The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska collaborates with the University of Nebraska at Kearney to bring forward its capabilities, expertise and innovations to the U.S. Department of War (DOW). The NSRI team is proud of our work together and looks forward to more opportunities throughout 2026!
Our Purpose
NSRI stands among an elite force — one of only 15 University Affiliated Research Centers designated by the U.S. Department of War. Since 2012, the institute has helped transform the University of Nebraska System's academic power into decisive national security solutions, sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command. Together, we are not just imagining the future of deterrence — we're building it.
NSRI Academic Network
Addressing the complexities associated with today's and future threats requires NSRI to optimally leverage NU resources. Through this open network, NSRI harnesses NU's capabilities to showcase to the federal government. It also shares public information with NU faculty, enabling them to learn about the institute's mission to potentially contribute solutions to national security challenges.
14 UNK faculty are members of the network, representing agribusiness, biology, chemistry, cyber systems and geography. The members were celebrated by UNK in the New Frontiers Magazine in fall 2025.
Highlighting Expertise
Dr. Kristy Kounovsky-Shafer
Dr. Krista Forrest
Featuring Capabilities
UNK researcher Dr. Chidi Agbo, researcher and assistant professor of cyber systems, is featured in Part 3 of an NSRI series focused on food, agriculture and environment security: "NSRI taps University of Nebraska to help ensure safety, sustainability of built agriculture environments."
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Connecting with the DOW
Among the many individual and small group connections NSRI directors have made between UNK faculty and government representatives, there were three strategic engagement events this year.
NSRI Conference
"Building Resilience Against Emerging Threats," held in April 2025, featured the poster, "The influence of holistic and analytical processing on problem solving," by UNK student Logan Muirhead and Dr. Krista Forrest. Read event summary >
Research Celebration
Thank you, UNK, for inviting Dr. Neal Woollen, U.S. Army Lt. Col. (Ret.), to speak at the New Frontiers ceremony in fall 2025. Dr. Woollen serves as NSRI associate executive director for countering weapons of mass destruction allied programs. Dr. Woollen's team focuses on readiness, response and resilience to consequences associated with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.
Student Recruitment
NSRI proudly exhibited at the UNK 2025 student career fair, showcasing its strategic deterrence internship opportunity to exceptional lopers across multiple disciplines. Stay tuned for internship application, which will open in early 2026.
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Connect With NSRI
As the University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) designated by the U.S. Department of War, sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command and affiliated with the University of Nebraska System, the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) delivers solutions for strategic deterrence and CWMD mission requirements. Our rapid-response capabilities and efficient contracting vehicle can help federal government program managers meet critical research and development needs. Connect with us to learn more.
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