In Nebraska, about a fourth of criminal offenders will be arrested again. Ebonie Epinger is a UNO doctoral student and part of a research team at the University of Nebraska at Omaha that aims to reduce recidivism—or the tendency to repeat criminal behavior and end up back behind bars.  

Epinger and her team study the patterns that prevent inmates from succeeding once they’re released from custody—research that will lead to less inmates and safer communities. In this episode of Leading Nebraska, we take a look at their efforts to uncover risk factors and develop effective case management tools—and what inspires Epinger to improve the criminal justice system.

To access a transcript of this podcast, visit https://nebraska.edu/nuforne/ebonie-epinger

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by David Fitzgibbon, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 12: UNO's Ebonie Epinger, "Improving the Criminal Justice System"

The world’s population is predicted to surge to 9 billion people in 2050. We'll need production gains in crops to match this growth—and ensure there’s enough food to eat. Stephen Baenziger, a professor and plant sciences expert at UNL, is changing the game when it comes to wheat. 

His work creating wheat hybrids that are more resilient—and more productive—will play a major role when it comes to feeding a hungry, growing world. In this episode of Leading Nebraska, we take a look at how Baenziger‘s research makes a huge difference across the agriculture-driven state of Nebraska—and across the world.

To access a transcript of this podcast, visit nebraska.edu/nuforne/stephen-baenziger

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by David Fitzgibbon, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 13: UNL's Stephen Baenziger, "Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread"

The majority of us wake up in the morning, get out of bed, and go about our day never thinking about how we move. But for Dr. Nick Stergiou and his visionary team at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, biomechanics—the study of human movement and the forces that produce it—is all they research.

UNO is home to the first center in the world dedicated exclusively to researching human movement. The center’s projects lead to groundbreaking innovations and improved quality of life—like reducing falls among patients with Parkinson’s disease or helping children with congenital defects through prosthetic limbs. It’s also attracted millions of dollars in funding from the National Institutes of Health. 

In this episode of Leading Nebraska, we take a deeper dive into how Stergiou helped advance UNO to the top of list when it comes to biomechanics research.

To access a transcript of this podcast, visit nebraska.edu/nuforne/nick-stergiou

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by David Fitzgibbon, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 14: UNO’s Nick Stergiou, “Moving Nebraska Forward With Biomechanics”

With people hunkering down at home to protect themselves from COVID-19, things have been hard for small businesses—especially local restaurants and coffeeshops.

Enter Brim, a mobile ordering app that can be used by any local business. Luke Bogus, a student in UNL’s prestigious Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, created the app as a business opportunity—but when the pandemic hit a week after the app launched, he shifted his plan and offered it to businesses for free. 

In this episode of Leading Nebraska, we talk with Bogus about his app and more. He shares how his education helped developed his computer science skills—and led to a job at Microsoft.

To access a transcript of this podcast, visit https://nebraska.edu/nuforne/luke-bogus

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by David Fitzgibbon, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 15: UNL’s Luke Bogus, “Lending a Hand to Local Businesses”

The University of Nebraska System is hard at work conducting research and outreach that improves lives across Nebraska and across the nation. But it’s not just making lives better, it’s also helping to grow Nebraska’s economy. 

And that growth is quantifiable. A new analysis of the NU System’s impact on Nebraska’s prosperity and quality of life shows that its teaching, research and outreach activities grow the state’s economy by $5.8 billion every year.

In this episode of Leading Nebraska, we talk with President Ted Carter about how the University of Nebraska was one of the only university systems in the country to grow during the pandemic—and how that growth impacts the state’s economy and success.

To access a transcript of this podcast, visit https://nebraska.edu/nuforne/ted-carter-2

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by David Fitzgibbon, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 16: NU System’s Ted Carter, “Demonstrating the University’s Impact”

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the University of Nebraska Medical Center was ready. They had faced Ebola, trained for decades on biocontainment and infectious disease, and had a team of people who had prepared in advance for that moment.  

Their experts in biopreparedness faced COVID-19 head on—developing new treatments, testing new ways to use personal protective equipment and providing important research on how the virus spreads. The Medical Center’s foundation of experience and expertise played a key role. 

