In a remarkable display of academic prowess, the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) shattered its own records with a groundbreaking $42 million in research funding for the 2023 fiscal year. Marking the third time in four years that UNO set a new funding milestone, this achievement underscored a transformative era for the university that has carried into 2024.
From cutting-edge research to global partnerships, UNO is rapidly emerging as a world-class leader in higher education.
“UNO is on a journey to redefine excellence in higher education—our mission is to lead in research and education on a global scale,” Dr. Joanne Li, Chancellor of the University of Nebraska Omaha since 2021, said. The university’s ascent, she added, is driven by a collective dedication to providing students with unparalleled educational opportunities while addressing global challenges.
From its groundbreaking research and facilities to significant strides across academic fields, UNO’s journey to becoming a world-class institution involves strategic advancements and a holistic approach to education.
Academics Excellence and Research: A Hub for Innovation
The university’s research efforts, from cybersecurity to enhancing mobility for stroke patients, involve both undergraduate and graduate students collaborating with faculty to develop innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges.
The College of Business Administration has played a pivotal role, particularly through its association with the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education (NCITE) Center. The Department of Biomechanics alone filed more than 50 inventions in just the last five years, providing a nearly $30 million economic boost to the Omaha community.
“Reputation in academics is fascinating—once you start building strategic strengths, they create a ripple effect,” Chancellor Li explained. “World-class faculty attract more top-tier talent who see the potential in being associated with a university known for excellence in areas like cybersecurity, biomechanics, aviation, and criminology.”
Dr. Li also highlights the university’s dedication to incorporating advanced technologies into its curriculum. “As a trustee of the Higher Learning Commission, I see how technology is reshaping education,” she said. “These days, we’re incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into our teaching to prepare students for a future where technology and AI play a critical role. We’ve launched an AI Lab to train faculty and staff, ensuring we stay ahead in our curriculum.” UNO has also been a pioneer in online and hybrid course delivery, she added, acting as a leader in modern teaching methods.
The university’s transdisciplinary approach, which integrates resources across its six colleges and into the community, fosters collaboration. “For a metropolitan university like UNO, we’re not receiving proportional state support, which is a common challenge for urban universities,” Chancellor Li noted. “However, every challenge presents an opportunity.”
Adrian Dowell, who has served as UNO’s Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics since 2021, was drawn to the university by its growth potential under Chancellor Li’s leadership. UNO’s student-athletes are successfully competing at the highest level in collegiate sports in Division I athletics—a commitment to excellence that resonated with Dowell from the start.
“Our hockey and softball programs finished last year in the national top 20,” Dowell noted. “We’ve also won numerous championships and enjoyed record-breaking fan support.” Maverick Athletics and Baxter Arena not only enhance the visibility of the UNO campus, but they also provide substantial economic and social benefits to the Omaha metropolitan area, he added.
“Despite the challenges in intercollegiate athletics, we stay focused on ensuring student athletes excel academically and are prepared for the workforce,” Dowell said. UNO’s commitment to academic excellence, he explained, coupled with its strategic advancements in research and technology, is supported by investments in campus amenities.
Cutting-Edge Facilities: Investment in Infrastructure
Over the past decade, UNO has strategically allocated more than $470 million to develop and upgrade its facilities. “Infrastructure expansion is crucial to accommodate our growth,” Chancellor Li noted. “Without it, we can’t support faculty, staff, visitors, partnerships, or students.”
UNO’s commitment to providing top-tier facilities extends beyond academic buildings, Dowell said, encompassing state-of-the-art sports venues and community spaces that enhance engagement with the Omaha community. In the past year alone, over 650,000 unique visitors have come to campus, drawn not only by sports, but community graduations, concerts, and corporate events.
“We’re fortunate to have facilities like Baxter Arena for hockey, basketball, and volleyball; Maverick Park, one of the best ballparks for baseball and softball; and Caniglia Field, which recently hosted a major league soccer game,” he said. “These facilities are a point of pride for our campus community.”
UNO’s investment in modern residence halls and other key infrastructure further enhances the student experience, creating an environment that supports both academic and extracurricular excellence. This approach to campus development is exemplified by the Biomechanics Research Building, a cutting-edge facility that underscores the university’s dedication to cutting-edge research.
Biomechanics: Pioneering Research in Movement and Cardiovascular Health
With the Biomechanics Research Building at its core, the Department of Biomechanics is a leader in innovative research on human movement and cardiovascular health. This state-of-the-art facility and the department’s focus on clinical biomechanics has led to significant advancements, particularly in supporting populations such as the elderly and children with cerebral palsy.
