The University of Nebraska System (NU) continues to invest in innovative research solutions for national security challenges, recently awarding nearly $577,000 to projects in support of the National Strategic Research Institute's (NSRI) mission.
The funding comes through the NU Collaboration Initiative, which NSRI leverages annually to catalyze efforts relevant to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). As the DOD-designated University Affiliated Research Center for NU and the U.S. Strategic Command, NSRI aims to harness the intellectual capacity and leading capabilities of NU’s four campuses to deliver research solutions for strategic deterrence and countering weapons of mass destruction.
"This seed funding enables our researchers to pursue novel ideas that may provide new data, technologies and strategies to operators and defense decision makers," said Dr. Joshua Santarpia, NSRI science and technology advisor. "Continuing to foster an environment a collaborative and innovative environment is crucial for staying ahead in an ever-evolving global threat landscape."
Funded projects include:
Advanced Analytics Laboratory at the University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Business Administration. Led by NSRI Fellow Dr. Dustin White, associate professor of economics at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).
Dr. White says: "Many of our defense partners are keen to improve their decision-making capabilities by utilizing available data. Through this grant, UNO and NSRI will build examples of how we can leverage data to create efficiencies, bring forward new ideas and, overall, help them make clearer decisions. Even at this early phase, our work is leading to new discussions about how UNO and NSRI can help prevent conflicts and protect Nebraskans."
Examining the autoimmune potential of HISP, a broad-spectrum anti-infective immunostimulating peptide. Led by NSRI Fellow Dr. Paul Davis, UNO professor of biology.
Dr. Davis says: "This project is focused on developing a broad-spectrum anti-infective agent that can be administered in remote environments. This approach is unique in that self-dosing is possible, with early evidence suggesting a rapid resolution of respiratory and skin infections resulting from a variety of pathogenic origins. The outcome of this research can lead to better, faster treatments for our personnel in remote and isolated areas where medical infrastructure is limited."
Remote nanoparticle heating for enhanced continuous monitoring of aptamer-based protein detection. Led by NSRI Fellow Dr. Ryan Riskowski, UNO assistant professor of physics.
Dr. Riskowski says: "This project seeks to improve capabilities for direct detection of chemical or biological threats, allowing informed mitigation of destructive incidents and improving safety across the spectrum of national and citizen interests. Our key innovation is to integrate nanoparticle ‘receivers’ that directly reset the molecular sensing surfaces on command. By periodically resetting the sensor platform through discrete cycles, it becomes possible to make our highest-sensitivity techniques deployable on continuous sensing devices for environmental monitoring."
Antibacterial elastic materials for infection-resistant prosthetics. Led by NSRI Fellow Dr. Denis Svechkarev, assistant professor of chemistry at UNO.
Dr. Svechkarev says: "Through our efforts, we will develop polymeric materials with inherent antibacterial properties that can be used for vascular grafts, prosthetics and other medical devices, as well as advanced antibacterial textiles that can neutralize pathogens and inhibit their proliferation during extended wear."
Deciphering the contribution of environmental bacterium to agriculture and medicine. Led by Dr. Martin Conda-Sheridan, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Dr. Conda-Sheridan says: "Through our investigation, we are aiming to find new antibiotics by characterizing the antimicrobial molecules of environmental bacteria with demonstrated antimicrobial activity against plant pathogenic bacteria. The goal is to develop novel antimicrobials to combat infectious diseases affecting humans, animals or plants. Thus, this project could translate agricultural research on plant pathology to address antimicrobial resistance in pathogens."
High-flux micro-pleated filter for waterborne pathogen removal. Led by Dr. Yury Salkovskiy, UNO assistant professor of biomechanics.
Dr. Salkovskiy says: "We are developing a new type of filter material with a very tiny, three-dimensional structure that traps bacteria and viruses more effectively than traditional filters. This breakthrough technology promises faster and more reliable water filtration, crucial for quickly establishing clean water sources in emergency situations. The data we gather during the project will guide us in refining our design to create a highly effective water filter prototype."
The NU Collaboration Initiative has invested over $1.2 million of seed funding into 21 projects relevant to NSRI’s mission. The RFA for fiscal year 2026 projects is published for University of Nebraska researchers to apply.
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