The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska is proud to welcome Adam Carlstrom as director of strategic mission systems.
Carlstrom, who retired after 25 years of naval service in April 2021, will lead the implementation of NSRI’s scientific and technological research support of U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), which sponsors NSRI’s University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) status that is designated by the Department of Defense.
Carlstrom served three tours at USSTRATCOM and retired at the rank of captain. He most recently served as a Battle Watch Commander.
“As USSTRATCOM’s UARC, NSRI has been and continues to be hyper-focused on how our institute and the entire University of Nebraska system can support the objectives of the command and the men and women within the command,” said Maj. Gen., USAF (Ret.) Rick Evans, NSRI interim executive director. “Given Adam’s long experience and deep technical expertise, I think we found an incredible leader who can be the point person for NSRI as we focus on USSTRATCOM's research capacity needs.”
In his previous duty station in Whidbey, Carlstrom served as the Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He successfully directed the man/train/equip responsibilities for all 15 Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) squadrons in addition to commanding the operational responsibilities for five expeditionary VAQ squadrons.
As one of just 14 UARCs in the country, NSRI offers its expertise and capacity as well as access to NU's capabilities, facilities and technology to USSTRATCOM, the DOD and federal government as an independent, trusted partner.
A non-profit research institute, NSRI is acutely mission focused. It aims to support the sustainment, modernization and application of the U.S. nuclear deterrent and advise on advancing U.S. nonproliferation goals. With direct connections to government, academia and industry, NSRI can research, develop, test, evaluate, integrate and employ solutions to deter, detect, protect against and respond to strategic threats to U.S. national security.
“To be able to be part of an organization that still can integrate with the DOD on mission-objectives after my retirement from service is something I’m incredibly grateful to have found,” Carlstrom said. “I have been blown away by the capacity NSRI has across its research focus areas to not only be a connection point but a deep technical expert on. I am particularly interested in Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations mission because of my ties to that emerging mission area."
Recent achievements in NSRI research focus areas include:
- Nuclear Weapons Enterprise Support: Paper "China’s Historical Plutonium Production”
- Chemical & Biological Threat Detection & Countermeasure Development: COVID-19 airframe testing for U.S. Transport Command
- Medical Countermeasures & Response: Nebraska Drug Discovery & Development Pipeline
- Threat-Based Training & Exercise Support: National Guard, Special Ops chemical training course
With the appointment of Carlstrom, the NSRI leadership totals 240 years of experience in or working in support of the Department of Defense. Learn more NSRI leadership at nsri.nebraska.edu/expertise-experts.
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About the National Strategic Research Institute
Through the National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska leading scientists deliver innovative national security research, technology, product and strategy development, training and exercises, and subject matter expertise to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. One of only 14 DoD-designated University Affiliated Research Centers in the country, NSRI is sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command and works to ensure the United States’ safety and preparedness against increasingly sophisticated threats. Read about our mission.