A major milestone for the department came in February 2024 when UNO received an $11 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—their second NIH grant—to establish the Center for Cardiovascular Research in Biomechanics (CRiB). This new center, led by Dr. Alexey Kamenskiy, aims to revolutionize the treatment of vascular diseases—a leading cause of death and disability worldwide.
Dr. Nick Stergiou, the founding Chair of the Department of Biomechanics and Director of the Biomechanics Research Building, said this new center represents a continuation of the department’s trajectory, which has seen tremendous growth since the launch of the Biomechanics Research Center in 2014. “UNO is at the forefront of this discipline, having established the first academic department in biomechanics. We offer bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in the field—we’re the pioneers in biomechanics education,” he said.
“I remember visiting the labs in the early days and holding what looked like snakeskin in my hand,” Chancellor Li recalled. “I was told, ‘Chancellor, in your hand is the future of stents.’ There are major advances in both biomechanics and medical research happening right here on UNO’s campus.”
From developing new materials for cardiovascular diseases to exploring the use of exoskeletons and AI in medical research, this focus on impactful research has helped UNO build a strong global reputation in biomechanics. The department collaborates with prestigious institutions across the nation, including UC Berkeley and Harvard University, as well as institutions in Italy, Portugal, England, France, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. UNO’s department also houses students and faculty from nearly 30 countries.
Dr. Stergiou’s vision is clear: “My personal goal is to ensure that by the time I retire, if a student anywhere on the planet receives two envelopes—one from UNO Biomechanics and another from any other recognizable university—they’ll open UNO’s first. We’re mighty close to this.”
UNO’s biomechanics research not only contributes to the university’s academic excellence, but also plays a crucial role in its mission to improve the lives of people around the world.
“Biomechanics is the discipline of the 21st century, dealing with prosthetics, robotics, exoskeletons, and more,” Dr. Stergiou explained. “We’ve always asked how we can assist with different movement disorders—now, we have the technology to answer that question, with high-speed cameras that capture thousands of pictures per second and advanced computer systems to help us understand them.
“The things we’re doing today are things people dreamed of doing 10 years ago—imagine what we can do in another 10 years.”
Aviation Institute: A Leader in Aviation Education
UNO’s commitment to advancing technology is also evident in the remarkable growth of the Aviation institute, solidifying its reputation as a national player in the field. A cornerstone of the institute’s technological advancements is the state-of-the-art Boeing 737 flight simulator, an advanced training device.
“The Boeing 737 device is tremendous for our students, offering the most accurate practice with the aircraft they’ll be flying once they graduate,” Scott Vlasek, Director of the Aviation Institute, explained. The simulator allows students to familiarize themselves with the autopilot and flight management systems, crucial for modern aviation careers.
Partnerships with major airlines provide students with direct pathways into the industry, Vlasek added. Through collaborations with companies like Jet Linx Aviation, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, students gain access to conditional job offers, mentorship programs, and invaluable industry connections.
“Today, UNO has pathway programs for students that didn’t exist when I was a student,” Vlasek noted. “We’re a big regional player, and we’re becoming even more of a national player, attracting students nationwide with our technology and partnerships.” The institute’s affordable flight training costs compared to other state institutions make it an even more attractive option for students.
“Our faculty are researching future technologies that will impact the field, and we’re focused on integrating these advancements into our curriculum to make sure our students are prepared for tomorrow’s aviation industry,” Vlasek said.
NCITE: Leading the Way in National Security
Further technological advancements extend into critical areas such as national security research. The NCITE Center of Excellence exemplifies this commitment as the Department of Homeland Security’s premier academic center for terrorism prevention and counterterrorism research.
“NCITE was established around 2020, and their focus on security research is crucial for keeping our nation and world safe,” Chancellor Li said. “Students from diverse fields—linguistics, English, psychology, business—all work together on real-world projects. With STRATCOM just 15 minutes away, NCITE is positioned to build on that strategic excellence for the state of Nebraska.”
NCITE’s mission is clear: to produce actionable research that integrates social science, business, and technology to enhance homeland security. With a consortium of over 50 expert researchers from institutions across the U.S. and Europe, NCITE’s work reinforces the university’s role as a thought leader in national security and further elevates its reputation on the international stage.
Student-Centered Approach
UNO’s commitment to students is evident across its other diverse academic areas, including education, communication, and fine arts. The arts saw a significant boost with the $1 million pledge from Dr. Michael B. Jones in July 2024 to create the Michael Bruce Jones, M.D. Chair in the School of the Arts.
“I’m very privileged to be able to make a donation, and I hope that other like-minded people come together to strengthen the humanities at UNO since this is our city’s university,” said Dr. Jones.
