Chemical & Biological Threat Detection & Countermeasure Development

Delivering tools to end users

NSRI's cadre of chemists, biologists, engineers and mission support specialists, with researchers across the University of Nebraska System (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 U.S. Department of War (DOW), NSRI delivers mission-essential solutions and capabilities that are developed in collaboration with DOW 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 DOW 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

NSRI optimizes biological defense team to meet federal biosecurity challenges

Read feature

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.

Read the feature article

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.

Read the National Guard Release
Read the PLOS ONE journal article

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 works together with DOW partners and University of Nebraska researchers 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 DOW, studying high consequence pathogens and various detection modalities.

Dr. Thomas Mueller

Research Director

Dr. Mueller has more than 15 years of experience supporting the DOW 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.

Featured Facilities

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

Laboratory & 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.

Field Office & Laboratory

NSRI Space Coast is a lightweight, flexible facility that specializes in biology and chemistry defense research, in addition to housing some engineering capacity.

Field Office & Laboratory

The NSRI Fredericksburg Field Office & Laboratory houses a 1,400-square-foot laboratory to contribute premier expertise in microbial systems production and analysis.

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.

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 >

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.

More Facilities

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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