OPEN Book is the Office of Research and Innovation’s internal monthly electronic newsletter that highlights upcoming activities, office news, and accomplishments. The OPEN Book newsletter is sent on the last business day of the month.
News, Information and Upcoming Events
Research and Innovation Holiday Potluck – Register Now
It is time to register for the annual Research and Innovation Holiday Potluck held Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 11:45-1:15 p.m. in Prem S. Paul Research Center at Whittier School, 2200 Vine Street. We will start the food line in 152 Whittier and eat in 136 Whittier. Let us know if you can attend and what you will be bringing to share. Be sure to dress in your festive holiday attire!
Staff Recognition Event – Postponed to February 19
We will continue the tradition of celebrating our colleague’s accomplishments and enjoying time together.
Please save Thursday, February 19, 11:45 – 3:00 p.m. for our annual recognition presentation and afternoon of bowling and prizes!
Registration will be sent out at the end of January.
Nominations for the 2025 Vice Chancellor’s Invaluable Service Award
Nominations for the 2025 Vice Chancellor’s Invaluable Services Award are being accepted now through January 19. Each year, Research and Innovation gives special recognition to those who have made outstanding contributions to the past year’s successes. The Vice Chancellor’s Award for Invaluable Service is given to individuals who excelled in their work and demonstrated commitment to R&I’s mission. These staff members go above and beyond to support the values of leadership, innovation, and initiative as they provided exceptional service to clients and to the university. Nominate a colleague!
Occasionally, an award is also given to individuals outside R&I to honor their impact on our efforts to achieve our goals. You can use the same form to nominate someone outside the Office of Research and Innovation.
If you have any questions, please contact Becky Carter.
Second Annual Books in the Barrel Room Event
Looking for holiday gifts or want to add to your own library? Come shop UNP’s office overstock event! Bring your own shopping bag and enjoy $4 pints from White Elm while you shop.
Advance ticket: $25 a bag + 30 minute early entry Purchase advance tickets here.
At the door: $5 a book or $30 a bag
Where: White Elm’s Barrel Room, 720 Van Dorn St. in Lincoln, NE
When: Dec. 6 from 3:30-5 pm (early entry is 3:00-3:30 pm)
Money raised goes to support UNP publications and its mission to be a premier publisher that tells the stories and amplifies the authentic voices of diverse people, advancing the boundaries of human knowledge and experience worldwide.
Lincoln Hour of Code & Tech Fair
Saturday, December 6
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
NIC Conference Center
REGISTER >>
Join us for a morning of hands-on coding activities and an interactive Tech Fair featuring robots, virtual reality, and more! This free event is open to the public and geared toward K–12 students interested in computer science.
Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market
Saturday, December 6
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Nebraska Innovation Studio
Enjoy an afternoon of holiday shopping while supporting Nebraska Innovation Studio makers! Discover a treasure trove of unique, handcrafted gifts, art, and more — all created by talented Nebraska Innovation Studio members. Find that perfect one-of-a-kind present you won’t see anywhere else. Bring your friends, family, and holiday spirit for a fun, festive shopping experience. This event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available in the lot north of Transformation Drive.
R&I part of 550 staff at November Staff Senate district meetings
On Nov. 10, 26 R&I staff attended a District 7 (Research) Staff Senate meeting—one of eight districtwide meetings across campus. The meetings serve as forums for feedback, updates on current initiatives, and a chance to meet elected staff senators. In 2026, District 7 meetings will be 10-11 a.m. quarterly on third Wednesdays—Jan. 21, April 15, July 15, Oct. 21—in person (locations to be determined) and on Zoom. For more information, subscribe to the Staff Senate newsletter.
NSPIRE Leadership Development Program
One event remains for the Fall. Enhance your leadership skills and gain practical insights for your professional journey.
- Leading Teams | Dec. 5
Events calendar and registration can be found at:https://events.unl.edu/ODT/search/?q=nspire
NRICH Professional Development Opportunities
- Power Up Your Professional Development Plan | Dec. 9
Find more information and registration links at: https://events.unl.edu/search/?q=nrich.
Farewells
Griffin Bellamy’slast day with Methodology Evaluation Research Core facility was November 21, 2025. Griffin is going back to UNL for his graduate degree in Educational Psychology. In the interim, please contact Aiden Quinn.
Maycee Quick’s last day with Research Finance Nebraska Center for Virology will be November 25, 2025. In the interim, please contact Erin Coufal.
Shiloh Heuertz’s last day with Animal Care Program will be November 28, 2025. Shiloh will be starting a new job with Pitts Veterinary Hospital. In the interim, please contact Katelin VanDerslice.
John Strope’s last day with Nebraska Innovation Studio will be December 1, 2025. John will be returning home to Mobile, Alabama to start a new ventures business with Prism Systems, Inc (his former employer). In the interim, please contact David Martin.
Open Position Announcement
Do you know someone who should join our team? Share this opportunity!
Business Services Coordinator, Nebraska Center for Virology, application review date begins 12/04/2025
The Month in Pictures
From left: Jocelyn Bosley, research impact coordinator; Ran Wang, assistant professor, School of Natural Resources; Shannon Bartelt-Hunt, department chair and professor of civil and environmental engineering; Jamilla Teixeira, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering; Susan VanderPlas, associate professor of statistics; Wendy Van, speech coach, Open Window Communications.
