The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska collaborates with the University of Nebraska at Kearney to bring forward the campus's capabilities, researchers and students to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). NSRI leaders and staff are proud of our accomplishments together and look forward to more opportunities throughout 2024!
The Mission
Provide novel research, technology, training and expertise to improve the U.S. capability to deter, interdict and respond to strategic threats.
NSRI carries the DOD University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) designation on behalf of the University of Nebraska System (NU) and each NU campus. This designation is sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska. NU/NSRI is one of only 15 DOD UARCs in the country. It was established in 2012.
NSRI Fellows
11 UNK researchers have joined the institute as NSRI Fellows to engage closer with NSRI's mission and staff. Fellows are nominated by their peers, confirmed by campus research offices and appointed by NSRI leadership to apply their expertise to national security challenges. In 2023, 10 working groups were formed to focus technical conversations and position expertise for opportunities. Fellows also lead and attend the annual NSRI Fellows Conference to engage with each other, current and former government sponsors and NSRI staff.
Paul Burger
Geography
Kim Carlson
Biology
Chris Exstrom
Chemistry
Krista Forrest
Psychology
Keith Geluso
Biology
Angela Hollman
Cyber Systems
Kristy Kounovsky-Shafer
Chemistry
Austin Nuxoll
Biology
Basheer Qolomany
Cyber Systems
Julie Shaffer
Biology
Melissa Wuellner
Biology
Search our publications database!
Curated to feature publications from NSRI Fellows
The Latest
NSRI visits UNK to explore capabilities, opportunities
In November 2023, NSRI representatives Dr. Terry Thiem (pictured left), director for medical countermeasures, and Lisa Chudomelka, program manager for engagement, visited with 16 faculty and administrators at UNK. Pictured right: Dr. Kristy Kounovsky-Shafer, associate professor of analytical chemistry.
Melissa Wuellner serves as panelist at 2023 NSRI Fellows Conference
Dr. Melissa Wuellner, UNK associate professor of biology, was a panelist during the food, agriculture and environment security session of the NSRI Fellows Conference, April 26, 2023.
News
Features
Mar 17, 2023
Junior at the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Jan 31, 2023
Associate professor of biology at the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Mentions
Feb 28, 2024
UNK News | NSRI Fellows Paul Burger, Chris Exstrom, Krista Forrest, Austin Nuxoll & Basheer Qolomany
Jul 13, 2023
UNK News | NSRI Fellow Julie Shaffer
Apr 19, 2023
UNK News | NSRI Fellow Keith Geluso
NSRI At A Glance
$261 Million
Total awards
since 2012
177
Total contracts and grants
since 2012
44
NU principal investigators leading projects through NSRI since 2012
24
Current, active projects
contracted through NSRI
Connect With NSRI
As the DOD-designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) of U.S. Strategic Command and the University of Nebraska System, the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) delivers solutions for strategic deterrence and CWMD mission requirements gaps. 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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