HARNOOR DHALIWAL
Dear Scott Scholars Community,
Higher education stands at a transformative crossroads—one filled with immense possibility and opportunity for meaningful evolution. At the Scott Scholars Program at UNO, we embrace this moment with optimism and vision. We are not simply adapting to change; we are helping shape it—building innovative educational models that develop the next generation of leaders, problem solvers, and mission-driven individuals dedicated to making a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.
In the following pages, you will see how our programs are reshaping education—providing students with experiences that matter and equipping them with the skills to navigate future challenges and opportunities.
At a time when higher education faces heightened skepticism, the Scott Scholars Program continues to demonstrate the transformative power of intentional, innovative learning. Our students, alumni, faculty, and partners affirm our belief that education remains one of society’s most impactful investments.
Thank you for your continued support as we inspire, innovate, and invest in the leaders of tomorrow.
Warm regards,
Harnoor S. Dhaliwal, Ph.D Executive Director Scott Scholars Program
Career Development Institute (CDI)
The CDI empowers Scott Scholars to transition seamlessly from passion to purposeful careers. Students engage deeply through CliftonStrengths assessments, Career Week, comprehensive career development workshops, internship placements, and extensive networking opportunities. Notably, our Medical School Application Preparation initiative saw all participants enhance their MCAT scores after completing the Kaplan Prep Course funded by our program. “White Coats Write Code,” a unique student-launched startup, significantly elevated participants’ data science capabilities—demonstrating CDI’s role in equipping our scholars with indispensable skills for tomorrow’s workforce.
Community Action Projects (CAPs)
Community Action Projects connect Scott Scholars with Omaha area organizations to
create meaningful and lasting community impact. Using human-centered design thinking, student teams tackle real-world operational challenges faced by local partners. This year, Scott Scholars contributed 4,394 hours to support these initiatives, generating an impressive economic impact of $152,867. Through these projects, our scholars gained valuable hands-on experience, built professional relationships, and developed innovative solutions that greatly benefited both the community and participating organizations.
Experiential Learning & Travel
Scott Scholars represented UNO at prestigious global forums like the Aspen Ideas Festival and the Fast Company Innovation Festival. These experiences allowed them to interact directly with global thought leaders across fields such as climate change, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and technology. The direct
exposure to pioneering ideas and innovations significantly amplified their ability to foster collaboration and innovative problem-solving.
Innovation Ignited Fellowship with MIT
Our innovative partnership with MIT’s Work of the Future Initiative positions Scott Scholars at the forefront of ethical artificial intelligence and automation. Through rigorous coursework, hands-on campus visits, and applied projects with Nebraska-based companies, Scott Scholars are developing groundbreaking solutions. This transformative educational model has already demonstrated its potential to dramatically enhance local industry practices, ensuring widespread and equitable benefits from automation and AI.
Student Research & Recognition
The Scott Scholars Program continues to set benchmarks in academic excellence. Our
students earned significant recognition at the Student Honors Convocation, including Ava DeLaGarza’s outstanding achievement of receiving both the Dean’s Award and the Chancellor’s Outstanding Academic Achievement Award. Additionally, high-impact research opportunities with institutions such as the Trudeau Institute, USAMRIID, and UNMC have enabled our students to actively contribute to significant advancements in biomedical research and the treatment of infectious diseases.
Technical Literacy: Vibe Coding Course
This year, we launched AIML 1870: Next-Gen Software Development, introducing scholars to vibe coding—an innovative method that utilizes large language models, such as ChatGPT and Claude 3.7 Sonnet. This course, reflecting the evolving tech landscape, empowered students across disciplines to collaboratively develop practical technical solutions, further strengthening their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
WHOLE: Wellness Program
The Scholars Wellness Program was thoughtfully redesigned this past year to better support students and boost participation. Through comprehensive programming on stress management, emotional regulation, financial literacy, and environmental awareness, WHOLE greatly enhanced our students’ lives. Participation increased significantly, with 95% of students actively involved in wellness activities, which strengthened community bonds and directly improved student retention and overall well-being.
Recruitment Success: Class of 2029
This fall, the Scott Scholars Program proudly welcomes its largest cohort yet—45 exceptional students from across Nebraska. These incoming scholars arrive with an impressive average ACT score of 33.1 and an average GPA of 4.029, representing 27 high schools. Their collective talents extend beyond academics into athletics, music, theatre, and speech, promising to enrich our community profoundly. Notably, Sydney Hamilton, Basil Fulton, and Saral Sapkota received the prestigious University of Nebraska System Presidential Scholarship, exemplifying leadership and a commitment to academic excellence aligned with our program’s mission.
THANK YOU, WAYNE WATKINS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
| 2019-2025
The Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation and the Scott Scholars Program team extend their deepest gratitude to Wayne Watkins for his inspiring mentorship, humble leadership, and lasting impact on more than 350 Scott Scholars while serving as Executive Director from 2019 to 2025.
“We knew Wayne was the right person for this role. Students who interviewed him were unanimous in that choice, but what I remember most is that before he even had the job, he had already helped a student draft a business plan on the back of a napkin,” said Laura Miller, Ph.D., Director of Education for the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation.
Before joining the UNO community, Watkins held a range of executive roles across business and higher education. He served as CEO of Honeyville, Inc., a family-owned food manufacturing company; president of Frontier Scientific/Echelon Biosciences; vice president of the University of Akron Research Foundation; and director of technology commercialization at Utah State University. These experiences gave him a unique perspective on how academia and industry intersect.
“He has such a talent for helping young people aspire to things beyond their wildest imagination. We couldn’t have asked for a better leader for our program,” said Harnoor Dhaliwal, Ph.D.
As Executive Director, Watkins used his extensive professional network to create impactful partnerships and professional development opportunities for students. Yet, it was the student-centered mission that mattered most to him. “We’re trying to perfect the undergraduate experience. Walter Scott, Jr. personally charged us to prepare the rising generation of leaders to go out into the world and do great things.” When asked whether he feels that mission has been fulfilled, Watkins smiled and said, “The work is never done, but I’m quite pleased with what we’ve accomplished.”
That sentiment is shared by leadership across UNO and the University of Nebraska System. “Having known Walter personally, I’m very confident in the work Wayne and the Scott Scholars have done to carry out his legacy—transforming Omaha by developing Nebraska’s brightest leaders and keeping them close to home,” said Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, President of the University of Nebraska System.
Joanne Li, Ph.D., Chancellor of UNO, added: “It has been such a pleasure to witness the incredible work Wayne and the Scott Scholars Program have done for our students and our community. He will be dearly missed.”
Watkins will continue contributing to the Scott Foundation’s mission as its inaugural Strategic Partnership Officer—a role that allows him to keep bringing together top talent across sectors to spark innovation and create meaningful change across Nebraska and beyond.
LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
The Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship Program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha is dynamically powered by university leadership, staff, and faculty advisors, as well as the generous support of the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation. Together, they seek to bring unique STEM-focused learning and development opportunities to Scott Scholars that foster innovation and positive impact in Omaha and beyond. Reflected here is the leadership structure moving into the 20252026 school year.
SUZANNE
EXECUTIVE
CORPORATE ADVISORY BOARD
The Corporate Advisory Board brings together industry leaders from across the state and region to provide insight on workforce trends, promote career readiness, and create meaningful engagement opportunities that connect scholars with the professional world. Their guidance ensures the program remains aligned with evolving job markets and employer needs.
LEADERSHIP:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Harnoor Dhaliwal, Ph.D.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Jonathan Smail, MPA, PMP
EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR Alex Mathews, MA
DESIGN STUDIO PROGRAM
COORDINATOR Kaitlyn Baysa, MS
PROGRAM OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Gabrielle Doue, MA
CHANCELLOR Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA
SUZANNE & WALTER SCOTT FOUNDATION Laura Miller, Ph.D.
ACADEMIC ADVISORY BOARD:
Kate Coooper, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Informatics
Paul H. Davis, Ph.D.
Nebraska Regents Distinguished Professor, Department of Biology
Paul Denton, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Biology
Steve Schulz, Ph.D.
Interim Dean, College of Business Administration
Clarence E. Waters, Ph.D., PE, F.AEI Aaron Douglas Professor of Architectural Engineering
Victor Winter, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Computer Science
SCOTT SCHOLARS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
The Scott Scholars Leadership Council is a student-led organization dedicated to strengthening the Scott Scholars community by ensuring student voices are represented in program planning and initiatives. Council members are selected from each cohort and serve on committees guided by professional staff.
f Recruitment & Community Outreach Committee
f Social Media Committee
f Wellness Committee
f Design Thinking Committee
f Scholar Engagement & Events Committee
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Scott Scholars Program provides students with a unique living-learning community and signature developmental experiences. This whole-person approach supports Scott Scholars’ growth in essential areas related to intellect, creativity, civic engagement, and wellness.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Challenging by design, the Scott Scholars Program equips students with the technical, social, emotional, and problem-solving skills necessary to excel as STEM leaders in their communities and chosen professions. Five learning outcomes guide the evaluation of program initiatives and goals.
