{"id":3473,"date":"2024-02-20T17:04:48","date_gmt":"2024-02-20T17:04:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/majorawards\/2024\/?page_id=3473"},"modified":"2025-09-26T16:24:17","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T16:24:17","slug":"awards-of-5-million-or-more","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/majorawards\/2025\/awards-of-5-million-or-more\/","title":{"rendered":"Awards of $5 Million or More"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Active awards, July 1, 2024\u2013June 30, 2025
* Indicates new in 2024\u20132025<\/p>\n\n\n

\r\n\t\t\t

Bevins, Rick<\/h2>
Psychology\/Rural Drug Addiction Research Center<\/div><\/div>
Rural Drug Addiction Research Center - Phase 2<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

The Rural Drug Addiction Research Center was created in 2019 as a National Institutes of Health Center of Biomedical Research Excellence, or COBRE. Under the leadership of Rick Bevins, Mildred Francis Thompson University Professor of Psychology, the center\u2019s mission is to advance understanding of causes, impacts and interventions related to rural drug use and misuse in the Midwest, a geographic area that has been historically understudied. Designed to be interdisciplinary and data-driven, the research links pre-clinical studies to field-based behavioral, neural, social, clinical and translational research and dissemination.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$11,070,914<\/div>
DHHS-NIGMS<\/div>
04\/05\/2019<\/span> - 02\/28\/2029<\/span><\/div>
Barrett, Scott<\/div>
Psychology\/Rural Drug Addiction Research Center<\/div><\/div>
Habecker, Patrick<\/div>
Rural Drug Addiction Research Center<\/div><\/div>
Kemp, Blakelee<\/div>
Child, Youth and Family Studies\/Rural Drug Addiction Research Center<\/div><\/div>
Lorenz, Tierney<\/div>
Psychology\/Rural Drug Addiction Research Center<\/div><\/div>
Nelson, Timothy<\/div>
Psychology\/Rural Drug Addiction Research Center<\/div><\/div>
Schwarb, Hillary<\/div>
Psychology\/Rural Drug Addiction Research Center<\/div><\/div>
Tyler, Kimberly<\/div>
Sociology\/Rural Drug Addiction Research Center<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Binek, Christian<\/h2>
Physics and Astronomy\/Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience<\/div><\/div>
RII Track-1: Emergent Quantum Materials and Technologies (EQUATE)<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

Funded by the National Science Foundation, the Emergent Quantum Materials and Technologies collaboration was formed to put Nebraska at the forefront of research and education in quantum materials and technology, which will be a major driver of the state and national economy in the future. Christian Binek, Paula and D.B. Varner Professor of Physics, leads the EQUATE team, made up of Husker researchers and other partners. The collaboration pursues scientific discovery in quantum materials, which could revolutionize technologies in communication and information processing, medical technology and cryptography. The team also is working toward STEM workforce development, training and education, particularly in Native American and rural communities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$8,083,800<\/div>
NSF-EPSCoR<\/div>
06\/01\/2021<\/span> - 05\/31\/2026<\/span><\/div>
Dowben, Peter<\/div>
Physics and Astronomy\/Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience<\/div><\/div>
Guo, Yinsheng<\/div>
Chemistry\/Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience<\/div><\/div>
Hong, Xia<\/div>
Physics and Astronomy\/Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience<\/div><\/div>
Kovalev, Alexey<\/div>
Physics and Astronomy\/Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience<\/div><\/div>
Lai, Rebecca<\/div>
Chemistry\/Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience<\/div><\/div>
Laraoui, Abdelghani<\/div>
Mechanical & Materials Engineering\/Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience<\/div><\/div>
Liou, Sy-Hwang<\/div>
Physics and Astronomy\/Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience<\/div><\/div>
Schubert, Eva<\/div>
Electrical and Computer Engineering\/Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience<\/div><\/div>
Schubert, Mathias<\/div>
Electrical and Computer Engineering\/Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience<\/div><\/div>
Streubel, Robert<\/div>
Physics and Astronomy\/Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience<\/div><\/div>
Tsymbal, Evgeny<\/div>
Physics and Astronomy\/Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience<\/div><\/div>
Xu, Xiaoshan<\/div>
Physics and Astronomy\/Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Bloom, Ken<\/h2>
Physics and Astronomy<\/div><\/div>
U.S. CMS Operations at the Large Hadron Collider<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

