OPEN Book – June 2026

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 now being sent on the first business day of the month.

News, Information, and Upcoming Events

OPEN Forum - Understanding the Faculty Lifecycle Members from the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor’s office, including Christopher Marks, Associate Vice Chancellor for Faculty Affairs, will describe how expectations of faculty activities are established through apportionment of responsibilities and how this impacts hiring, annual evaluation, and promotion/tenure. Date:  Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Time: 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM Location: Carolyn Pope Edwards Hall, room 227 840 N 14th Street on the City Campus & via Zoom Breakfast will be served until 8:55, and the program will begin around 9:00 AM OPEN Forum is a quarterly meeting for all R&I staff; it is an opportunity to gather with colleagues, learn, and give feedback about important aspects of the Office of Research and Innovation.  If you have questions regarding the OPEN Forum, please contact Becky Carter.  
AI Basics Workshop Registration is Open! Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Location: 152 Whittier Research Center or via Zoom About the Workshop Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming how we work, learn, and innovate.  Whether you are completely new to the technology or looking to solidify your understanding, join us for an introductory session designed to demystify the core concepts of modern AI. Led by Cassie Mallette and Angela Rushman from Central Administration's Emerging Technologies team, this workshop will guide you through foundational topics, practical applications, and best practices. What We Will Cover: Generative AI: Understanding what it is, how it works, and how it differs from traditional computing.  Prompt Engineering Strategies: Learn the basics of how to communicate effectively with AI tools to get the best possible results.  Ethical Considerations:  Discuss key issues surrounding data privacy, bias, and responsible AI usage.  Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone curious about incorporating AI tools into their workflows safely and effectively.  No prior background or experience is required!

Click here to register for the AI Basics Workshop.  

Research and Innovation’s Ice Cream Social - Save the Date! Thursday, July 23, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Whittier 150, 152 & Courtyard
NRICH: Emotional Intelligence at Work   What if the secret to better teamwork isn’t a new process, but a deeper understanding of human behavior? Based on The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book, this hands-on workshop explores the practical side of emotional intelligence (EQ). Discover the science behind why emotions can hijack our thinking, learn to decode the true drivers of workplace conflict, and practice responding with intention instead of reaction. Through interactive empathy-mapping exercises, you will expand your interpersonal skills and walk away with a personalized 30-day action plan and a peer accountability partner to ensure your growth sticks. Date & Time: June 16 |1:30-4:00PM Location: Nebraska East Union, Prairie Suites

Increase Your Emotional Intelligence

NSPIRE: Building Better Conversations at Work Looking for the tools you need to navigate conversations as a leader? This session aims to provide leaders with the framework they need to navigate complex social interactions, gain confidence with giving feedback, speak up during disagreement, and manage high-stakes conversations. Join this workshop to work through realistic scenarios, and participate in a hands-on activity to build your communication skills, fostering a better environment for all employees. Date & Time: June 8 | 2:00-4:00 PM Location: Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center Room, Unity Room

Ready to build better conversation? Register here!

Farewells

Emma Carstens’s last day with MERC was May 26, 2026.  In the interim, please contact Jenn Rutt.  

Kudos to Our Colleagues

Matthew Dwyer (Research Development) and Nathan Meier (Vice Chancellor Office) were honored with Inspiring Excellence Awards by the Division of Student Life for exemplifying partnership, advocacy, and dedication to students. After UNL won the inaugural We Give Blood Drive competition sponsored by Abbott and the Big Ten Conference, they helped channel the $1 million prize into Healthy Nebraska and Student Health and Well-being grant programs, funding projects led by recognized student organizations, staff, and faculty to improve health outcomes for Huskers and communities across Nebraska.
Research and Innovation has 7 current and former apprentices who graduated this May. Airlee Freeman (Project Management Office) Nhi Truong (Research Communications) Sydney Beck (Project Management Office) Sydney Kohl (Sponsored Programs) Madeline Splichal (Project Management Office) Olivia Hansen (Animal Care Program), top photo Naomi Chamberlain (Project Management Office), bottom photo Additionally, Olivia and Naomi have both been named Chancellor’s Scholars.

Open Positions Announcment

Do you know someone who should join our team?  Share these opportunities! 

Technology Manager, NUtech Ventures, application review date begins 6/30/2026 
Paleontology Collection Manager, University Museum, application review date begins 6/12/2026

The Month In Pictures

Kate Engel (Nebraska Innovation Campus) recently hosted Garry Clark, Executive Director of the Omaha Inland Port Authority, highlighting the power of intentional partnerships and building a collaborative community.
Brooke Goedert (Nebraska Innovation Campus) made global connections with three Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative Fellows from Columbia, Haiti and Mexico. Milton Cano, Mayte Lopez and Naichka Leonard spent three weeks exploring Nebraska’s agriculture and startup ecosystem.
NUtech Ventures hosted a Spring Lab2Launch Matchmaker event, led by Joy Eakin and Nick Alder. It brought together alumni from recent Nebraska I-Corps cohorts for an afternoon of connection and collaboration. Photo left to right: Ryan Anderson (Industry Relations), recent alum, and Joy Eakin (NUtech Ventures)
Lisa Whisenhunt (Research Compliance, Integrity, and Security) and her daughter took a trip to the Pacific Northwest in April. Here are a few of their favorite photos from parliament building in Canada; Forks, Washington; view outside of the cabin they stayed and La Push Beach.
During one of the early May’s torrential rainstorms, a lone crustacean crusader made a daring escape from the wetlands behind Becky Carter’s home. It didn’t take long for their ten-month-old kitten defense force to intercept the intruder. Yogi, their tabby, went full tactical-investigator mode, tracking its every move, while Walter, their white floofy Lynx Point, preferred a strategy of wide-eyed confusion and bravery from a safer distance.

Yogi and Walter Adventures

If you enjoyed the news and photos, please consider sharing for the next OPEN Book Newsletter. Thank you to the OPEN Book reporters who reach out to their teams for content each month. Jacque Barmore, Methodology and Evaluation Research Core Mardi Bonner, Sponsored Programs Becky Carter, Vice Chancellor's Office Megan Ebbers, Animal Care Program Brooke Goedert, Nebraska Innovation Campus, Nebraska Innovation Studio, NUtech Ventures, and Industry Relations Tiffani Hix, Research Project Management Office Sara Quinn, Research Compliance, Integrity, and Security Petrina Suiter, Research Development Ashley Washburn, Research Communications If you have anything you would like to include in the monthly OPEN Book newsletter, please reach out to one of these reporters or send it directly to Becky Carter, Vice Chancellor's Office, at least two days before the end of the month.