SCOTT SCHOLARS BECOME CAREER-READY
Scholars develop industry-leading technical skills, ensuring they enter their chosen fields as top-tier candidates. Their rich blend of curricular and co-curricular experiences leads to a résumé packed with real-world projects, leadership roles, and meaningful community impact
SCOTT SCHOLARS DEVELOP AS LEADERS
Scholars explore their leader identities and learn to engage in responsible leadership that inspires others to affect positive change through the accomplishment of common goals.
SCOTT SCHOLARS CULTIVATE A STRONG SENSE OF SELF
Scholars become comfortable with self-reflection and learn to articulate and leverage specific strengths, skills, and competencies. They understand how their values and beliefs fit within the context of our complex social landscape.
SCOTT SCHOLARS BECOME COMMUNITY-FOCUSED
Scholars grow into community-engaged citizens through participation in various service projects and ongoing commitments. They use their specialized skills for community advancement.
SCOTT SCHOLARS EMBRACE A LEARNING MINDSET
Scholars become strong critical and creative thinkers, able to apply technical knowledge from multiple disciplines to generate ideas and solve complex problems. They value lifelong learning and remain open to new experiences and opportunities for continued growth.
THE MODEL
ACAD EMICS
f Degree completion in approved STEM pathways (see p.19)
f Scholarly opportunities outside of the classroom
f Enrollment in leadership and technical literacy courses
f Requirement to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a full-time courseload
LEARNING OUTCOMES SUPPORTED:
• Learning Mindset
• Career-Ready
THE MODEL
Tuition (funded by UNO Regent’s or NU Presidential Scholarship)
Room & Board
Textbooks, MacBook, Parking Permit
The educational architecture of the Scott Scholars Program blends a challenging STEM curriculum with whole-person development, supported by impactful mentoring, professional networking, and strong community partnerships.
IMPA CT
f Mentorship from program administrators, faculty, and external professionals
f STEM-focused career opportunities
f Research and innovation
f Community Action Projects
f Design Studio Internship
f Enterprise creation support
LEARNING OUTCOMES SUPPORTED:
• Community-Focused
• Career-Ready
• Developed Sense of Self UNO SCOTT SCHOLARS RECEIVE
WHOLE-PERSON DE VE LO PMENT
f Living-learning community at Scott Residence Hall and Scott Village
f Leadership Development course
f Stanford design thinking skill mastery
f Wellness programs, events, and resources
f Experiential learning opportunities
LEARNING OUTCOMES SUPPORTED:
• Community-Focused
• Leadership Development
PROGRAMS
Scott Scholars Design Studio
Living-Learning Community
• UNO Scott Scholars reside in Scott Residence Hall, where they have exclusive access to private study areas, a game room and lounge, a movie theatre, community kitchens, free laundry, and a small-scale fitness center. As seniors, they move to Scott Village for more spacious apartments but keep their access to Scott Hall.
• From cohort-specific retreats, wellness events, and student-led activities, Scott Scholars have a wide variety of engagement opportunities that promote community and a sense of belonging.
WHOLE
• This year saw a new iteration of our signature wellness program, WHOLE. By adopting a more holistic approach that encompasses the eight dimensions of wellness, WHOLE ensures students are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to have a happy and healthy college experience.
• With intentional programming specific to our first-year students as they navigate the transition from high school to college and a dynamic range of wellness-related activities for the entire cohort to enjoy, WHOLE keeps a finger on our living and learning community’s pulse.
• A homebase for the program’s design thinking efforts, the Scott Scholars Design Studio housed in Scott Residence Hall is where the problem-solving magic happens. Students gather in this space weekly to collaborate on meaningful projects that have a direct impact in the community.
Career Development Institute
• The Career Development Institute (CDI) curates professional development curriculum, resources, and events based on students’ needs and industry-specific trends.
• Scott Scholars have year-round access to individualized coaching on resume, CV, and cover letter writing, job applications, interviewing skills, and more.
Summer Design Studio Internship
• Scott Scholars of all grade levels from across the country are invited to participate in the UNO Scott Scholars Program’s in-house, paid internship each summer, where they partner with community organizations for 10 weeks to solve real-world problems using human-centered design thinking, coding, and other technical skills.
Career Week
• Tailored to both students’ and employers’ unique needs and interests, Scott Scholars Career Week is unlike your typical college career fair. CDI hosts this signature event each year to bring local and national companies, organizations, and laboratories to Scott Campus for exclusive engagement with Scott Scholars, resulting in high-impact internship, research, and employment opportunities.
Community Action Projects
• Connecting our talented STEM students with local organizations, Community Action Projects (CAPs) bring innovative solutions to the Omaha community.
• Multidisciplinary teams of Scott Scholars are tasked with solving real-world problems by utilizing design thinking. Progressing through the model’s five iterative stages, students gain a deeper understanding of the people impacted by these problems. As a result, they’re better equipped to generate effective solutions through the delivery of high-fidelity prototypes.
Entrepreneur Academy
• Students with an entrepreneurial mindset have unique access to enterprise creation resources and personalized mentorship connections.
Leadership YOU
• With a syllabus packed with leadership theory and design thinking principles, this required course for first-year Scott Scholars sets the tone for their time in the program while setting them up for lifelong success as impactful leaders.
• In this course, students are also introduced to the partnering organizations that they’ll work with for the next three years through their Community Action Projects.
Innovation Ignited
• Through a partnership with MIT’s Work of the Future Initiative, this revolutionary educational model aims to advance AI and automation efforts in Nebraska, leading to improved professional opportunities and economic security for workers.
• Participating students receive training via a graduate-level online course delivered by MIT. They are then partnered with a Nebraska-based company to develop and implement innovative solutions that leverage AI and automation.
White Coats Write Code
• Developed by UNMC Scott Scholars Ryan Chapman and Matthew Muellner, White Coats Write Code’s (WCWC) mission is to teach the next generation of clinicians to be competent in computer and data science.
• Chapman and Muellner launched this LLC after seeing all the opportunities that their own training in coding and data science presented them, and now they train UNO Scott Scholars to follow in their footsteps.
Next Generation Coding
• Building off the work that first-year students complete in their leadership development course, AIML 1870 is part of a 2-course sequence designed specifically for Scott Scholars.
• This course focuses on engaging with large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Claude 3.7 Sonnet to develop software. This kind of engagement has recently been dubbed vibe coding.
SHARPS Training
• Developed in collaboration with Dr. Paul W. Denton (UNO Biology), this six-week hands-on training experience is designed for students with foundational coursework but limited lab experience. The curriculum covers key biomedical research techniques, including pipetting, staining methods, cell cultures, ELISA, and flow cytometry.
• SHARPS equips Scott Scholars with the practical skills and confidence needed to pursue competitive research opportunities, regardless of class year or prior experience.
Alumni Engagement
• Recognizing the unique power of the Scott Scholars network, the program creates intentional opportunities for current students to engage with alumni, whether that be during our signature annual events such as All-Class Celebration, Career Week, and our alumni appreciation hockey event, or through more personalized one-on-one connections.
Let’s Talk About It
• This student-led group seeks to create an intentional space for constructive dialogue among individuals by practicing principled pluralism, a concept that emphasizes the importance of respecting diverse viewpoints and beliefs while also maintaining one’s own values.
DESIGN THINKING
The UNO Scott Scholars Program is dedicated to fostering empathy, innovation, and meaningful impact, using design thinking—a human-centered approach to problem-solving.
DESIGN THINKING IN THE CLASSROOM
As first years, Scott Scholars participate in both Leadership Development and a Software Development course which weaves design thinking into its rigorous and purposefully designed curriculum. This integrated approach blends traditional instruction with hands-on learning experiences, helping students build strong problem-solving and innovation skills.
DESIGN THINKING IN THE COMMUNITY
Scott Scholars collaborate with community organizations through multiple programs, including Community Action Projects, the Design Studio Internship, and youth STEM programs. Throughout all of these programs students work with partnering organizations to deeply understand the challenges they face and apply the design thinking methodology to develop innovative and practical solutions.
DESIGN THINKING AS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
During their senior year, Scott Scholars engage in a “Designing Your Life” workshop that takes an introspective approach to design thinking, emphasizing self-discovery, goal setting, and everyday personal growth. This reflective experience encourages students to dream big, envision their future selves, and consider how they will create meaningful impact beyond their time in the Scott Scholars Program.
FIRST-YEAR COURSEWORK
FALL 2024 SEMESTER
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
EMPOWERING LEADERSHIP, INNOVATION, AND IMPACT
The three-credit Leadership Development class for all first-year students is designed to equip students with the skills, mindset, and experience needed to lead with purpose and impact. Through a combination of classroom instruction, experiential learning, and community engagement, students explore core leadership principles such as leadership identity development, empathy, communication, interpersonal skills, and pluralism.