Ken Bloom, Willa Cather Professor of Physics and Astronomy, oversees Nebraska\u2019s leadership of the National Science Foundation-funded portion of the U.S. CMS Operations Program. The university\u2019s role in this effort is advancing cutting-edge work in subatomic physics at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Switzerland. CERN is the site of the Large Hadron Collider, the world\u2019s largest, most powerful particle accelerator.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$51,250,000<\/div>
NSF<\/div>
01\/01\/2022<\/span> - 12\/31\/2026<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Cahoon, Edgar<\/h2>
Biochemistry\/Center for Plant Science Innovation<\/div><\/div>
B5: Bigger Better Brassicaceae Biofuels and Bioproducts<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

Edgar Cahoon, George W. Holmes University Professor of Biochemistry, leads an eight-institution team that is exploring how two oilseeds, camelina and pennycress, can help meet the escalating demand for renewable fuels, industrial chemicals and other bioproducts. With U.S. Department of Energy funding, the team will research oilseeds\u2019 metabolic circuitry, produce genetically enhanced oilseeds and develop synthetic biology tools for crop improvement that could help scientists nationwide. By tapping the full potential of oilseeds, the team\u2019s work could help pave the way for Nebraska farmers to diversify their operations and expand into new markets.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$12,839,678<\/div>
DOE<\/div>
09\/01\/2022<\/span> - 08\/31\/2027<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation<\/div>
\n

Edgar Cahoon leads Nebraska\u2019s participation in the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, a U.S. Department of Energy-funded initiative focused on development and marketing of bioenergy crops, biofuels and other bioproducts. Cahoon, George W. Holmes University Professor of Biochemistry, pursues work to transform sorghum into a sustainable feedstock for the bioeconomy, particularly for renewable diesel and jet fuel. To accomplish this, the researchers are using biotechnology tools to develop sorghum germplasm that accumulates vegetable oils in the plant\u2019s stems and leaves. The research center is based at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and unites 20 partner institutions. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>

$6,642,786<\/div>
University of Illinois-Urbana\/Champaign<\/div>
12\/01\/2017<\/span> - 11\/30\/2025<\/span><\/div>
Butler, Nathaniel<\/div>
Agronomy and Horticulture\/Center for Plant Science Innovation<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Centurion, Martin<\/h2>
Physics and Astronomy<\/div><\/div>
Probing Nuclear and Electronic Dynamics in Ultrafast Ring-Conversion Molecular Reactions<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

Martin Centurion, Carl A. Happold Professor of Physics and Astronomy, leads a team investigating the parameters that govern electrocyclic reactions, a class of reactions that plays an important role in nature and has many commercial applications, such as pharmaceutical synthesis. Using multiple experimental techniques, including time-resolved probing methods and advanced theoretical modeling, the team aims to develop general rules that can be applied to understand and predict the outcome of these reactions. The project is advancing both basic and applied chemical research and enables students and postdoctoral researchers to gain experience with multiple experimental methods.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$7,940,000<\/div>
DOE<\/div>
08\/15\/2019<\/span> - 08\/14\/2026<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Corman, Jessica<\/h2>
Natural Resources<\/div><\/div>
RII Track-2 FEC: From Ecosystems to Evolution: Harnessing Elemental Data to Detect Stoichiometric Control-Points and their Consequences for Organismal Evolution<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

With a $6.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation\u2019s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, Jessica Corman is leading a team in developing a first-of-its-kind national environmental database. This tool will help researchers and policy makers study, predict and manage the ever-changing balance of elements in the environment and their impact on ecosystems regionally and nationally. The database, a collection of information from streams, lakes and the organisms that reside in them, will unlock major potential in ecological stoichiometry, a framework that explores the mismatch between available environmental elements and what organisms need. Corman, associate professor of natural resources, is working with partners from the University of Wyoming, Central Arkansas University and Middlebury College.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$6,583,386<\/div>
NSF-EPSCoR<\/div>
01\/01\/2021<\/span> - 12\/31\/2025<\/span><\/div>
Anania, Katie<\/div>
Art, Art History and Design<\/div><\/div>
Clarke, Jennifer<\/div>
Food Science and Technology<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Emery, Mary<\/h2>
Rural Prosperity Nebraska<\/div><\/div>
Midwest\/Central Plains Regional Food Business Center<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

