Valarie Hall, director of University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC) and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers for the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD R&E), recently visited the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska (NU) to gain a deeper understanding of its research and operations.
In 2011, NU competed for and was selected as the 14th UARC designated by USD R&E. U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) sponsors the designation, and NU established NSRI in 2012 as a system-wide institute to carry the credential. As a UARC, NSRI is required to maintain essential research and engineering capabilities for the DOD. Since its inception it has facilitated 177 contracts totaling $261 million in awarded funding and providing hundreds of faculty and students research experiences that have resulted in delivered solutions to the U.S. government.
During the one-day engagement, Hall conferred with USSTRATCOM and UARC leaders at USSTRATCOM headquarters, Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska, and received briefings and updates from NU and NSRI leaders. She participated in several tours of laboratories at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) to hear directly from researchers.
"It is clear NSRI and the University of Nebraska are great partners in maintaining essential DOD capabilities now and in the future," Hall said following the engagement. "Their researchers all are doing impressive work that has a direct impact on not only our country but others as well."
To emphasize its unique operating model that prioritizes engaging directly with the four NU campuses, NSRI showcased the work and capabilities of several NSRI Fellows’ laboratories located at UNMC, including:
- Rebecca Oberley-Deegan, professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Dr. Deegan is an active contributor to a Defense Health Agency project through NSRI that is developing a prophylactic for acute radiation syndrome. Details >
- Benson Edagwa, professor, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience. Details >
- Anthony Sambol, associate professor and biosafety and biosecurity officer, Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory. Details >
- Joshua Santarpia, professor, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology. Dr. Santarpia’s lab contributes aerosol biological expertise to several projects through NSRI, including ongoing chemical and defense efforts with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Details >
Throughout the discussions, NSRI staff articulated the contributions of faculty and students from the other NU campuses, such as the Department of Biomechanics at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
The tour concluded at the UNMC Davis Global Center to explore the UNMC Global Center of Health Security’s capabilities. The center leverages the expertise of UNMC researchers and partners to fight highly hazardous communicable diseases and create a network to prepare for and respond to high-consequence infections. The facility features unique assets such as the Nebraska Quarantine United, the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit and the Emerging Pathogens Lab.
"It was our privilege to host Ms. Hall in Nebraska where we showcased our cutting-edge solutions, world-class capabilities and eminent experts," said Maj. Gen., USAF (Ret.) Rick Evans, NSRI executive director. "This visit reaffirmed NSRI's and the University of Nebraska's exceptional readiness to swiftly address the DOD’s evolving national security challenges. Our track record speaks volumes, and we remain committed to upholding this standard of excellence in service to our Nation."
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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 U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies. One of only 15 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.