WEEK 1-6: LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND TEAMWORK BUILDING
The first month of the course focused on self-awareness and personal growth, encouraging scholars to reflect on their values, strengths, and leadership styles. During this time, they explored the qualities of effective leadership, identified their unique strengths, understood the importance of teamwork, and developed strategies for building and contributing to high-performing teams.
WEEK 7-11: 5 STAGES OF DESIGN THINKING
The second month included diving into the five stages of design thinking to foster creativity, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking skills that were essential in today’s complex world. It encouraged a human-centered approach, teaching students to empathize with others and understand diverse perspectives before developing solutions.
WEEK 12-16: START OF COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECTS
In the final weeks of the course, students selected a partnering organization to collaborate with throughout their time as Scott Scholars. Small teams of students identified their organization’s needs and applied human-centered design thinking to develop attainable solutions for real-world challenges. This hands-on experience allowed students to create meaningful impact within their local communities while fostering a dynamic learning environment. Through these collaborative projects, students sharpened their critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills, preparing them to become effective, responsible leaders who could contribute meaningfully on both a local and global scale.
FIRST-YEAR COURSEWORK
CODING COURSE
In Spring 2025, the Scott Scholars Program introduced a new technical literacy component with the launch of AIML 1870: Next-Gen Software Development – Intelligent Collaboration with Large Language Models. This first-year course centers on working with large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and Claude 3.7 Sonnet to develop software—a practice known as vibe coding. Unlike past courses that focused on specific programming languages or frameworks, this AI-driven approach reflects the evolving tech landscape and ensures accessibility and relevance for students across all majors.
CLASS STRUCTURE
Students were provided paid Anthropic accounts, giving them access to Claude 3.5 Sonnet (and later, Claude 3.7 Sonnet) for direct vibe coding via Claude’s artifact window.
Following a few introductory lectures, the core of AIML 1870 consisted of hands-on assignments focused on building static and dynamic web pages. The course culminated in a group project, where students designed hypothetical technical solutions for community partners.
INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT:
VICTOR WINTER, PH.D.
Dr. Victor Winter is a professor of computer science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, specializing in programming languages and the development of tools that enhance code understanding, analysis, and reasoning. His expertise includes program verification and validation, ensuring software behaves as intended and meets performance expectations. A thought leader in generative AI at UNO, Dr. Winter is shaping the future of tech education by bringing innovative coursework and content to campus.
WHAT IS VIBE CODING?
Vibe coding redefines software development by bridging the gap between human and computer languages. Vibe coders focus on expressing ideas naturally, without worrying about syntax or manually translating concepts into code.
ACADEMIC PATHWAYS
Scott Scholars are required to select at least one approved STEM-focused major. Many choose to enhance their academic experience by adding a second major, minor, or concentration, which may fall outside of STEM disciplines.
In alignment with UNO Regents Scholarship guidelines, Scholars must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher each semester. They are also expected to remain in good standing within their academic colleges and the university, while consistently meeting all Scott Scholars Program participation requirements.
UNO COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
UNO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
UNO COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, HEALTH, & HUMAN SCIENCES
BIOLOGY
CHEMISTRY
ECONOMICS
MATHEMATICS
MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY
NEUROSCIENCE
PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
PHYSICS
UNL COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
ECONOMICS
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
BIOMECHANICS
ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING
CIVIL ENGINEERING
COMPUTER ENGINEERING
CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
UNO COLLEGE OF INFORMATION
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
UNO COLLEGE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS & COMMUNITY SERVICE
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
APPLIED COMPUTING & INFORMATICS
BIOINFORMATICS
COMPUTER SCIENCE
CYBERSECURITY
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
AVIATION
WALTER SCOTT, JR.
WELLNESS PROGRAM
Known for their unwavering work ethic and readiness to do great things just as Walter Scott, Jr. envisioned, it’s important for Scott Scholars to have a robust network of support as well as a safe space to unwind and foster genuine connections with like-minded peers. These are just a few of the many benefits of the living-learning community in Scott Residence Hall.
A signature component of the Scott Scholars community is the Wellness: How One Lives Effectively (WHOLE) Program, designed to equip students with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary for a healthy, balanced, and fulfilling college experience. WHOLE adopts a holistic approach to well-being by targeting the eight dimensions of wellness and drawing on the expertise of community members to ensure all students feel welcome, safe, and supported.
FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS
WHOLE works intentionally with first-year students, recognizing their unique needs as they transition to college life. The first-year wellness program is comprised of eight 75-minute core modules delivered throughout the academic year. These sessions include interactive presentations and trainings provided by subject matter experts in the community.
UPPER-LEVEL STUDENTS
Two wellness electives are offered each month for all Scott Scholars. These choose-your-own-adventure style electives target different domains of wellness and help students bond with fellow Scott Scholars. All Scott Scholars are required to participate in at least one wellness elective each month.
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES
f Optimal Well-being: Students will strengthen their understanding of the eight dimensions of wellness through meaningful engagement with subject matter experts. Throughout the year, they will take part in diverse activities designed to address each dimension, fostering a holistic approach to enhancing their overall health and well-being.
f Student Engagement: Students will participate in required wellness programming, thereby boosting engagement in the living & learning community, bolstering academic success, and improving their overall well-being.
f Cohort Connection: Students will have regular opportunities to connect with their peers outside of an academic setting. Students will develop strong social networks, which will help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
f Long-term Wellness Habits: Students will develop longterm wellness habits over the course of their four years in the program that will benefit them long after they graduate.
f Program Retention: Students will feel valued, supported, and healthy thanks to the proactive and inclusive environment in Scott Residence Hall, ultimately aiding student retention.
2024-2025
WELLNESS
IN
REVIEW
WELLNESS ELECTIVES
f September: Game night, outdoor yoga, and Husker football watch party
f October: Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and movie night
f November: Pottery class and trivia night
f December: Holiday party
f February: Free month of Power Life classes and Valentine’s Day craft session
f March: Game night and pickleball tournament
f April: Special Spaces 5K and Spring Celebration
f May: Talent show and Walter’s Favorite Things Day
BY THE NUMBERS
FIRST-YEAR PROGRAM CORE MODULES
Module 1 The Mind Body Connection with Zach McGee, assistant director of UNO’s Aquatics & Wellness Programs
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4
Module 5
Module 6
Stress Management & Emotional Regulation with Jaisy Kumar, LIMHP, UNO’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
Healthy Relationships & the Power of Connection with Cassie Neal, educational outreach and special projects coordinator in UNO’s Office of Student Leadership, Involvement, and Inclusion and Katy Stratman, manager of student health clinics and UNO and UNMC
Practicing Gratitude & Exercising Empathy with Gabrielle Doue, program operations coordinator and wellness program coordinator of the Scott Scholars Program
Building Confidence & Mastering Communication with Cameron Logsdon, assistant director of MavForensics and instructor in UNO’s School of Communication
Identity Exploration with Dr. Jonathan Santo, developmental psychologist and professor in UNO’s Department of Psychology
Module 7 Environmental Well-being & Ecological Literacy with Trevor Pellerite, founder and president of Grasslands Unlimited
Module 8
Financial Wellness 101 with Madeline St. Clair, assistant director of Basic Needs and Innovation within UNO’s Durango’s Advancement and Support Hub
600 MINUTES*
Spent in core modules learning from 8 diverse subject matter experts.
16 WELLNESS ELECTIVES
Held across several on-campus venues and off-site locations throughout the Omaha metro area.
1,035 TOTAL RECORDED ATTENDANCES
Across wellness electives for the academic year, with 144 unique attendances in the fall and 133 in the spring. Average of 65 attendees per event.
96% AVG. PARTICIPATION RATE
Of one or more electives, with a 99% participation rate in the fall semester and a 92% rate in the spring semester.
COMMUNITY & SENSE OF BELONGING
When Scott Scholars are asked to name the most valuable aspects of the program, one of the top answers is always, “the community.” While balancing challenging coursework and high-impact internships, it’s important for students to build lasting relationships and lean into the benefits of their living-learning community within Scott Residence Hall.
From their first year through alumni status, Scott Scholars are part of a vibrant community that fosters connection and belonging. This community is cultivated through intentional programming designed to help students build meaningful relationships within their cohorts and across the broader Scott Scholars network.
FIRST-YEAR RETREAT | AUGUST 19-20, 2024
44 first-year Scott Scholars launched their semester with two immersive days of getting to know each other and their new home at UNO. Day one was spent at Carol Joy Holling Camp in Ashland, NE, for a day of hands-on team building activities that pushed their leadership skills to new heights. The day ended with a campfire and s’mores where program leadership challenged students to make the most of their next four years as Scott Scholars. On day two, the focus shifted to campus resources, featuring presentations from UNO services like Counseling and Psychological Services and a customized CliftonStrengths workshop.