Rural Prosperity Nebraska, a university hub focused on advancing rural communities, is leading formation of the Heartland Regional Food Business Center. The center, an online platform aimed at connecting and strengthening locally grown food systems, brings together buyers, sellers, producers, processors and market managers. Funded by a $25 million cooperative agreement award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture \u2013 among the largest awards ever received by the university \u2013 the center will serve Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Iowa. It is one of 12 such centers funded by the USDA, all designed to help historically underinvested communities in their respective regions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$25,000,000<\/div>
USDA-AMS<\/div>
07\/01\/2023<\/span> - 06\/30\/2027<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Guo, Jiantao<\/h2>
Chemistry\/Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication<\/div><\/div>
Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication, Phase 2<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

A five-year, $11 million grant from the National Institutes of Health provides continuing support for a research center focused on investigating cellular-level miscommunications that contribute to complex diseases like cancer, diabetes and chronic liver disease. The Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaborations among Nebraska\u2019s biomedical researchers and involves faculty at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The center, directed by Jiantao Guo, professor of chemistry, fosters a systems approach, combining the research activities of chemists, biochemists, engineers and bioinformaticists. It connects researchers developing new molecular probes and analytical techniques with those unraveling molecular mechanisms of diseases.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$10,667,732<\/div>
DHHS-NIGMS<\/div>
09\/14\/2021<\/span> - 07\/31\/2026<\/span><\/div>
Huang, Yihe<\/div>
Biochemistry\/Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication<\/div><\/div>
Morton, Martha<\/div>
Chemistry\/Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication<\/div><\/div>
Powers, Robert<\/div>
Chemistry\/Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication<\/div><\/div>
Riethoven, Jean-Jack<\/div>
Center for Biotechnology\/Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication<\/div><\/div>
Romero Camacho, Eduardo<\/div>
Center for Biotechnology\/Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication<\/div><\/div>
Shaw, Jared<\/div>
Chemistry\/Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication<\/div><\/div>
Zhou, You<\/div>
Center for Biotechnology\/Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Khattak, Aemal<\/h2>
Civil and Environmental Engineering\/Nebraska Transportation Center<\/div><\/div>
University Transportation Centers Open Competition 2016<\/div>
<\/div>
$15,584,200<\/div>
DOT<\/div>
12\/05\/2016<\/span> - 09\/30\/2024<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
Mid-America Transportation Center<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

The Mid-America Transportation Center, a consortium of academic institutions led by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with support from the U.S. Department of Transportation, is continuing its efforts to improve transportation safety in Nebraska and neighboring states. The center, which emphasizes challenges facing rural areas and underserved communities, was designated the University Transportation Center of its four-state region after a competitive review. Aemal Khattak, professor of civil and environmental engineering, leads MATC\u2019s research and education efforts in the four Region 7 states: Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. MATC, housed in UNL\u2019s College of Engineering, partners with other universities and colleges in the region, as well as private- and public-sector entities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$5,947,770<\/div>
DOT<\/div>
06\/01\/2023<\/span> - 05\/31\/2029<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Kononoff, Paul<\/h2>
Animal Science<\/div><\/div>
Understanding Host, Microbial, Environmental, and Management Factors Towards Methane Mitigation in Ruminants<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

With funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Nebraska researchers are studying ways to reduce methane emissions from livestock, with the goal of developing tools and management practices for beef and dairy producers. Kononoff, professor of animal science, is leading the multidisciplinary team as it tackles the problem from multiple angles. One method explores the composition of cows\u2019 microbiomes, since methane \u2013 a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change \u2013 is produced in the stomach. Analyzing the complement of microbes in cows with lower emissions will provide direction in reducing methane emissions. The team also aims to pinpoint genes that may contribute to lower methane emissions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$5,000,000<\/div>
USDA-NIFA<\/div>
01\/01\/2024<\/span> - 12\/31\/2028<\/span><\/div>
Brown-Brandl, Tami<\/div>
Biological Systems Engineering<\/div><\/div>
Erickson, Galen<\/div>
Animal Science<\/div><\/div>
Fernando, Samodha<\/div>
Animal Science<\/div><\/div>
Spangler, Matthew<\/div>
Animal Science<\/div><\/div>
Sperber, Jessica<\/div>
Animal Science<\/div><\/div>
Stowell, Rick<\/div>
Biological Systems Engineering\/Animal Science<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Lefore, Nicole<\/h2>
Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute<\/div><\/div>
USAID Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Irrigation & Mechanization Systems<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska led the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Irrigation and Mechanization Systems, part of a network of U.S. Agency for International Development-funded labs aimed at reducing global hunger, poverty and malnutrition through agriculture-led economic growth. The DWFI-led lab generated research-based evidence to support the growth of vibrant irrigation and mechanization markets, develop strong institutions and local capacity for their sustainability, and foster opportunities for equitable access in Feed the Future focal countries. A major research focus was increasing the use of irrigation and agricultural equipment in low- and middle-income countries, particularly among smallholder producers. Nebraska researchers pursued these goals in collaboration with other leading research institutions, development organizations and industry.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$7,667,011<\/div>
USAID<\/div>
09\/30\/2023<\/span> - 02\/26\/2025<\/span><\/div>
Brozovic, Nicholas<\/div>
Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute<\/div><\/div>
Cobbing, Jude<\/div>
Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute<\/div><\/div>
McCornick, Peter<\/div>
Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute<\/div><\/div>
Neale, Christopher<\/div>
Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Lubben, Brad<\/h2>
Agricultural Economics<\/div><\/div>
North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

The North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center, established in 2001, aims to help America\u2019s farmers and ranchers manage the unique risks of producing food for the world\u2019s table. With funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the center administers a regional competitive grants program that supports producer-focused, outcomes-based risk management education programs. The goal is to help producers navigate the increasingly complex range of risks in the field of agriculture, including evolving market fundamentals, farm policy reforms, crop insurance developments, climate change, global conflicts and more. Brad Lubben, extension associate professor of agricultural economics, directs the center, which serves 12 states in the region.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$6,365,250<\/div>
USDA-NIFA<\/div>
09\/01\/2024<\/span> - 08\/31\/2027<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Nelson, Jennifer<\/h2>
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research\/Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research<\/div><\/div>
Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

The Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research is a collaboration between the university and the Nebraska Public Power District. The center was established in 2006 to support energy research that produces new technologies, processes and systems that provide new or significantly enhanced renewable energy sources; improves the quality of life; and boosts economic opportunity. The center fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among Nebraska faculty and with other research institutions, public-sector agencies and private-sector companies with similar interests. The center supports both basic and applied research and has a broad mandate to explore a range of renewable energy opportunities, including biofuels and wind\/solar energy, as well as opportunities for energy conservation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$7,500,000<\/div>
Industry Sponsor<\/div>
04\/01\/2021<\/span> - 03\/31\/2026<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Pinneo, Hanna<\/h2>
Nebraska State Forest Service<\/div><\/div>
Strengthening Nebraska's Urban Forest Infrastructure<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum will use a five-year, $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Forest Service to strengthen Nebraska\u2019s urban forest infrastructure in disadvantaged communities across the state. Made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act, the award will support tree planting, maintenance and removal, which will help combat extreme heat and climate change and increase equitable access to trees and their benefits. The funding will also spark workforce development by increasing the number of certified arborists and other tree care professionals in Nebraska. The arboretum has more than 45 years of experience providing green infrastructure, technical, educational and grant assistance to rural and urban communities. Hanna Pinneo is executive director of the arboretum.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$10,000,000<\/div>
USDA-FS<\/div>
04\/19\/2024<\/span> - 03\/31\/2029<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Riley, Mark<\/h2>
College of Engineering<\/div><\/div>
Heartland Robotics Cluster: COE<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

