chemical & biological threat detection & countermeasure development

NSRI's cadre of chemists, biologists, engineers and mission support specialists, with researchers across the University of Nebraska (NU), works to improve the U.S. capability to deter, detect, mitigate and defeat chemical and biological threats.

As a University Affiliated Research Center designated by the Department of Defense, NSRI delivers mission-essential solutions and capabilities that are developed in collaboration with DOD end users to counter complex and emerging chemical and biological threats.

NSRI works with colleagues across federal agencies to modernize chemical and biological defense assets through:

Rapid prototyping of novel sample collection, detection and transportation material solutions
RDT&E of next generation chemical and biological threat sensors and decontamination systems
Sensor integration of chemical and biological detection systems on robotic platforms
Assessment and analysis of emerging threats, risks, capabilities and vulnerabilities

The easy problems are solved — attack the hard ones

Biennial Report 2022

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NSRI and University of Nebraska Capabilities

Our collaborative efforts have immediate and substantial impacts to the capability and safety of those responsible for protecting the country and its citizens from WMDs and highly infectious disease.

Applied Biology
Execution of R&D laboratory studies to develop detection, collection, identification and exploitation capabilities

Technical Collection
Development of intelligence collection, field exploitation and forensic capabilities

Hazard Mitigation
Development of decontamination, consequence mitigation and remediation capabilities

Testing & Evaluation
Facilitation of advanced development acquisition support and DOD testing and evaluation activities

Aerosol & Environmental Science
Execution of aerosol laboratory studies and environmental characterization and dissemination defeat efforts

Materials Biology
Execution of nano biology focused studies on substrate effects, binding kinetics and surface integration properties

Threat & Effects
Development of intelligence analysis, effects modeling and simulation studies

Field Operations & Training
Real-world, multi-disciplinary scenarios for responding to and preventing chemical and biological weapon incidents

Recent Deliverables

Testing & Validation

To maintain readiness amidst COVID-19, NSRI scientists with Air Force and Nebraska National Guard personnel rapidly responded to conduct urgent aerosol dispersion testing on seven types of aircraft in seven days in April 2020.

NSRI Scientists standing by device talking to group

Early Warning

With DTRA, NSRI scientists recently demonstrated a rapidly-deployable network of biological agent early warning detectors and collectors in New York City during a DHS Urban Threat Dispersion exercise.

Device Development

NSRI scientists are contributing biological decontamination testing expertise and experience to the development of a new biomedical device that will allow for rapid sterilization of medical equipment in theater. Read project announcement >

Wearable Sensor

A multidisciplinary research team is developing a sensitive surveillance system in the form of a wearable electronic nose to automatically and passively monitor the air to detect previously defined environmental and chemical threats. Get details >

Leading Researchers

NSRI's team of chemists, biologists, engineers and mission support specialists work together with DOD partners and more than 120 NSRI Fellows to provide solutions to some of the toughest CWMD challenges.

April Shea

Senior Scientist

Ms. Shea has more than 15 years of experience working "at the bench" in microbiology laboratories. She has spent her career supporting the military and DOD, studying high consequence pathogens and various detection modalities.

Dr. Thomas Mueller

Research Director

Dr. Mueller has 15 years of experience supporting the DOD and DOE, focusing on identification and pilot plant production of emerging threat simulants, RDT&E of novel chemical warfare agent defeat technologies and evaluation of homemade explosive production pathways.

Dr. Eric Markvicka

Assistant Professor

Dr. Markvicka, NSRI Fellow from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, directs the Smart Materials and Robotics Laboratory, which conducts research at the intersection of computer and material science to transform how materials interact with the human body and the world.

Daniel Polanski

Deputy Director

A member of NSRI field operations and training, Mr. Polanski has more than 25 years of government service with more than 18 years working in the weapons of mass destruction arena.

NSRI Leadership

Featured Facilities

NSRI operates and accesses leading facilities — laboratories, ranges and conference centers — across the country to conduct research, development, testing and evaluation.

Development Facility

The Biological Process Development Facility at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers biopharmaceutical process development and biomanufacturing services that transition discoveries into early-phase clinical trials.

Biosafety Level-3

Certified by the Federal Select Agent Program as a Tier 1 Select Agent Facility, the BSL-3 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center provides all protections for working with risk group 3 pathogens.

Drone Laboratory

The Nebraska Intelligent Mobile Unmanned Systems (NIMBUS) Lab focuses on research and technology used to develop more capable and dependable unmanned aerial vehicles. Read recent project announcement >

Conference Center

Located in Annapolis Junction, Maryland, NSRI's 12,000-square-foot facility boasts leading collaboration technology and multiple meeting rooms. A 4,300-square-foot flex space is used for scenario-based exercises, laboratory trainings, technology demonstrations and more.

More Facilities

Related News & Features

Apr 04, 2023

Student of NSRI: Grant Phillips helps test UAV swarms

Second-year doctoral student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Mar 23, 2023

Academia and Real Life Products: Chemical Engineer Finds the Perfect Fit

NSRI Fellow Dr. Eric Carnes, associate professor of environmental, agricultural and occupational health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center

Dec 06, 2022

NSRI receives $1.5 million contract for CBRNe response training

Related Media Mentions

Jan 17, 2023

Eight UNO Researchers Among Top Two Percent Cited Worldwide in Their Fields

UNO | NSRI Fellow: Roni Reiter-Palmon

Dec 18, 2022

Tech Company Fights Wildfires Using Fireball Dropping Drones

The Epoch Times | NSRI Fellow: Carrick Detweiler

Nov 19, 2022

These fireball-dropping wildfire drones are on the frontlines of prevention

KSL News Radio | NSRI Fellow: Carrick Detweiler

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Work With NSRI

As USSTRATCOM’s University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), the National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska provides an invaluable understanding of strategic deterrence and CWMD mission requirements gaps. Our institute’s rapid-response capabilities can help meet critical research and development needs. Connect with us to learn more.

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