Retreat Highlights
f High ropes course
f Teambuilding and leadership challenges
f Connect to Campus presentations
f CliftonStrengths Assessment & workshop
ALL-CLASS CELEBRATION | AUGUST 23, 2024
In honor of the Summer 2024 Olympic Games, Scott Scholars formed teams by major and competed in the first-ever Scott Scholars Olympic All-Class Celebration. The competition was fierce, with students working together to complete wacky challenges including human ring toss, pool noodle javelin throw, a relay race involving Oreo cookies, noodles, and a water balloon slingshot, before finally dueling it out in a classic game of tug-ofwar. An afternoon filled with sunshine, food, music, and plenty of laughter was the perfect way to start the new school year.
ALUMNI HOCKEY EVENT | FEBRUARY 28, 2025
To help Scott Scholars leverage the power of the program’s extensive alumni network, this new signature event brings together former, current, and incoming Scott Scholars for a night of food, conversation, and entertainment hosted at a UNO hockey game inside Baxter Arena. Nearly 200 Scott Scholars, university leaders, and community partners were in attendance for a funfilled evening that sparked plenty of meaningful connections.
SENIOR RETREAT | APRIL 11-12, 2025
With graduation right around the corner, seniors celebrated their achievements and reflected on their time as Scott Scholars with a weekend getaway to Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City. Students participated in exercises and activities to help them prepare to launch into their next phase of life (and win some fun prizes along the way!). Students enjoyed down-time in the pool, finding their balance in group yoga, and exploring the trails.
Retreat programming included:
f “Design Your Life” workshop modeled after Stanford Design School instructors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans’s bestselling book that empowers readers to live a fulfilling and joyful life
f Personal manifesto writing workshop in which students captured their future goals and the values they hope to live by
f Private yoga class led by premier instructor MC Sweet from Lotus House of Yoga
f Program reflection and constructive feedback session
CONNECTION TO WALTER SCOTT, JR.
SCOTT SCHOLARS SUMMIT | SEPTEMBER 13-15, 2024
This year, the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation hosted the inaugural Scott Scholars Summit, a weekend of thoughtprovoking conversations, relationship building, and entertainment. Sophomores and juniors from five Scott Scholars programs attended and explored some of Omaha’s most exciting destinations, where they engaged with diverse thought leaders, including David Brooks, David Leonhardt, and Dr. Laurie Santos. Students were divided into groups and participated in workshops led by these distinguished guests that focused on themes such as human connection, the science of well-being, and the evolution of “The American Dream.”
FIRST-YEAR ZOO TRIP | OCTOBER 11, 2024
Every year, the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation hosts firstyear Scott Scholars from five Scott Scholars programs at the Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to learn more about Walter’s legacy. Through behind-the-scenes tours and engagement with the Scott family, students gained a deeper appreciation for Walter and Sue’s passion for supporting young people and their community. Some highlights from this year’s visit included a surprise visit from a cheetah during breakfast and feeding the giraffes.
SENIOR CELEBRATION | MARCH 28-29, 2025
The Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation honored the class of 2025 with a special two-day event in downtown Omaha. On Friday evening, graduating students from nine Scott Scholars programs gathered at the Kiewit Luminarium to enjoy an evening of engaging conversations and hands-on STEM exhibits. The next day, they were joined by Rola Dagher, whose incredible life story of resilience and grit inspired students as they prepared for life after college. By coming together to reflect on their time as Scott Scholars, share in their successes, and look ahead to what the future holds, students fully embraced Walter Scott, Jr.’s call to “do great things!”
WALTER’S FAVORITE THINGS DAY | MAY 7, 2025
In honor of Walter Scott, Jr.’s birthday, students celebrated a beloved annual tradition: Walter’s Favorite Things Day! This year, an old-fashioned ice cream truck visited Scott Residence Hall so students could enjoy a nostalgic sweet treat and yard games during a well-deserved study break before finals week.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING & TRAVEL
ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL | JUNE 26-29, 2024
Attendees: Esther Samuel (‘25), Eben Samuel (‘25), Hannah Stone (‘26), Alaina Lorkovic (‘26)
Celebrating its 20th year, the theme of Aspen Ideas 2024 was “Bright Minds for Dark Times” and homed in on complex topics such as climate change, philanthropy, and the widespread use and impact of artificial intelligence. As young leaders who seek to enact positive change in the world, participating Scott Scholars were eager to rise to the challenge as they engaged with renowned thought leaders who explored innovative solutions to society’s most pressing issues. At the heart of these solutions was the increased need for empathetic collaboration, an essential skill that the Scott Scholars Program mindfully incorporates into all programming.
FAST COMPANY INNOVATION FESTIVAL | SEPTEMBER 16-19, 2024
Attendees: Will Harr (‘25), Eben Samuel (‘25), Evie Harvey (‘26), Jossen Rinn (‘26), and Tom Melliger (‘27)
Five Scott Scholars attended the 10th annual Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York City, where they met with thousands of innovators from around the world. Guest speakers represented a wide range of industries—including business, healthcare, technology, entertainment, and higher education—as well as dynamic roles, from CEOs like Satya Nadella of Microsoft and Ted Sarandos of Netflix to creative multi-hyphenates like Issa Rae, Ryan Reynolds, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Students had the opportunity to choose from over 30 different sessions each day. Outside of these sessions, they enjoyed networking with diverse professionals and going on several sight-seeing adventures, including Times Square and the Empire State Building.
ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL | JUNE 25-28, 2025
Attendees: Shreeya Shapkota (‘26), Mallory Williams (‘27), Wells Johnson (‘27), and Joseph Conner (‘28)
Scott Scholars took their ideas to new heights as they traveled to the Rocky Mountains to attend the 2025 Aspen Ideas Festival. Joined by hundreds of inspiring speakers and thousands of fellow attendees from around the world, Scott Scholars delved into a wide variety of topics pertaining to the following six key themes: Breakthroughs, Design of the Times, Prosperity Reimagined, The Good Life, The Just Society, and The Global Contract. With the main goal to initiate open conversations that challenge assumptions and inspire change, this annual conference has become a signature component of the program, empowering Scott Scholars to lead their rising generation as innovative changemakers.
COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECTS
Scott Scholars Community Action Projects (CAPs) bring together high-achieving STEM students from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and organizations across the Omaha metropolitan area to create lasting, meaningful change in the community. CAPs offer students a unique opportunity to tackle real operational challenges, build professional relationships, and develop skills that go beyond traditional academic projects.
Using a human-centered design thinking approach, teams of Scott Scholars collaborate with partner organizations to identify community challenges, gain deep insights into the people affected, and brainstorm a variety of potential solutions. The team then selects one solution to prototype, supports its implementation, and evaluates the overall impact.
By participating in CAPs, students gain hands-on experience solving real-world problems, while partners benefit from innovative ideas and committed collaborators dedicated to making a positive difference.
THREE KEY CONTRIBUTORS TO CAPS
Scott Scholars will apply design thinking skills to develop highfidelity prototypes that community partners can test in real-world settings. Through this process, they gain valuable experience working collaboratively in teams and deepen their understanding of the Omaha metropolitan area’s unique opportunities and challenges by engaging with local experts. Along the way, scholars expand their perspective with human-centered design thinking skills, going beyond what most STEM curricula typically offer.
Community partners benefit from this collaboration by receiving creative problem-solving support and a testable solution designed to address their organization’s specific challenges or opportunities. This partnership also raises awareness of their mission among motivated students and often leaves partners feeling inspired and energized through engagement with dedicated undergraduates bringing in unique perspectives.
The Scott Scholars Program fosters meaningful experiences by forming dynamic partnerships between community organizations and student teams. The program equips scholars with the tools and frameworks needed for effective collaboration across diverse, real-world projects. By bridging academic excellence with community impact and leadership development, it generates lasting value for the university, the state of Nebraska, and the broader region.
NUMBERS IN THE COMMUNITY
4,394 HOURS SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS FALL 2024SPRING 2025
$152,867 ECONOMIC IMPACT
NEW COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECTS FOR 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR
Scott Scholars begin their Community Action Projects through a first-year Leadership Development course, where they are trained in Stanford’s Design Thinking Curriculum to address strategic challenges faced by local organizations.
In fall of 2024, 44 first-year scholars contributed over 800 hours of service to four nonprofits in Nebraska, starting by building relationships with their partner organizations and gaining a deep understanding of their needs. These projects culminated in a final presentation of low-fidelity prototypes to senior leadership of their partnering organizations, offering innovative early-stage solutions. Over the next three years, Scott Scholars will continue supporting these organizations by developing multiple solutions that drive long-term impact.