In this episode of Leading Nebraska, we talk with Chris Kratochvil, UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security Distinguished Chair. He discusses the world-renowned infectious disease center and how UNMC is providing solutions needed to face the next pandemic.

To access a transcript of this podcast, visit https://nebraska.edu/nuforne/chris-kratochvil.

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by David Fitzgibbon, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 17: UNMC’s Chris Kratochvil, “Mitigating Emerging Health Threats”

The value of an internship in college can’t be understated. Students with the resourcefulness to get hands-on in their first jobs are generally in short supply. But not at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where business students are encouraged to take internships while in school.

Tianna Engen was one of those students. Now a corporate accountant with The Buckle, a clothing retailer, the Kearney native didn’t even have to job search after college. Engen spent two years with The Buckle as an internal audit and finance intern while earning her degree in business administration. 

On this episode of Leading Nebraska, we learn more about how UNK is building strong relationships with businesses in Kearney and elsewhere—and how those relationships help students to make a successful transition from college to career.

To access a transcript of this podcast, visit nebraska.edu/nuforne/tianna-engen. 

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by David Fitzgibbon, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

May 2022

Leading Nebraska, Episode 18: UNK’s Tianna Engen, “Making an Impact from Day One”

University of Nebraska President Ted Carter was selected for the elite Top Gun program in 1985. There, he experienced hands-on learning that changed his life. 

Today, Carter is committed to helping students succeed. He knows classroom lessons are enriched by experience and that a talented workforce strengthens the state’s economy. Carter wants to make sure every University of Nebraska student graduates with some type of hands-on learning experience—whether that be an internship, study abroad, or community service. 

In this episode of Leading Nebraska, we talk with President Ted Carter about how the University of Nebraska plans to help students soar into the future through experiential learning. 

To access a transcript of this podcast, visit https://nebraska.edu/nuforne/ted-carter-3

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by David Fitzgibbon, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 19: President Ted Carter, "Preparing The Youth Of Tomorrow, Today"

University of Nebraska-Lincoln engineering professor Shane Farritor is the co-founder of Virtual Incision, a medical device company located at Nebraska Innovation Campus. He and his team have developed MIRA—a handheld, two-pound device that's inserted into the body for surgery.

MIRA is also cost effective and affordable for hospitals. The robotic device is currently being tested for use in colon resections needed to treat gastrointestinal issues, like diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease. But Farritor sees a bigger role for his miniature robots.  

In this episode of “Leading Nebraska”, we talk with Shane Farritor about how miniature surgical robots are launching the University of Nebraska-Lincoln into a high-tech future—and even into space.

To access a transcript of this podcast, visit nebraska.edu/nuforne/shane-farritor

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by David Fitzgibbon, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 20: UNL's Shane Farritor, "Surgical Robots and a High-Tech Future"

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Nebraska, and one in every three Nebraskans will hear the words “you have cancer” in their lifetime. A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is especially devastating, as someone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer today has a 10% chance of living for five years.

Dr. Kelsey Klute is determined to turn the tide. A gastrointestinal medical oncologist, she leads a UNMC research team studying new methods of treating pancreatic cancer.

In this episode of “Leading Nebraska”, we talk with Kelsey Klute about how clinical trials and looking at novel ways to find and treat this cancer early can improve the rates of survival and make a difference for patients and their families.

To access a transcript of this podcast, visit nebraska.edu/nuforne/ken-cowan

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by David Fitzgibbon and Curt Bright, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 21: UNMC's Kelsey Klute, "Taking Up the Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer"

In order to grow Nebraska, we need more students to attend and graduate from college. That includes students who may be the first in their families to attend college or come from underrepresented populations.

The Goodrich Scholarship program is a merit and need-based scholarship for students like these who attend the University of Nebraska at Omaha. It is cohort-based and includes academic and non-academic support services. Since 1972, the program has enabled more than 1,600 students to complete their education at UNO. 

Dr. Troy Romero, an organizational psychologist, leads the Goodrich Scholars program. In this episode of “Leading Nebraska,” we talk with Romero about how creating community and how programs like the Goodrich Scholarship can improve the rates of student success—and make a difference for retention and graduation.