The university plays a leading role in a multi-million-dollar federal award from the U.S. Department of Commerce to advance robotics innovation, industry partnerships and training for Husker students to become next-level robotics entrepreneurs. Mark Riley, associate dean for research in the College of Engineering, is the principal investigator. The university\u2019s portion of the award will benefit multiple research and teaching spaces on campus; the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership; and Nebraska Innovation Studio and The Combine, both located at Nebraska Innovation Campus. The overarching goal is to bolster Nebraska\u2019s automation infrastructure and grow the talent pipeline in robotics, automation, computer vision and artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$9,360,538<\/div>
DOC-EDA<\/div>
08\/29\/2022<\/span> - 02\/28\/2026<\/span><\/div>
Duncan, Brittany<\/div>
Computing<\/div><\/div>
Nelson, Carl<\/div>
Mechanical & Materials Engineering<\/div><\/div>
Pitla, Santosh<\/div>
Biological Systems Engineering<\/div><\/div>
Qiao, Wei<\/div>
Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Sehi, Natalie<\/h2>
Nutrition and Health Sciences<\/div><\/div>
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education: Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

Natalie Sehi, an educator with Nebraska Extension, led the university\u2019s efforts in helping SNAP-eligible Nebraskans adopt healthy habits, stretch their benefits and combat obesity. SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families buy food. Sehi\u2019s team oversaw SNAP-Ed and educational programming for youth, adults with developmental disabilities and others who qualify for SNAP benefits. In 2024, SNAP-Ed programming in Nebraska reached nearly 120,000 individuals, who used benefits more efficiently and improved their nutritional intake. The university team also helped Nebraskans meet physical activity guidelines; commit to consuming more fruits and vegetables and fewer sugary drinks; and learn to shop smart, cook nutritious meals and adopt healthier lifestyles.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$7,599,010<\/div>
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services<\/div>
10\/01\/2020<\/span> - 09\/30\/2025<\/span><\/div>
Behrends, Donnia<\/div>
Nutrition and Health Sciences<\/div><\/div>
Dunker, Tara<\/div>
Nutrition and Health Sciences<\/div><\/div>
Franzen-Castle, Lisa<\/div>
Nutrition and Health Sciences<\/div><\/div>
Jonas, Marusa<\/div>
Nutrition and Health Sciences<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Sinitskii, Alexander<\/h2>
Chemistry\/Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience<\/div><\/div>
DNA-Enabled Hierarchical Assembly of Graphene Electronics<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

Alexander Sinitskii, Charles Bessey Professor of Chemistry, leads a team aiming to unlock the potential of graphene nanoribbons, narrow strips of graphene that are only a few carbon atoms wide. Because of their miniscule size and tunable electronic properties, these nanoribbons are considered promising components for the miniature electronic devices of the future. To realize this potential, researchers are exploring methods for assembling graphene nanoribbons into electronic circuits \u2013 a challenging task. With Department of Defense funding, Sinitskii\u2019s team is investigating approaches using DNA nanotechnology, which could facilitate controlled self-assembly of graphene nanoribbons up to macroscopic scales.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$7,499,996<\/div>
DOD-ONR-MURI<\/div>
08\/01\/2019<\/span> - 10\/31\/2025<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Stolle, Cody<\/h2>
Midwest Roadside Safety Facility\/Nebraska Transportation Center<\/div><\/div>
*Safe and Efficient Entry Control Points at Military Installations<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

Cody Stolle, research associate professor at the university\u2019s Midwest Roadside Safety Facility, leads a team focused on protecting American soldiers from threats posed by hostile-driven electric vehicles. The more than 1,000 U.S. military installations at home and abroad are surrounded by barriers and gated checkpoints, but these safety features were not engineered to withstand attacks from EVs moving at high speeds. The security risk increases as EVs \u2013 which are heavier and capable of accelerating faster than gas-powered vehicles \u2013 become more popular. Stolle\u2019s team will use funding from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center to establish the parameters necessary to secure these military bases through a combination of digital and physical testing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$5,585,000<\/div>
DOD-Army-ERDC<\/div>
04\/26\/2023<\/span> - 04\/25\/2027<\/span><\/div>
Bielenberg, Robert<\/div>
Midwest Roadside Safety Facility\/Nebraska Transportation Center<\/div><\/div>
Faller, Ronald<\/div>
Midwest Roadside Safety Facility\/Nebraska Transportation Center<\/div><\/div>
Loken, Andrew<\/div>
Midwest Roadside Safety Facility\/Nebraska Transportation Center<\/div><\/div>
Steelman, Joshua<\/div>
Midwest Roadside Safety Facility\/Nebraska Transportation Center\/Civil and Environmental Engineering<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Zempleni, Janos<\/h2>
Nutrition and Health Sciences\/Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases<\/div><\/div>
*Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases through Dietary Molecules<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