PROJECT HARMONY
Project Harmony is one of the nation’s largest child advocacy centers, founded in 1996 to create a unified, child - centered response to abuse and neglect in the Omaha metro and western Iowa region. Project Harmony brings together over 200 multidisciplinary professionals under one roof, including law enforcement, medical personnel, social services, and mental health experts, to ensure sensitive, coordinated care for children and non - offending family members. Scott Scholars are partnering with Project Harmony to build a community free from human trafficking.
SISTER CITIES
Sister Cities Association of Omaha is a nonprofit organization that fosters global understanding and cultural exchange by building long-term partnerships between Omaha and its sister cities around the world. Through educational, cultural, and economic programs, the organization promotes international friendship and collaboration. Sister Cities Omaha currently maintains active relationships with cities in countries such as Japan, Lithuania, Ireland, and Mexico, creating opportunities for community engagement and global connection. Along with the Scott Scholars, Sister Cities is looking to create more visibility of the organization in the Omaha area to continue to foster culture, education, humanitarianism and promote economic development.
VALENTINE, NEBRASKA
“The Heart City” of Valentine, Nebraska is a small town in the Sandhills with just under 3,000 residents. At its core is a historic downtown Main Street, currently undergoing revitalization through a collaborative effort involving state planners, university students, and local stakeholders, all working to create a vibrant, walkable community hub. With its low cost of living, abundant outdoor recreation, historic charm, and close-knit community, Valentine offers both strong family roots and potential for growth. The Scott Scholars are partnering with the city to develop and implement new initiatives aimed at combating brain drain and ensuring Valentine remains a thriving, family-friendly community.
RADIO TALKING BOOK SERVICE
Radio Talking Book Service (RTBS) is a nonprofit organization that provides audio access to printed materials for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or have physical or learning disabilities that make reading difficult. Volunteers read newspapers, magazines, and books aloud, allowing listeners to stay informed and connected to their communities. Serving primarily Nebraska and surrounding areas, RTBS delivers content through special radio receivers and online streaming. The organization is partnering with the Scott Scholars to improve communication with its listeners to inform programming, enhance delivery methods, and ensure users are fully benefiting from its services.
ONGOING SUCCESS IN THE COMMUNITY 2024-2025 CAPS
MALONE MATERNAL WELLNESS
Mission
Malone Maternal Wellness programs address the inequities and disparities in Black infant and maternal health by offering affordable, safe, and culturally competent perinatal care.
APP TEAM
Team Members: Carter Brehm, Julia Ehlers, Brendan Falkinburg, Toby Heinemann, Stone Hoffman, Kyleigh Murray, Nolan Williams
Problem Statement
As Malone serves a growing number of patients, doulas are increasingly burdened by client questions coming through various channels—texts, emails, and phone calls. This adds significant strain to their workload and limits their ability to provide timely support.
Solution
The Scott Scholars team planned, designed, and developed a maternal wellness app that offers resources, information, and frequently asked questions for postpartum mothers and their partners. This app delivers reliable, accessible support—right at their fingertips.
DATA TEAM
Team Members: JP Aurit, Ava DeLaGarza, Jaden Nienhueser, Tristan Weston
Problem Statement
As Malone expands to new locations and welcomes more patients, the organization needs more efficient systems for tracking clients and managing documentation. Their goal is to better reference and analyze data to inform decision-making and improve services.
Solution
The Scott Scholars team developed a custom data management tool for Malone that enhances data validation, generates key statistics, and streamlines the analysis of client needs. They also created a financial tracking tool to monitor grant funding and spending that is now in use across multiple Malone programs.
NEBRASKA MEDICINE
Mission
As one of the fastest-growing research centers in the country, Nebraska Medicine delivers top-tier educational programs, cutting-edge research, and extraordinary patient care.
BEYOND WORDS TEAM
Team Members: Bishesh Adhikari, Ethan Funke, Xavier Herman, Bella Madsen, Michael Maline, Jackson Petrzilka, Jackson Ward
Problem Statement
Patients who speak languages other than English or Spanish often face significant barriers to understanding their discharge instructions in the emergency department (ED). This communication gap can lead to confusion, improper followup care, and negative health outcomes. Nebraska Medicine recognized the need to create a more inclusive and accessible ED experience.
Solution
The Scott Scholars team redesigned emergency department discharge instructions by creating an innovative application that combines clear written content with supportive visual imagery. This multi-sensory approach attempts to reduce language barriers and miscommunication, empowering patients to better understand their care instructions and improving their health outcomes.
SIMULATION TEAM
Team Members: Clare Euteneuer, Abby Meier, Esther Samuel, Isabelle Weber
Solution
To deepen medical residents’ empathy and cultural awareness, the Scott Scholars developed an immersive simulation guide that authentically replicates the challenges faced by non-English speaking patients in the emergency department. After successful testing at UNMC’s Davis Global Center, the simulation was incorporated into the resident curriculum, equipping future healthcare providers with the insight needed to deliver more compassionate, patient-centered care during ED interactions.
WAITING ROOM TEAM
Team Members: Preston Higginbotham, Cole Mack, John Mentgen, Abby Kline, Shreeya Shapkota
Problem Statement
Nebraska Medicine wanted to create an emergency department environment where every patient feels supported and cared for throughout their entire visit. They wanted to specifically focus on the waiting room experience, which can often be stressful and uncertain.
Solution
The Scott Scholars team developed visual resources designed to improve the patient experience in the ED waiting room. These resources focus on making every visitor feel acknowledged, wellinformed, and comfortable, helping to reduce anxiety and foster a welcoming atmosphere.
SCHOLARS IN STEM
Haley Bates, Sydnee Baysa, Sophia Birch, Tommy Bonebrake, Bella Donovan, Will Harr, Evie Harvey, Keegan Shanahan, Max Sladovnik, Erin Weidenhamer
Mission
Scholars in STEM is dedicated to delivering world-class STEM learning integrated with social-emotional development for all learners.
Problem Statement
Middle school students across Nebraska need early and meaningful exposure to STEM education and career pathways beyond the classroom. Such opportunities allow them to imagine themselves in future careers while helping Nebraska build a stronger, more equitable pipeline of skilled problem-solvers prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.
Solution
The Scott Scholars designed and implemented two signature Scholars in STEM events during the fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters, each providing hands-on STEM activities and near-peer mentoring from Scott Scholars. As a result, participants not only explored different STEM fields but also built curiosity, confidence, and a clearer understanding of how STEM knowledge applies to the real world.
RISE
Nick Armstrong, Elijah Gnuse, Grant Peters, Eben Samuel, Hannah Stone
Mission
RISE is dedicated to breaking generational cycles of incarceration by providing tailored programs for individuals preparing to leave incarceration and those recently released.
Problem Statement
RISE requires a more efficient and effective system to analyze and utilize testing data from their builders, enabling better-informed decisions for future programming and curriculum development.
Solution
The Scott Scholars redesigned how builders receive feedback and test scores from their baseline assessments, creating a process that is both more effective and empathetic to each builder’s unique circumstances. This project will continue in Fall 2025, with the goal of empowering builders to thrive within the RISE program.
SPECIAL SPACES
Peyton Brooking, Tony Garcia, Karter Jeffrey, Alaina Lorkovic, Ian Meyer, Jossen Rinn, Chris Schinzel, Callum Ward, Mason Wickstrom
Mission
Special Spaces is dedicated to transforming the lives of children facing serious illness, trauma, or hardship by creating one-of-akind, fully customized bedrooms designed to provide comfort, joy, and a sense of normalcy during such difficult times.
Problem Statement
Special Spaces is experiencing a growing demand for room makeovers that exceeds their current staff capacity and available time. To meet this increasing need, they are actively seeking ways to expand community involvement and volunteer support.
Solution
The Scott Scholars partnered with Special Spaces to design, organize, and launch the inaugural Special Strides 5K event. Their efforts successfully raised over $34,000—enough to fund four custom bedroom makeovers. The event drew 200 participants from across the Omaha area, rallying strong community support for Special Spaces’ mission.
BOCKSCAR
Justin Bartels, Marc Fayad, Jagger Hastings, Michael LeBlanc, Jack Rygg, Bennett Schliesser, Ben Thomas
Mission
Bockscar is the Technology Innovation Sector of the 55th Wing of the U.S. Air Force, focused on advancing cutting-edge solutions to support mission success.
Problem Statement
The U.S. Air Force’s oceanic crossing flight procedures are complex and detail-intensive, which can overwhelm pilots, co-pilots, and navigators—especially during emergency situations—potentially impacting safety and performance.
Solution
Scott Scholars are developing an application for the oceanic crossing procedures to improve accessibility and user experience. This streamlined tool aims to support crews with faster, clearer guidance, ultimately enhancing flight safety for the U.S. Air Force.
