NSRI Fellows

156 NU researchers ready to contribute to our national security

The NSRI Fellows program amplifies the University of Nebraska System's (NU) support to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies with national security missions by engaging leading researchers from the system's four campuses — University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).

In 2012 the DOD designated NU as a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command. NSRI was formed to manage the UARC, provide support to USSTRATCOM mission areas and develop solutions to deter and counter chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNe) threats. Addressing the complexities associated with the threats of today and of the future requires NSRI to optimally leverage NU resources. The fellows program does just that.

Working Groups

To activate this innovative network of leading researchers and harness their capabilities and capability towards technical discussions and increasingly rapid response to DOD customers, the NSRI Fellows have formed eight working groups. Click each of the drop downs below to access group members and current research priorities.

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Current Priorities

Trustworthy Data: Addressing the crucial need for reliable and secure data for national security purposes.
Biosurveillance and Health Monitoring: Utilizing non-invasive methods for monitoring health and biosurveillance.
Modernizing Data Practices: Highlighting the necessity for organizations to update their data practices to fully leverage AI/ML tools for improved decision-making.
Decision Support and Behavior Prediction: Understand how AI/ML can enhance intelligence analysis and predict behavior for decision support.
AI/ML in Battlefield Communications: Exploring the use of AI/ML in ensuring robust, secure, and high-performing battlefield communications both at the command level and for individual soldiers (warfighters).

Co-Chairs

Benjamin Riggan, electrical & computer engineering
Paul Brantmier, advanced technologies

Active Members

Aron Barbey, psychology, clinical and cognitive neuroscience
Eric Carnes, environmental, agricultural and occupational health
Dario Ghersi, information science and technology
Babu Guda, bioinformatics and research computing
Jeremy Harris Lipschultz, communications
Andrew Harms, electrical and computer engineering
Michael Hempel, electrical and computer engineering
Deanna House, information systems and quantitative analysis
Qing Hui, electrical and computer engineering
Bethany Lowndes
Byrav Ramamurthy
Mario Scalora
Dustin White
Joe (Xinqiu) Yao
Steven Yeh
Xiaoqian Zhang

Features

Gain insights into some of our fellows' expertise and current research as well as the career paths that led them to help move NSRI's mission forward for strategic deterrence and countering weapons of mass destruction.

Elizabeth Beam

Nursing

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Chris Exstrom

Chemistry

University of Nebraska at Kearney

Ryan Riskowski

Physics

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Mehmet Can Vuran

Computing

University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Latest News

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

Nov 20, 2024

NSRI, UNL developing AI for USSTRATCOM to maximize electromagnetic spectrum

Feb 13, 2025

Husker team’s discovery could be key to sustainable bioenergy

Nebraska Today | NSRI Fellows Nicole Buan, Yongfeng Lu & Karrie Weber

Feb 11, 2025

'Rose to the challenge': Five years since COVID-19 touched down in Nebraska

KETV | NSRI Fellow James Lawler

Feb 11, 2025

Report: University of Nebraska is an engine of growth for the state

University of Nebraska System

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.

Get Started