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

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

Featured Deliverables

Risk Assessment

Four men setting up testing equipment for particle dispersal research onboard USNS Mercy

Investigated particle dispersal in the complex and turbulent shipboard environment. Findings and conclusions from the study to help inform how the Navy and Military Sealift Command protect medical staff and patients from aerosolized pathogens on the only two hospital ships in the fleet. Get details >

Testing & Validation

With Air Force and Nebraska National Guard personnel, rapidly responded to conduct urgent aerosol dispersion testing on seven types of aircraft in seven days during COVID-19 outbreak in April 2020.

Device Development

Evaluated thermal lance technology, a key piece of the breaching tool kit used to rapidly cut through barriers. Exploring chemistries and mechanical designs, the team down-selected and modified thermal lance properties to increase cutting performance for end users.

Early Warning Technology

Demonstrated a rapidly-deployable network of biological agent early warning detectors and collectors in New York City during a DHS Urban Threat Dispersion exercise.

Leading Researchers

NSRI's team of chemists, biologists, engineers and mission support specialists work together with DOD partners and nearly 160 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 more than 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

Dec 10, 2024

Sustainable Energy from a Microscopic Source: Microbiologist Pursues Future Fuel Sources

NSRI Fellow Nicole Buan, Professor of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Dec 03, 2024

NSRI's national security R&D portfolio reaches $293M, spans 65 active projects

2024 biennial report highlights critical solutions, strategic partnerships & research capabilities

Oct 21, 2024

NU invests $577,000 to support research in NSRI's mission

Related Media Mentions

Aug 02, 2024

Two academic research groups team up to help solve national security questions

Federal News Network | NSRI research director for special programs in chemical & biological defense, Dave Roberts

Nov 01, 2023

UNMC leaders break ground on CORE Building

UNMC Newsroom | NSRI Fellow Ken Bayles

Oct 27, 2023

Global Center for Health Security team travels to Puerto Rico

UNMC Newsroom | NSRI Fellows David Brett-Major & Jana Broadhurst

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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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