COMPLETELY KIDS
Charlie Berryman, Claire Denton, Calum Heldt, Jenna Kramer, Kristen Lee, Elaina McHargue, Joel Miller, Drew Swanberg, Brielle Unseld, Angelique Vargas, Juniper Weyhrich, Mallory Williams
Mission
Completely KIDS empowers families by providing access to the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to break the cycle of poverty. Through education, support services, and community partnerships, they work to create lasting positive change—helping children and their families build stronger, healthier futures.
Problem Statement
Completely KIDS distributes 1,100 meals each weekend to support students and families in their after-school care program. With the opening of a new warehouse facility, they are focused on improving operational efficiency and implementing more sustainable practices throughout their meal preparation and distribution processes.
Solution
Scott Scholars focused on enhancing the sustainability of the weekend food program’s waste management by partnering with the Hefty ReNew Program. They also organized and streamlined the program’s data to improve budget tracking and support informed decision-making. Additionally, they worked to enrich the overall experience for children and their families by making food bags more nutritious and engaging, ensuring families feel valued and cared for throughout the process.
COLLECTIVE FOR YOUTH
Bryan Benitez, Nathan Dull, Wells Johnson, Dominic Koperski, Isabella Mitchell, Janny Nguyen, Leo Pechous, Maggie Slusher, Ella Swank, Ella Terwilliger
Mission
Collective for Youth (CFY) is dedicated to advocating for out-ofschool-time program providers by facilitating access to essential resources and delivering high-quality training that empowers these providers to better serve youth in their communities.
Problem Statement
Collective for Youth currently provides STEM kits to after-school care programs, but only one kit focuses on healthcare. In response to the declining number of primary care physicians, CfY aims to expand their offerings by developing a broader range of STEM kits, particularly highlighting non-traditional healthcare fields, to inspire youth and expose them to diverse career opportunities in healthcare.
Solution
Scott Scholars partnered with CFY staff to design and implement a series of comprehensive, healthcare-focused activities for K–8 students. These activities explored topics such as pharmaceutical sciences, ophthalmology, and cardiology, providing engaging, hands-on learning experiences that introduce students to diverse fields within healthcare.
CHILD SAVING INSTITUTE
Marshall Herman, Joe Norman, Sam Norman, Claire Peoples, Callie Stalnaker, Nick Svoboda, Aiden Weber
Mission
Child Saving Institute (CSI) delivers a wide range of programs and services designed to strengthen families and communities, offering comprehensive support to those they serve.
Problem Statement
CSI is a growing organization, and while it offers volunteer opportunities, it does not yet have a structured volunteer program. This lack of a robust volunteer program limits volunteer engagement and impact, reducing both the quality of contributions and the likelihood of long-term involvement.
Solution
Scott Scholars collaborated with CSI to lay the foundation for a structured volunteer program by streamlining the onboarding process for new volunteers and assisting in the selection of a volunteer management platform. Their efforts aimed to make volunteer engagement more efficient, accessible, and sustainable for the organization.
SOFTSXILLS
Meg Aerni, Reid Chapman, Jack Ehlers, Lynn Fayad, Kolton Kralik, Claire Rickert, Tom Melliger, Mollie Nielsen, Kaitlyn Parker, Anthony Robinson, Marcus Sherrod, Jordan Zhang
Mission
Softsxills is reshaping student development by building a comprehensive and verifiable profile of each student’s soft skills—empowering their educational growth and supporting their transition into professional environments.
Problem Statement
As Softsxills continues to grow year after year, concerns around long-term sustainability have surfaced. The organization is actively exploring strategies to scale its impact while maintaining service quality and avoiding excessive strain on its employees.
Solution
Scott Scholars worked closely with Softsxills to develop a technical solution for student reporting while also strengthening communication strategies for key stakeholders—students, parents, and schools. Their efforts supported more effective engagement and enabled scalable, sustainable growth.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
The Scott Scholars Career Development Institute (CDI) empowers students to turn their passions into purpose by connecting them with hands-on opportunities in research, internships, and high-impact careers across Nebraska’s most innovative industries. From exploration to launch, CDI programs equip Scholars with the skills, networks, and confidence to thrive in both established and emerging fields—and make a lasting impact in the communities they serve.
EXPLORE
f CliftonStrengths Assessment
f Job & Internship Search Assistance
f Industry Networking Opportunities
f Career Week
PREPARE
f Career Development Workshops
f Resume & Cover Letter Review
f LinkedIn Profile Review
f Practice Interviews
f Professional Exam Prep Courses (FE, MCAT, etc.)
f Job & Internship Offer Navigation
LAUNCH
f Individualized Summer Experiences (Corporate Internships, National Research Laboratories)
f Job-Shadow Coordination
f Company Site Visits
f Access to Scott Scholars-specific Internship and Job Opportunities
f Engagement with Scott Scholars Alumni Network
MEDICAL SCHOOL APPLICATION PREPARATION
The Scott Scholars Program provides comprehensive support to students applying to medical school.
f MCAT Preparation Course: Four pre-med students took Kaplan’s MCAT Prep Course (fully funded by Scott Scholars) in Spring 2025, and all saw score improvement.
f Practice Interviews: Hosted by staff to help scholars sharpen communication skills and navigate the interview process
f Personal Statement Workshops: Individualized reviews and refinement ensure students effectively showcase their academic achievements, research, and leadership experiences.
WHITE COATS WRITE CODE | JANUARY 2025
UNMC Scott Scholars medical students Ryan Chapman (MED ’27) and Mathew Muellner (MED ’27) launched White Coats Write Code, a startup designed to equip undergraduate and medical students with essential programming skills for data analysis and medical research. Their inaugural cohort consisted of 19 undergraduate Scott Scholars from the UNO Scott Scholars Program, who participated in an intensive bootcamp covering R programming, data visualization, and statistical methods applied to real-world clinical datasets. The impact was significant; students’ proficiency in data science more than doubled, with post-course quiz scores increasing from 38.2% to 81.6%. Feedback showed overwhelming agreement that programming is a vital skill for medical and research professionals, reinforcing the value of this initiative.
RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS
TRUDEAU INSTITUTE
The Scott Scholars Program established a partnership with the Trudeau Institute to create a recurring opportunity for Scholars to participate in its prestigious Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP). Each year, selected Scott Scholars travel to Trudeau’s world-renowned biomedical research facility in New York to engage in hands-on, mentored research alongside leading scientists. This partnership offers Scholars a unique chance to deepen their research experience, explore advanced scientific inquiry, and build professional connections in a rigorous, realworld lab setting.
Three Scott Scholars were selected for Summer 2025. Read about their research efforts on pg. 54!
SHARPS TRAINING PROGRAM
Specific Hands-on Applied Research Preparation for Students
In collaboration with Dr. Paul W. Denton, UNO Associate Professor of Biology, the SHARPS Program was created to support students interested in lab internships who have limited formal research experience. This six-week training program is designed for those who have completed foundational coursework, such as
BIOL 1450, but haven’t yet had the opportunity to gain practical lab skills. SHARPS provides hands-on training and prepares students to confidently pursue biomedical research internships and other STEM opportunities.
Dr. Denton’s curriculum covers:
f Cell Cultures
f ELISA
f Pipetting
f Dye Staining
f Flow Cytometry
f Journal Discussions
f Gram Staining
Marcus Sherrod, Abby Lauder, and Molly Shanahan completed the course in Spring 2025 in preparation for their summer at Trudeau Insitute.
The SHARPS Program empowers Scott Scholars to confidently pursue competitive research opportunities, regardless of their year in school or prior lab experience. It will continue and expand in the coming academic year.
RYAN CHAPMAN (MED ’27)
MATHEW MUELLNER (MED ’27)
CAREER WEEK
OCTOBER 2024
The third annual Career Week—a signature event tailored specifically to the goals and interests of Scott Scholars—offered a curated mix of networking, industry exploration, and career opportunities. Unlike traditional career fairs, Career Week creates space for meaningful conversations, intentional recruiting, and deeper engagement between students and employers.
CAREER WEEK OBJECTIVES:
f Expose Scott Scholars specializations and pathways within their industries
f Pair Scott Scholars with employers and organizations committed to providing exceptional opportunities, like impactful projects, on-the-job training, and access to industry experts.
PARTNERS PRESENTED ON INTERNSHIPS AND CAREER
PATHS IN:
f Computer science, software development, cybersecurity
f Data analysis, business intelligence, tech innovation
f Architectural, civil, construction, and computer engineering
f Research in the fields of biomedicine, astronomy, and counterterrorism
f Entrepreneurship
f Medicine and healthcare
38% INCREASE IN NUMBER OF INTERACTIVE SESSIONS 2023 -2024
New partners joined Career Week and new session types were introduced
99% PARTICIPATION FROM SCOTT SCHOLARS
370 attendance records – an average of 2.5 per student!