To access a transcript of this podcast, visit nebraska.edu/nuforne/troy-romero

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by Curt Bright, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 22: Troy Romero, “Building a Foundation for Student Success”

Health care professionals are vital for their communities. But increasingly, rural health care is on life support. That’s why the University of Nebraska Medical Center is making rural health a priority. 

The Medical Center, in partnership with the University of Nebraska at Kearney, is in the middle of an ambitious new project: the Rural Health Education Building. Construction on the three story, 100-thousand square foot building began in fall of 2023. When it opens in 2026, the building will expand existing offerings to more than 300 students and strengthen the talent pipeline of health professionals. 

Doug Kristensen, the chancellor at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, believes the new facility will bring health and economic benefits to the state. In this episode of “Leading Nebraska,” we talk with Kristensen about how initiatives like the Rural Health Education Building are leading Nebraska into a healthier future..

To access a transcript of this podcast, visit https://nebraska.edu/nuforne/doug-kristensen.

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by Curt Bright, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 23: Doug Kristensen, “Breathing Life Into Rural Nebraska”

The Nebraska Promise is the University of Nebraska System’s free tuition program. The program covers undergraduate tuition at the University of Nebraska for Nebraska students who have a family income of $65,000 or less and meet academic qualifications.

It covers the cost of tuition above what federal Pell Grants and other financial aid pays for, helping students to pursue a degree with minimal cost. The Nebraska Promise applies to all University of Nebraska campuses. With students only paying for room, board, books and fees, they can max out their course load, expand their extracurricular opportunities, have more time to study, and pursue non-paying internships that will prepare them for the job market.

Mayra Flores, a recent business administration graduate from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, was the first in her family to earn a college degree. In this episode of “Leading Nebraska,” we talk with Mayra about Nebraska Promise—and how it made higher education a possibility for her. 
To access a transcript of this podcast, visit https://nebraska.edu/nebraska-promise/flores-transcript.

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by Curt Bright, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 24: Mayra Flores, “Opening the World of Higher Education”

Toni Rasmussen is a former farm kid who knows the pride of donning an FFA jacket. As a high schooler in Albion, Rasmussen was inspired by her ag education class, which propelled her to organize a goat enterprise for her family farm. Naturally, a career in ag education was a perfect next step for her. Thanks to the University of Nebraska—Lincoln, today she’s one of 200 full-time instructors across Nebraska teaching agriculture to high school students.

To read more about Toni Rasmussen or to access a transcript, visit https://nebraska.edu/nuforne/toni-rasmussen.

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by David Fitzgibbon, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 3: UNL’S Toni Rasmussen, "Training the Next Crop of Ag Professionals”

In this episode of "Leading Nebraska", we explore how the Nebraska Business Development Center reaches across the state to strengthen business and improve lives. 

Harold Sargus is a manager with the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. We trail him through a leadership training project with Hillcrest Health Services.

In addition to leadership training, Sargus and NBDC offer assistance with business plans, technology transfer, market research services and more. As a statewide network of offices, NBDC provides boots on the ground to help  Nebraska businesses, large and small.

To read more about Harold Sargus or to access a transcript, visit https://nebraska.edu/nuforne/harold-sargus.

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by David Fitzgibbon, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 4: UNO’S Harold Sargus, "Preventing Nebraska Brain Drain”

Forty UNL freshmen are at the start of a journey that eventually leads to classrooms in Nebraska and across the country. Guy Trainin, chair of the UNL Department of Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education, is excited about the potential. The goal of the Teachers Scholars Academy is to grow the next generation of educators, creating and molding teachers who are effective for the future.

For more stories or to access transcripts of these podcasts, visit nebraska.edu/NUforNE.

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by David Fitzgibbon, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 5: UNL’S Guy Trainin, "Shaping the Future of Education"

As the “Baby Boomer” generation ages, the need for nursing care is expected to grow beyond levels our healthcare system can currently handle. University of Nebraska Medical Center is facing this uphill climb with a full-force effort to bring more nurses into the fold. The key is to meet students where they are—both in their life, and in their hometown. Nora Arellano is one such student UNMC has served—and she's now serving others. 

