. Monitoring the minutes ticking down becomes calculating seconds, and radio chatter is frequent. Keep reading ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gB8SpHg3 #AirForce #military #gameday #flyovers #nationalanthem #ROTC #UNL #GoBigRed #Cornhuskers #Nebraska

#NSRIFellow Dr. Denis Svechkarev recently co-authored the article, "Fast and accurate identification of pathogenic bacteria using excitation–emission spectroscopy and machine learning." ABSTRACT: Fast and reliable identification of pathogenic bacteria is of upmost importance to human health and safety. Methods that are currently used in clinical practice are often time consuming, require expensive equipment, trained personnel, and therefore have limited applications in low resource environments. Molecular identification methods address some of these shortcomings. At the same time, they often use antibodies, their fragments, or other biomolecules as recognition units, which makes such tests specific to a particular target. In contrast, array-based methods use a combination of reporters that are not specific to a single pathogen. These methods provide a more data-rich and universal response that can be used for identification of a variety of bacteria of interest. In this report, we demonstrate the application of the excitation–emission spectroscopy of an environmentally sensitive fluorescent dye for identification of pathogenic bacterial species. 2-(4′-Dimethylamino)-3-hydroxyflavone (DMAF) interacts with the bacterial cell envelope resulting in a distinct spectral response that is unique to each bacterial species. The dynamics of dye–bacteria interaction were thoroughly investigated, and the limits of detection and identification were determined. Neural network classification algorithm was used for pattern recognition analysis and classification of spectral data. The sensor successfully discriminated between eight representative pathogenic bacteria, achieving a classification accuracy of 85.8% at the species level and 98.3% at the Gram status level. The proposed method based on excitation–emission spectroscopy of an environmentally sensitive fluorescent dye is a powerful and versatile diagnostic tool with high accuracy in identification of bacterial pathogens. Access the article ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gD5xJdQr Explore the NSRI publication database ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gGfjrA9e #bacteria #pathogens #pathogenicbacteria #health #healthresearch #militaryhealth #military #homelandsecurity #machinelearning #highered #highereducation

Meet #NSRIFellow Dr. Christopher Exstrom, professor of chemistry at the University of Nebraska at Kearney 🤝 Dr. Extsrom (pictured right) focuses his research on inorganic, analytical and physical materials chemistry. QUESTION: What do you see in the next five or 10 years in your space that you think is important for national security leaders to consider? ANSWER: We are already seeing worldwide shortages of elements, such as lithium and indium, that are critical for electronics and other materials applications. This problem will continue and expand to other elements over the next five to 10 years. Research on the development of alternative materials systems is very important. --- Full Q&A ➡ https://lnkd.in/gXKKh_Ea --- #chemistry #CWMD #CBRNE #defenseresearch #highered #nationalsecurity #deterrence #homelandsecurity #Kearney #Nebraska

Meet Kyle Parker, director of sample exploitation and sequencing at the National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska, the DOD-designated University Affiliated Research Center sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command 🤝 Kyle is responsible for providing leadership and support for research across the broad array of elements related to chemical and biological defense. He directs the research, analytical support, and project management for the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Government sponsor programs. Prior to joining NSRI, Kyle was a principal scientist at MRIGlobal where he served as a principal investigator on projects leveraging his background in molecular biology and sequencing technologies. --- Read his bio ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gVQxjQ24 NSRI chemical and biological defense programs ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gg7AMpHg --- #CWMD #WMD #CBRNE #biologicaldefense #chemicaldefense #nationalsecurity #homelandsecurity #strategicdeterrence #deterrence #defense #defenseresearch #highered