ALUMNI INVOLVEMENT
Several Scott Scholars alumni returned to campus during Career Week, presenting during the Alvine Engineering, HDR, Fiserv, Kiewit, Olsson, Med Student sessions.
CAREER WEEK SESSION TYPES
EMPLOYER PRESENTATION
f Overview of Organization and Opportunities
f Question & Answer Session
f Mingling & Networking
STUDENT-LED PANELS
f “Day in the Life of a Med Student”, UNMC Scott Scholars Q&A
f “Ice Cream & Insights”, Upper-level UNO Scott Scholars’ Advice for Research, Internships, and more!
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & NETWORKING
f Corporate Aviation Tour at Union Pacific
f Research Conference at Creighton University
f Dinner with Garmin engineers
f Entrepreneurship: Nebraska Startup Academy
HEALTH CAREERS EXPLORATION & RESEARCH
ENGINEERING
COMPUTER SCIENCE, IT, & DATA
2025 DESIGN STUDIO INTERNSHIP
Launched in the summer of 2020, the Design Studio Internship program gives Scott Scholars the opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping community organizations solve real-world challenges through design thinking. This summer marked the program’s largest cohort to date, with 45 interns participating.
The Scott Scholars were proud to collaborate with 10 community partners this summer, who not only provided guidance and resources but also mentored interns and welcomed them into their organizations.
Over the course of ten weeks, interns worked in teams to apply the design thinking process and deliver innovative solutions tailored to their partner organizations’ needs.
This was the first summer that this opportunity was offered to both traditional Scott Scholars Programs and Scott Pathway Scholarship Programs.
Scott Scholars Programs
f University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Creighton University
f Colorado State University
f Hastings College
f University of Notre Dame
Scott Pathway Scholarship Programs
f Central Community College
f Metro Community College
f Northeast Community College
f Southeast Community College
COLLECTIVE FOR YOUTH
Problem Statement:
Collective for Youth is an Omaha-based nonprofit that coordinates high-quality after-school programs for over 5,000 students, aiming to support academic success, social-emotional growth, and safe environments. Despite its meaningful impact, the organization faces challenges with community awareness, provider engagement, and event coordination, which limits its ability to expand reach and fully leverage partnerships to benefit students.
Proposed Solution:
Interns delivered a strategic social media marketing plan designed to amplify Collective for Youth’s visibility, strengthen provider partnerships, and engage the broader community. They created a refreshed visual identity—including partnered logos and a proposed new logo—to establish a recognizable and unified brand. To expand community engagement, they designed a blueprint for a new spring event, adding a signature experience to the organization’s annual calendar that could attract new families, volunteers, and donors.
Team:
f Dawson Gibbons | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Tobias Jordan * | Class of 2026, Southeast Community College
f David Peter | Class of 2029, Creighton University
f Isabella Winter | Class of 2028, University of Nebraska at Omaha
COMPLETELY KIDS
Problem Statement:
Completely Kids is a nonprofit in Omaha providing safe, enriching out-of-school programming, food distribution, and childcare to support the development of over 2,900 children and families annually. Despite its success, the organization struggles with teen retention, particularly among older teens, leaving many youth without continued access to critical developmental support during a key transitional period.
Proposed Solution:
To address teen retention, the team developed a multi-pronged strategy blending physical space improvements, targeted marketing, and event-based engagement. Initiatives included a teen-centered marketing campaign, a renovated library space designed for socialization and study, and a stronger digital presence. They also launched signature events such as a homecoming prep day and a trades career fair, giving teens both immediate incentives to participate and long-term reasons to stay connected.
Team:
f Evan Gouldey * | Class of 2028, Colorado State University
f Katie Lilla | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Gavin Whitten | Class of 2029, Hastings College
f Ella Winthers | Class of 2028, Colorado State University
HENRY DOORLY ZOO
Problem Statement:
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, consistently ranked among the top zoos in the nation, is a premier destination in Omaha, providing world-class exhibits and conservation education to millions of visitors each year. However, the zoo faces challenges with an outdated membership database, including duplicate profiles and data inconsistencies, which hinder accurate tracking, communication, analytics, and fundraising. Additionally, declining membership numbers threaten the organization’s ability to maintain a sustainable budget and support its ongoing programs.
*Indicates team leads
CODING BOOTCAMP
In addition to their project work, interns dedicated part of each day to strengthening their technical literacy through application development using the Ionic Angular framework. This hands-on experience equipped them with the skills to leverage technology for meaningful change. By the end of the internship, teams had designed and built mobile and web applications that addressed real community needs in areas such as healthcare, family support, education, and personal enrichment.
Coding instruction was provided by NebDev, a local firm founded by Scott Scholars Alumni Grayson Stanton (‘22) and Keegan Brown (‘23).
Proposed Solution: Interns tackled membership challenges by creating automated scripts to detect and reconcile duplicate accounts, improving data accuracy for communication, analytics, and fundraising. They produced a detailed database operations manual, ensuring sustainable long-term management. To counter declining memberships, the team presented a targeted growth plan—including segmented marketing strategies, loyalty incentives, and member-exclusive experiences—positioning the Zoo to both attract new members and deepen engagement with existing ones.
Team:
f Kara Crepeau * | Class of 2028, Creighton University
f Alec Foecking | Class of 2028, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Bella Heydman | Class of 2027, Colorado State University
f Caleb Ridder | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Joey Short | Class of 2028, University of Nebraska at Omaha
THE COLLECTIVE FOR HOPE
Problem Statement:
The Collective for Hope is an Omaha-based nonprofit that provides free grief support services to children, adults, and families experiencing loss. After undergoing branding and name changes, the organization has experienced declines in awareness and volunteer engagement, limiting access to essential grief support and reducing the reach of its services in the community.
Proposed Solution:
The team designed creative marketing initiatives—including interactive, gamified tabling activities and take-home memorial lantern kits—that fostered emotional connection and sparked community interest. They also developed Standard Operating Procedures to maintain alumni engagement, creating a pipeline for graduates to return as trained volunteers. This approach strengthens the organization’s reach, deepens its volunteer base, and sustains its mission over time.
Team:
f Brenden Fischer | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Sydney Hamilton | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Joshua Mammen | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Abdul Hameed Rahmanzai | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Makenna Sutter * | Class of 2028, Hastings College
NEBRASKA MEDICINE
Problem Statement:
Nebraska Medicine is the largest medical center in the Omaha metro area, serving more than 90,000 patients annually with advanced emergency and trauma care. Despite clinical excellence, the emergency department experience suffers from long wait times, limited communication, and unclear processes, negatively impacting patient comfort and satisfaction while adding stress for staff.
Proposed Solution:
To improve patient comfort and reduce anxiety in the emergency department, interns curated a tiered amenities plan—ranked by cost and feasibility—that Nebraska Medicine can implement in stages. They also designed an informative, easy-to-read patient guide explaining the waiting process, setting clear expectations, and connecting visitors to on-site resources. Together, these solutions have the potential to enhance patient satisfaction scores, ease staff workload, and improve overall care perception.
Team:
f Ryland Crowder | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Attila Csordas | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Colton Kallhoff | Class of 2026, Northeast Community College
f Cole Mack * | Class of 2026, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Emi Taylor | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
OMAHA COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE
Problem Statement:
The Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) is the largest community theater in the nation, offering live performances and arts education programs. While the theater provides quality programming, it struggles to connect with younger audiences, limiting the cultivation of future patrons and the long-term sustainability of its programs.
Proposed Solution:
The team conceptualized and launched OCP Fest, the theater’s first immersive community festival, showcasing upcoming productions, providing behind-the-scenes tours, and partnering with local businesses for cross-promotion. This inaugural event drew a younger demographic, increased season ticket interest, and created a scalable model for future audience engagement— laying the foundation for cultivating the next generation of patrons.
*Indicates team leads
Team:
f Bryce Anderson * | Class of 2027, Colorado State University
f Maxim Bolouvi | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Riley Farnsworth-Livingston | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Basil Fulton | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Will Headlee | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
REFUGEE WOMEN RISING
Problem Statement:
Refugee Women Rising supports approximately 200 refugee women annually in Omaha by offering wellness classes, culinary training, and driver’s education. Outdated technology and inconsistent processes have hindered operational efficiency, limiting staff capacity to deliver programs and support women in building independence and community.
Proposed Solution:
Interns modernized the organization’s technology infrastructure by streamlining its file systems, consolidating platforms, and producing an 11-page best-practices manual to ensure longterm efficiency. They also restructured the onboarding process, giving new staff instant access to essential documents, training materials, and communication tools. These improvements free staff from administrative bottlenecks, enabling them to focus more time on delivering impactful programs to the women they serve.
