Fifteen University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty members have been selected to participate in the third cohort of the Office of Research and Economic Development’s Research Leaders Program. This initiative, aimed at identifying and developing the next generation of research leaders, is delivered in partnership with the Center for Executive and Professional Development in the College of Business.
The participants, selected through a competitive application process, represent 13 departments spanning three colleges and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. They are:
- Ozan Ciftci, food science and technology.
- Andrea Cupp, animal science.
- Samodha Fernando, animal science.
- Jiong Hu, civil and environmental engineering.
- Nicole Iverson, biological systems engineering.
- Katrina Jagodinsky, history.
- Alexey Kovalev, physics and astronomy.
- Marc Libault, agronomy and horticulture.
- Yunwoo Nam, community and regional planning.
- Yi Qian, electrical and computer engineering.
- Jeffrey Stevens, psychology.
- Xinghui Sun, biochemistry.
- Elizabeth VanWormer, veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences.
- Richard Wilson, plant pathology.
- Jinying Zhu, civil and environmental engineering.
The program helps to create a campus culture committed to increasing the impact of research and creative activity, a key aim of the N2025 strategic plan. Participants will receive the information, skills and connections they need to assemble and lead large-scale, multidisciplinary teams that pursue major extramural funding.
The Leaders program is believed to be the first research leadership program in the Big Ten, and among the first nationally.
“This innovative program stems from our belief that solving the world’s toughest problems, including those addressed in the university’s Grand Challenges, will require interdisciplinary teamwork,” said Bob Wilhelm, vice chancellor for research and economic development. “These experienced and talented researchers will be adding to their skills and knowledge to build and lead research teams. Congratulations to our newest participants.”
This year’s program launches Sept. 23 and wraps in late April 2023, when participants will present plans for growing their research programs to colleagues and university leaders.
Applications for the 2023-24 cohort will be solicited in spring 2023. Visit the Research Leaders Program website for more details or contact Nathan Meier, assistant vice chancellor for research.