“The generosity of Dr. Jones’ gift cannot and should not be understated,” said Michael L. Hilt, dean of the College of Communication, Fine Arts, and Media. This endowed chair is set to elevate the arts at UNO, he added, attracting top faculty and offering innovative opportunities for students. This commitment to enhancing the university’s academic environment parallels Chancellor Li’s vision for broadening UNO’s global reach.
“Higher education cannot be defined by boundaries,” she said. “I always say, ‘let’s bring Omaha to the world and bring the world to Omaha.’ We need more international students to enrich our student body and help solve workforce demands.”
With a focus on countries like Vietnam and Japan, where there’s a high demand for higher education, UNO aims to expand international collaboration through research and curriculum development. Chancellor Li’s ambitious goal is for international students to comprise 10% of the student body, which she believes will enhance campus diversity while meeting local workforce needs.
As UNO looks to the future, the focus remains on preparing students for success. “Data shows that over 65% of our graduates stay in Nebraska, which reflects the impact of public education on local economic development,” noted Chancellor Li. The strong impact of alumni underscores the lasting influence of a UNO education, Dowell added.
“One of the biggest opportunities for growth for the institution, our athletics program included, is alumni engagement,” he said. “Most people don’t realize this, but UNO has more alumni living and working in the Metro area than Creighton and UNL (University of Nebraska–Lincoln) combined—the number is close to 70,000.”
Alumni Success: A Testament to UNO’s Impact
UNO’s alumni network reflects the university’s success, with successful graduates like Ryan Curtis, a 2005 Engineering alum now a Senior Associate at LEO A DALY. Curtis credits UNO for its robust engineering and architectural programs, which, combined with practical experiences and industry involvement, set him up for a successful career.
“I chose UNO for its strong engineering programs, as well as the opportunity to play basketball, which turned out to be a fantastic decision for my education and growth,” Curtis said. “I knew there were AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry leaders in Omaha. There’s Kiewit, and then there’s LEO A DALY, HDR, and DLR Group. My decision to go to UNO was not only to get a good education, but also to get good job placement after I was done with school.”
Curtis remains actively involved with the university, mentoring students and supporting career development programs through the Alumni Association. “I give back because I believe in supporting the institution that played a crucial role in my personal and professional development,” he said. “Through the College of Engineering, I have a chance to meet with students one-on-one and give them advice.”
“A successful alumni network is crucial for our university,” Chancellor Li added. “Our Alumni Association has strengthened connections through programs like “Mavs on the Move” and “Wear Black, Give Back,” which encourages small donations that make a big difference. Every year, we award the Alumni Achievement Awards, and these individuals are doing incredible things in technology and other fields across the world.”
The Alumni Association also helps students navigate early career placement and prepare for interviews, including providing professional attire, Curtis added.
Curtis has one main piece of advice for current students: “Seek mentorship and, eventually, become that mentor and give back. That’s where you really benefit from the cycle continuing on: you can help others grow. It’s an exciting time to be a Maverick and to be alumni—but the best years are ahead.”
The Future of UNO: Continuing the Momentum
As UNO continues its upward trajectory, the need for sustained philanthropic and community support becomes even more critical. Over the years, generous contributions have been instrumental in driving advancements in biomechanics, aviation, and beyond. Omaha’s philanthropy has been a lifeline for biomechanics, Dr. Stergiou noted, enabling their groundbreaking research and facilities.
“We are a sure bet—we have a young, hungry team that’s going to build and do so much more,” Dr. Stergiou said. “Omaha has been extremely generous with biomechanics, with supporters like Bill and Ruth Scott and their family. We’re still growing rapidly—I’m asking the people of Omaha to keep stepping up to the plate and help us maintain this momentum. The university is very supportive, but we truly need the help of the community.”
Similarly, the aviation program has thrived thanks to gifts like the 737-simulator made possible by the Ethel S. Abbott Foundation, but as the program expands, continued backing is essential to keep pace with industry demands, Vlasek said.
Chancellor Li makes her vision for UNO’s future clear: continued growth in academic excellence, global collaborations, and research innovation. Yet she acknowledges the challenges ahead. “We do have resource constraints, but the community’s support is vital,” she said. “We must advocate for a more equitable budget to support the university. That responsibility falls on a chancellor’s shoulders, and I take it very seriously.”
UNO aims to not only maintain this momentum, but accelerate it, with a focus on expanding its international reach to strengthen its reputation as a world-class institution. Chancellor Li’s rallying cry—“let’s bring Omaha to the world and bring the world to Omaha”—embodies the university’s mission ahead. “Continuing our growth will require generous philanthropic support, understanding from the legislature, and successful alumni,” Chancellor Li said.
“Our goal is for people to recognize our impact on the world, and to proudly say they graduated from the University of Nebraska in Omaha.”
For more information, visit unomaha.edu.
This article originally appeared in the October 2024 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