NSRI recently hosted student researchers for dinner and discussion at our headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. The energy they brought to the office was palpable! A key takeaway from these impressive young professionals: They want to network with DOD and USG leaders. If you are willing to spend some time with NU students interested in national security research, please reach out to Sarah Arten — let's get creative about how we can spark their interest and harness their energy! You are also welcome to connect with everyone pictured. Front from left: 🔹 Thomas Schulze, postdoctoral scholar in the Molecular Parasitology Lab (MPL) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) (https://lnkd.in/gNpWuSTs) 🔹 Sabyasachi Mohanty, biochemistry graduate student in the Helikar Lab at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) 🔹 Nick Armstrong, UNO MPL undergraduate research assistant 🔹 Brianna Davis, UNO MPL undergraduate research assistant 🔹 Brittany Rabe, graduate student contributing in the MPL lab 🔹 Grace Farson (standing), mechanical engineering graduate student, UNL graduate with a degree in mathematics, former NSRI strategic deterrence intern Second row from left: 🔹 Elizabeth Klug, upcoming infectious bioaerosol and virology professional with more than 50 hours contributing to academic research and development. Contributor in the Infectious Aerosol Research Group at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) (https://lnkd.in/gdEu9kGu) 🔹 Alex Miranda, UNO undergraduate research assistant for applied organic chemistry 🔹 Gael Perez, UNL electrical engineering major, NSRI strategic deterrence intern 🔹 Lauren Moss, recent graduate of the UNO political science master’s program. Specializes in political violence, terrorism and extremism, with a particular focus on social media engagement and violent radicalization. Former NSRI strategic deterrence intern and contributor in the UNO Nebraska Deterrence Lab (NDL) (https://lnkd.in/gxQzw7uA) 🔹 Nate Ostdiek, former NSRI strategic deterrence intern and current NDL research assistant 🔹 Lauren Longacre, UNMC nursing doctorate student Back row from left: NSRI Fellow Dr. Denis Svechkarev, NSRI Fellow Dr. Dusty White, NSRI Research Director Adam Carlstrom Within just the last two years alone, more than 20 students from across the University of Nebraska System have contributed to research projects through NSRI, and 19 have participated in our strategic deterrence internship. These paid experiences can give students their first taste of DOD and government research careers or help solidify their plans to join the national security workforce.

"The security of our agri-food systems and natural resources is an important component of national security." 🇺🇸 To advance their contributions to U.S. defense, the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska (NU) and the Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) have welcomed Meghan Jackson as director for food, agriculture and environment security (FAES). The institutes created the focus area in late 2022 to help U.S. government agencies protect the Nation from intentional, accidental and natural threats to food and agriculture production systems, such as crop production and livestock, and the environment. In her role, Jackson will integrate IANR’s long history of innovation and partnerships with NSRI’s deep experience in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats. Priorities for researchers already involved in the focus area include but are not limited to: 🔹 Advancing research on African swine fever vaccines. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) should the disease enter the U.S. it could cost upwards of $74 billion to contain and control it over 10 years. 🔹 Developing and providing additional training to federal agencies and stakeholders for the unique challenges and needs of food, agriculture and environmental threat response. 🔹 Leveraging NU research to investigate the impact of drought and extreme climate conditions on the rise of West Nile Virus to create collaborative research opportunities for other diseases that impact American warfighters. 🔹 Expanding research opportunities and partnerships focused on cybersecurity for agriculture automated systems, technology development and data management. "Everyone at NU who collaborates with NSRI or contributes to the institute’s projects does so out of genuine passion and enthusiasm,” said Jackson who grew up on a farm in upstate New York. “This speaks volumes about their deep commitment and drive to strengthen U.S. security through their outstanding work. As a farm kid, I’m not sure I could ask for a better job than supporting folks who want to do that." --- Get more details, including Meghan's background, via the announcement release at https://lnkd.in/gwRhMsiK. Get more details about the food, agriculture and environment security focus area at https://lnkd.in/gUbvBKSZ. --- Quoted in the article: Neal Woollen, NSRI associate executive director, and Derek McLean, dean of the UNL agricultural research division. 📸 Meghan Jackson and the East Campus Loop at the Univresity of Nebraska–Lincoln, home to IANR. #nationalsecurity #agriculturesecurity #agsecurity #environment #foodsecurity #agtech #USDA #homelandsecurity #CWMD #WMD #Nebraska #UNL #UNLresearch