For more stories or to access transcripts of this podcast, visit nebraska.edu/nuforne/nora-arellano.

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by David Fitzgibbon, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 6: UNMC's Nora Arellano, "Growing Nursing Education in Rural Nebraska"

Dr. Gina Ligon is director of a new national center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, dedicated to counterterrorism. The center, NCITE, is funded by the Department of Homeland Security with the largest federal grant in University history. UNO, where the center is located, is the lead institution for the center's network of 18 partner institutions.  

In this episode of Leading Nebraska, we explore how Dr. Ligon and her team of expert researchers—both here in Nebraska and across the world—are keeping our country safe. 

For more stories or to access transcripts of this podcast, visit https://nebraska.edu/nuforne/gina-ligon.

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by David Fitzgibbon, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 7: UNO's Gina Ligon, "Leading the Fight Against Counterterrorism"

There’s a shortage of healthcare professionals in many parts of the state. Thirteen out of Nebraska’s 93 counties don’t have a primary care physician and studies suggest the problem could get worse. 

In this episode of Leading Nebraska, we take a look at the shortage of health care professionals across the state — and how the university is working to fill that need.  

Brandon Drozd coordinates the Central Nebraska Area Health Education Center at UNK, a program designed to close the healthcare gap. Drozd and UNK are working to attract students to allied health fields. And, those efforts are paying off. Listen to the podcast to hear his story. 

For more stories or to access transcripts of this podcast, visit nebraska.edu/nuforne/brandon-drozd

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by David Fitzgibbon, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 8: UNK's Brandon Drozd, "Guiding Students to Rural Healthcare Careers"

For four months this year, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was in the hand sanitizer production business, under the leadership of Hunter Flodman, UNL associate professor of practice in chemical and biomedical engineering. 

In this episode of Leading Nebraska, we explore how Flodman and his team produced thousands of gallons of hand sanitizer for schools, hospitals, businesses and other organizations who needed it—and couldn't access it.

For more stories or to access a transcript of this podcast, visit https://nebraska.edu/nuforne/hunter-flodman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 9: UNL's Hunter Flodman, "When COVID Leads to a Hand Sanitizer Shortage"

As he leads the University of Nebraska system and plans for its future, University of Nebraska President Ted Carter is putting years of military experience to good use. A retired Navy admiral with over 30 years of service to our nation, Carter has faced challenging decisions before. Today, as higher education faces the pandemic, he has put together a plan that will help Nebraska's only public university grow and thrive despite the current background of uncertainty.  

In this episode of Leading Nebraska, Ted Carter talks about what prepared him to lead the University through tough times, his strategy for the future—and why he believes the university will come out stronger on the other side.

For more stories or to access a transcript of this podcast, visit https://nebraska.edu/nuforne.

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by David Fitzgibbon, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 10: President Ted Carter, "Charting the Course for the University"

A UNMC doctor, Andre Kalil, is using their specialized biocontainment facility in Omaha to lead the way in experimental testing for COVID-19. A drug treatment for coronavirus, remdesivir, was first tested at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. While studies are ongoing, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved remdesivir for treatment of COVID-19.

In this episode of Leading Nebraska, we take a look at the efforts to test remdesivir—and what inspires Andre Kalil to keep searching for effective treatments to COVID-19.

For more stories or to access a transcript of this podcast, visit https://nebraska.edu/nuforne.

This show is based on a story written by Jackie Ostrowicki. It was written and produced by Mary Jane Bruce, co-produced and edited by David Fitzgibbon, and promoted and marketed by Ryan Rothman.

Leading Nebraska, Episode 11: UNMC's Andre Kalil, "Testing a Treatment for COVID-19"

The “Leading Nebraska” podcast shares the stories of the researchers, students, teachers and others across the University of Nebraska's four campuses who are making an impact. From teachers and doctors to engineers and ag experts, these Nebraska leaders are touching lives and making a difference.

For more stories or to access transcripts of these podcasts, visit nebraska.edu/NUforNE.

"Leading Nebraska": The Podcast

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