August 22, 2022

Nebraska Environmental Trust funds eight research projects at Nebraska

Aerial photo of Niobrara River
Craig Chandler | University Communication

Craig Chandler | University Communication

The Nebraska Environmental Trust has awarded eight grants totaling more than $526,000 to University of Nebraska–Lincoln projects.

The annual grants went to one new project and seven that have been funded in past years, too.

The new project is research into how to make ethanol production more environmentally sensitive by reducing the amount of water and energy required to produce it and cutting the air emissions that result. Bruce Dvorak, professor of civil and environmental engineering, leads the project, which received $155,663 from NET this year and is to receive $44,232 next year. Details

Renewed funding from the trust went to the following projects:

  • Assessment of greenhouse gas sequestration resources in Districts 5, 6 and 7 to improve carbon management opportunities in Nebraska, Seunghee Kim, assistant professor of civil engineering, $118,438; second year. Details

  • StreamNet: building capacity to improve water quality, Jessica Corman, assistant professor, School of Natural Resources, $11,202; third year. Details

  • Improving statewide performance of conservation investments on eastern redcedar invasions, Dirac Twidwell, associate professor of agronomy and horticulture, $81,690; third year. Details

  • Nebraska farmers and farmland owners’ attitudes of targeted conservation, Andrew Little, assistant professor, School of Natural Resources, $42,448; third year. Details

  • Nebraska Master Naturalist — engaging Nebraska’s youth as naturalists, Dennis Ferraro, professor of practice, School of Natural Resources, $71,630; second year. Details

  • Niobrara River ecology and education, Jessica Corman, assistant professor, School of Natural Resources, $210; second year. Details

  • Detecting atrazine dissipation and evaluating herbicide programs without atrazine for weed control in corn and their environmental impact quotient: research and extension, Amit Jhala, associate professor of agronomy and horticulture, $47,154; third year. Details

The Nebraska Legislature created the Nebraska Environmental Trust in 1992. Using revenue from the Nebraska Lottery, the trust has provided more than $350 million in grants to about 2,500 projects across the state. Anyone — citizens, organizations, communities, farmers and businesses — can apply for funding to protect habitat, improve water quality and establish recycling programs in Nebraska. The Nebraska Environmental Trust works to preserve, protect and restore natural resources for future generations.


News Release Contact(s)

Research Communications Specialist, Office of Research and Economic Development