Al “Hitcher” Geist, NSRI director for joint electromagnetic spectrum operations, was recently appointed by Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen to the newly formed Committee on Pacific Conflict for the State of Nebraska. According to a release from the governor’s office (https://lnkd.in/g8RunS27): "The group, formed through passage of LB1300, has the responsibility of identifying potential risks to the state that might emanate from China in the event of a conflict in the Pacific Theater. Nebraska is the first state in the nation to enact such a committee for this purpose." Geist serves as a subject matter expert (SME) for the committee. He retired from 25 years of military service in Air Force, most recently posted as the chief capabilities and requirements for missile defense and electronic warfare at U.S. Strategic Command and has deployed to the Pacific. He will bring forward critical real world experience to the committee. "This committee is vitally important to Nebraska," Geist said. "The state’s strategic importance cannot be exaggerated. Between the military assets stationed in the state and its agricultural and natural resources, Nebraska’s importance to the Nation is obvious. We must be prepared for the potential impact of a Pacific conflict." 📸 Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen addresses the newly formed Committee on Pacific Conflict for the State of Nebraska. NSRI Director Allen Geist sits third from left as a member of the committee. #strategicdeterrence #agriculture #nationalsecurity #Nebraska #homelandsecurity #agsecurity

In case you missed it, #NSRIFellows Dr. Austin Doctor and Dr. Sam Hunter published "What the Hezbollah pager attack reminds us about the logic and risks of terrorist innovation" via the Modern War Institute at West Point in September. Via the article: Assumptions about the process of terrorist innovation directly shape where the counterterrorism mission community looks for warnings, collects intelligence, assesses threats, and develops deterrence and prevention measures. Innovation doesn’t always work. Exhibit A: Hezbollah pagers. Estimates are that 80 to 90 percent of creative ideas fail; yet creativity is required where constraints are severe. Circumventing a skilled and diligent counterterrorism force requires novel approaches. And some groups are better positioned to employ innovative ideas and connect these to desired outcomes than others. Read the full article at https://lnkd.in/gP9frhUC #terrorism #counterterrorism #nationalsecurity #homelandsecurity #defense #defenseresearch

NSRI and research faculty from the University of Nebraska System support the top national priority of strategic deterrence and risk reduction across a range of research areas. 🔹 Academic Wargaming Center 🔹 Arms Control & Nonproliferation 🔹 Weapons Policy 🔹 Consequence Management 🔹 Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations 🔹 Enterprise Support Technologies 🔹 Conflict Deterrence & Escalation Dynamics Get details at https://lnkd.in/gZDZQCs #strategicdeterrence #deterrence #assurance #nuclearweapons #nationalsecurity #homelandsecurity

Kenya will in 2025 host the East Africa Region Global Health Security Summit, a high-level event designed to tackle global health security challenges in the region. The summit, set to take place in Kilifi County from January 28 to 30, will bring together world leaders, health experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to enhance regional collaboration, fortify health systems, and develop strategies to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats like pandemics and bioterrorism. Building on lessons from past pandemics like COVID-19, Ebola, and the recent health concern M-Pox, the summit aims to elevate preparedness for future health emergencies. Organized by the Global Center for Health Security (GCHS) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Board, and Jumuiya Economic Development Secretariat, the event is supported by Kenya’s Ministry of Health through the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards. #NSRIFellow James Lawler from the University of Nebraska Medical Center stated that the summit would serve as a pivotal starting point for building a more resilient health system capable of withstanding any future pandemics. “We need to think of health as a critical infrastructure and the ability to maintain a good health care system,” he said. https://lnkd.in/g5ijNmg2 #infectiousdisease #globalhealth #COVID #ebola #nationalsecurity #defense #CWMD #homelandsecurity #healthresearch #defenseresearch