With support from the National Institutes of Health\u2019s Center of Biomedical Research Excellence program, the university has established the Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases Through Dietary Molecules. The center, under the leadership of Janos Zempleni, Willa Cather Professor of Molecular Nutrition, focuses on understanding nutrition and obesity at the molecular level, a crucial first step toward curbing this national epidemic. The University of Nebraska Medical Center collaborates on the center, which aims to establish a community of nationally recognized researchers in nutrition, genetics, biochemistry, food science, immunology and computer science. The long-term goal is to become a leader in nutrient signaling and the prevention of obesity and obesity-related diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$5,808,886<\/div>
DHHS-NIGMS<\/div>
06\/15\/2024<\/span> - 05\/31\/2029<\/span><\/div>
Hao, Jingjie<\/div>
Nutrition and Health Sciences\/Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases<\/div><\/div>
Howard, Reka<\/div>
Statistics\/Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases<\/div><\/div>
Mukhopadhyay, Indranil<\/div>
Statistics\/Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases<\/div><\/div>
Sun, Xinghui<\/div>
Biochemistry\/Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases<\/div><\/div>
Yu, Hongfeng<\/div>
Holland Computing Center\/Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases through Dietary Molecules<\/div>
<\/div>
$13,626,894<\/div>
DHHS-NIGMS<\/div>
08\/05\/2014<\/span> - 05\/31\/2025<\/span><\/div>
Bednarski, Tomasz<\/div>
Nutrition and Health Sciences\/Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases<\/div><\/div>
Desaulniers, Amy<\/div>
Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences\/Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases<\/div><\/div>
Dev, Dipti<\/div>
Child, Youth and Family Studies\/Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases<\/div><\/div>
Kachman, Stephen<\/div>
Statistics\/Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases<\/div><\/div>
Sukumaran, Sunil<\/div>
Nutrition and Health Sciences\/Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases<\/div><\/div>
Yamada, Tatsuya<\/div>
Biochemistry\/Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t

Zuhlke, Craig<\/h2>
Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/div><\/div>
*Shaping Metallic Surfaces Using Femtosecond Laser Pulses for Thermal System Management and Other Applications<\/div>
<\/div>
\n

Craig Zuhlke, co-director of the Center for Electro-Optics and Functionalized Surfaces, leads a team helping the Office of Naval Research develop materials with advanced functional properties that are suitable for applications in harsh environments. Zuhlke, Richard L. McNeel Associate Professor of Engineering, is advancing work on femtosecond laser surface processing, a technology that employs an ultrafast laser beamed at a metal material, changing its micro- and nanoscale features and chemistry. The researchers are exploring how to scale FLSP to large areas needed for Navy and defense applications. They also are developing facilities and techniques to study the application of FLSP surfaces in enhancing heat transfer. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

$12,833,287<\/div>
DOD-ONR<\/div>
10\/01\/2024<\/span> - 09\/30\/2029<\/span><\/div>
Gogos, George<\/div>
Mechanical & Materials Engineering<\/div><\/div>
Nejati, Siamak<\/div>
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering<\/div><\/div>
Shield, Jeffrey<\/div>
Mechanical & Materials Engineering<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Active awards, July 1, 2024\u2013June 30, 2025* Indicates new in 2024\u20132025<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3473","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/majorawards\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3473","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/majorawards\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/majorawards\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/majorawards\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/majorawards\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3473"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/majorawards\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3473\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":68358,"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/majorawards\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3473\/revisions\/68358"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/majorawards\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3473"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}