Feb 29, 2024
By Katelyn Ideus | NSRI
The National Strategic Research Institute has appointed 14 University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty, including Susan J. Rosowski Associate Professor Massimiliano Pierobon, as NSRI fellows. The group is among 30 NU system researchers named 2024 NSRI fellows.
Bringing forward their expertise from a range of disciplines — chemistry, biology, engineering, computer science, pharmacology, psychology and more — the new fellows expand the network to 161 researchers. NSRI Fellows aim to build multidisciplinary teams that develop solutions for complex problems across the spectrum of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats.
“It is motivating to see this program continue to expand — to see so many University of Nebraska researchers commit to using their expertise for national security,” said Joshua Santarpia, NSRI science and technology adviser. “Advancing and evolving threats demand this type of nimble, interdisciplinary contingent of academic researchers. This network has already proven to be incredibly valuable to NSRI and the U.S. Department of Defense, and we look forward to engaging this new group of fellows.”
NSRI is the DOD-designated University Affiliated Research Center sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command and affiliated with the University of Nebraska System. As a UARC, NSRI must maintain essential research and engineering capabilities for the DOD to leverage. The NSRI fellows help bring that requirement to fruition, contributing their expertise, laboratories and students to deliver defense solutions.
The 14 new fellows from UNL are:
- Aron Barbey, psychology
- Rick Bevins, psychology
- Andreia Bianchini-Huebner, food science and technology
- Clay Cressler, biological sciences
- Nathan Huynh, civil and environmental engineering
- Louise Lynch-O’Brien, entomology
- Patrice McMahon, political science
- Benny Mote, animal science
- Massimiliano Pierobon, computing
- Robert Powers, chemistry
- John Ruberson, entomology
- Cody Stolle, mechanical and materials engineering
- Harkamal Walia, agronomy and horticulture
- Karrie Weber, biological sciences
Pierobon, Susan J. Rosowski Associate Professor, dedicates his research to applying communication and information theory in examining how biological systems transmit and process information. His innovative method has shown significant potential in enhancing the design of intelligent, secure, and efficient drug delivery systems. Currently, he is part of a research team focused on exploring the impact of acute radiation syndrome. This work is particularly relevant for U.S. troops exposed to conditions such as dirty bomb terrorist attacks, nuclear accidents, or the use of nuclear weapons, representing the largest single-project funding awarded by the NSRI to date.
“Being appointed as an NSRI Fellow opens wide new opportunities for me as a researcher, and I am extremely grateful for the chance to join an elite network of specialists who maintain a direct and open line of communication with the U.S. strategic defense system. I am eager to collaborate with some of the best researchers in the country to enhance national safety and technological advancements, ensuring a more secure future.”
Learn more about the NSRI Fellows at nsri.nebraska.edu/fellows.
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 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.
More details at: https://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/14-huskers-named-new-nsri-fellows/