Leading Researchers

The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska (NU) works across the threat spectrum — chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNe) — to help ensure that the capabilities needed to prevent, mitigate and respond to destructive incidents are top of mind for leading researchers across the country.

The institute — a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) designated by the Department of Defense (DOD) and sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command — is particularly proud to leverage the talents of researchers from its own team and the four University of Nebraska System campuses to meet its mission.

Institute and university leadership continually build upon the accomplishments of researchers and experts to bring needed foresight to bear on not only the current needs of those charged with protecting our country, but the needs of the future as well.

NSRI Subject Matter Experts

NSRI boasts highly-experienced, well-trained scientists and strategists. The institute's efforts towards its mission would not be possible without the significant contributions of these embedded team members located across the country.

Aimee Ketner, Ph.D.

Deputy Director

Chemical & Biological Defense Programs

Paul Brantmier

Director, Advanced Technologies

Field Operations & Training

Zachary Minter

Senior Scientist

Chemical & Biological Defense Programs

Chris Luther

Senior Operations Analyst

Strategic Deterrence & Nuclear Programs

Meet Our Scientists

NSRI Fellows

NSRI Fellows amplify the University of Nebraska’s research contributions to the DOD and other federal agencies with national security missions. A total of 194 researchers from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, University of Nebraska Medical Center and University of Nebraska at Omaha contribute their expertise, talent and foresight to build multidisciplinary teams that develop solutions for complex problems across the spectrum of CBRNe threats.

Meet Our Fellows

NU Principal Investigators

The University of Nebraska continues to demonstrate its prowess in national security research and solutions. With NSRI as a DOD-designated UARC, NU is a trusted-agent of the DOD and a tremendous asset to the federal government. Researchers who work with NSRI discover opportunities beyond their initial inclinations, and NRSI is proud to be a catalyst for leading national efforts coming out of the University of Nebraska. Meet some of these principal investigators below.

Alicia Schiller

Combat Casualty Medicine

University of Nebraska Medical Center

"What I love about working in the DOD system is that I can say I’m a scientist, and I’m good at solving problems and methodology."

Eric Carnes

Environmental, Agricultural & Occupational Health

University of Nebraska Medical Center

"I want to push to get products out the door and into people’s hands, so I feel like we really did something."

Eric Markvicka

Mechanical & Materials Engineering

University of Nebraska–Lincoln

"On the farm, something is always breaking down. You learn fast that you must be creative and work with the equipment and parts you have, not be frustrated by it."

Brittany Duncan

Computer Science & Engineering

University of Nebraska–Lincoln

"Sensing movement of things, even diseases like COVID-19, can help us better understand threats. Through the NSRI work, we will continue to be leaders in areas like this."

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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