Team:
f Emika Buschow | Class of 2028, Colorado State University
f Yazmin Sanchez | Class of 2026, Northeast Community College
f Reese Stowe * | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
SCOUTING AMERICA
Problem Statement:
Scouting America’s Mid-American Council serves youth in eastern Nebraska, western Iowa, and parts of South Dakota through outdoor education and leadership programs. The organization faces declining scout retention in grades 4–6, a critical age for youth development. Loss of engagement at this stage threatens leadership growth, long-term participation, and the organization’s ability to positively impact youth outcomes.
Proposed Solution:
The team designed a fully detailed wireframe for a mobile application that connects scouts, parents, troop leaders, and volunteers in a single, centralized hub. Features include progress tracking, resource sharing, event calendars, and communication tools—all designed to keep members engaged and informed. This digital platform directly addresses retention by making participation easier, more interactive, and relevant for today’s youth.
Team:
f Marshall Herman * | Class of 2027, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Landon Le | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Noah Markworth | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Louis Safranek | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
SCHOLARS IN STEM
Problem Statement:
Scholars in STEM is an initiative dedicated to empowering middle school students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Inconsistent curriculum and limited program scalability currently restrict long-term outreach and impact for future programming.
Proposed Solution:
Interns designed and hosted a hands-on STEM camp for middle school students, delivering engaging activities in physics, zoology, biology, and electrical engineering to spark curiosity and confidence in STEM fields. Beyond the event, they created a stepby-step planning guide, ensuring the program can be replicated and scaled for future programs. This dual approach provides both immediate impact for participants and a sustainable growth model for the organization.
Team:
f Annalise Doorlag | Class of 2027, Hastings College
f Sylvia Ingegneri * | Class of 2028, Colorado State University
f Makenzie Maine | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Marissa Maynard | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
UNETECH
Problem Statement:
UNeTech is the technology transfer and commercialization arm of the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Its proprietary antibiogram tool tracks antibiotic resistance patterns, but limited adoption outside UNMC reduces its public health impact, particularly in rural hospitals and private practices.
Proposed Solution:
The team built a dynamic, scalable antibiogram platform using the Ionic Angular Framework, delivering fast, intuitive access to antibiotic resistance data. Features include advanced filtering, real-time search results, and a streamlined interface for quick clinical decision-making. By making the tool accessible to healthcare providers beyond UNMC, including rural clinics, this solution expands the reach of critical public health data and positions UNeTech to compete with existing market tools.
Team:
f Jennet David | Class of 2028, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Austin Gonderinger | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Tim Kolster | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Braedon McGuire * | Class of 2026, Colorado State University
f Sarah Peeralam | Class of 2029, University of Nebraska at Omaha
f Jady Sharp | Class of 2027, Colorado State University
*Indicates team leads
YOUTH STEM PROGRAMS
The Youth STEM Programs hosted by the Scott Scholars Program are designed to inspire and engage younger students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on learning experiences. These outreach initiatives reflect the Scott Scholars’ commitment to community impact, as current scholars take an active role in planning and leading workshops, camps, and events that make STEM fun, accessible, and empowering for K-12 students. By mentoring and sharing their knowledge, Scott Scholars not only spark curiosity in future generations but also give back to the community that supports their own educational journey. These programs create meaningful connections, promote educational equity, and foster a spirit of service and leadership among Scott Scholars.
SCHOLARS IN STEM
The Scholars in STEM program, entirely planned and led by current Scott Scholars, is dedicated to giving middle school students meaningful exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields they might not otherwise encounter in their school curriculum. Scott Scholars held two events over the fall and spring semesters for all middle school students in the Omaha area. Aiming to go beyond traditional classroom experiences, the program is packed with hands-on activities, workshops, and mentorship from Scott Scholars. By fostering a welcoming environment for curiosity and learning, Scholars in STEM empowers the next generation of leaders and innovators in STEM.
FALL 2024 EVENT TOPICS
Conservation Island | Conservation Science
Infrared Fun | Physics
Birdhouse Builder | Engineering and Design
Math in Magic | Mathematics
SPRING 2025 EVENT TOPICS
Lighting Lab | Electrical Engineering
Robo-Retreiver | Computer Science
Marble Math | Physics
Bio Bags | Biology & Chemistry
DESIGN THINKING SUMMER WORKSHOP
For one week this summer, the Scott Scholars Program hosted a hands-on design thinking workshop for students from Westside Middle School, introducing them to leadership, STEM, and creative problem-solving. Guided by current Scott Scholars, students tackled the challenge: “How might small businesses and Westside Middle School collaborate to build a thriving network that benefits the entire community?” Throughout the week, they worked through each phase of the design thinking process, developed impactful, community-focused solutions, and explored multiple STEM topics. The experience helped younger students build confidence, explore career paths, and understand the value of teamwork, mentorship, and human-centered design.
INNOVATION IGNITED FELLOWSHIP
REIMAGINING THE
IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND AUTOMATION, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (MIT)
THE PROBLEM
With the advent of large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude, the role of higher education institutions in how they prepare students to enter a competitive workforce is undergoing a systemic transformation. The need for future leaders who understand the implications of artificial intelligence and automation—including its benefits and limitations—is crucial to ensure that workers are protected, and these benefits are widely and equitably shared. To develop these leaders, an innovative learning model that transcends the boundaries of the current higher education system is needed.
OUR SOLUTION
Innovation Ignited is a revolutionary educational model that forges a groundbreaking partnership between MIT, the world leader in cutting-edge technology, and UNO Scott Scholars, Nebraska’s most prestigious STEM scholarship program. Together, our mission is clear: to develop innovative and ethical solutions leveraging AI and automation that positively impact our local, regional, and global communities.
The Scott Scholars Program has joined forces with MIT’s Work of the Future Initiative, which envisions an economy where dramatic advances in automation go hand in hand with improved opportunities and economic security for workers. Through applied research, MIT researchers partner with organizations to learn about the problems they aim to solve with new technologies, as well as the challenges they face and the consequences for their workers, customers, and society.
This research informs the program’s comprehensive curriculum, allowing students not only to gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues related to AI and automation but also to develop the technical skills needed to design and implement effective and ethical solutions.
THE MODEL
Our innovative program model is comprised of five key stages:
Stage 1: Innovation Ignited Fellows are enrolled in a 12-week graduate-level course taught by MIT faculty that explores the design, success, and limitations of AI and automation in real-world organizational contexts through hands-on case study research.
Stage 2: Students visit MIT’s campus and tour state-of-the-art automation and robotics laboratories of industry partners, granting them direct access to leading field experts and cutting-edge technology.
Stage 3: Students engage in ongoing educational modules that cover a wide range of topics, including advanced automation techniques, ROI decisions for workers and firms, and the ethical use of AI and automation.
Stage 4: After completing their online training, students are partnered with Nebraska-based firms facing real-world automation challenges to generate innovative solutions prioritizing efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
Stage 5: At the end of their fellowship, students present their findings and deliverables to key stakeholders, including their partner firm’s leadership, the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation, MIT, and UNO.
THE OUTCOMES
SCOTT SCHOLARS WILL:
f Acquire industry-leading skills in AI and automation and apply this knowledge to solve diverse problems in local communities
f Develop and implement innovative solutions that leverage AI, automation, and design thinking to improve processes and outcomes across various sectors
f Gain a deep understanding of the ethical implications of AI and automation and be equipped to navigate the complex challenges associated with these technologies
NEBRASKA-BASED FIRMS WILL:
f Receive cost-effective, innovative solutions to AI and automation challenges
f Learn more about the potential applications and best practices of AI and automation in their industry
f Obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement customized solutions for their specific needs
MIT WILL:
f Empower students with the knowledge and expertise of MIT’s Work of the Future Initiative to create meaningful change in Nebraska and beyond
f Democratize access to high-quality education and inspire a new generation of leaders who will drive progress toward a better future for all humans
f Act as an on-going consultant to Innovation Ignited Fellows as they work with their industry partners
2024-2025 FELLOWS & PARTNERSHIPS
UNMC’S CENTER FOR INTELLIGENT HEALTH CARE:
NICHOLAS ARMSTRONG (‘26) MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY AND MATHEMATICS
TUANKHANH DAO (‘28)
COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
LOGAN DOORLAG (‘28)
COMPUTER SCIENCE AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
Following their training with MIT, Nicholas Armstrong (‘26), Tuankhanh Dao (‘28), and Logan Doorlag (‘28) partnered with UNMC’s Center for Intelligent Health Care to assist in the ongoing development of their patient attendant robot, Holland. Working under Dr. Kim and Dr. Windle, their primary task was to design the “brains” of Holland, which involved developing its backend processing and logic, allowing it to support nurses in a hospital setting by executing a wide range of tasks, including retrieving medication, delivering meals, monitoring patients, and educating them about their prescribed medication. To achieve this, they developed an AI workflow that converted user commands into JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) commands that Holland could understand. Overall, their work aims to alleviate the strenuous workload being placed on healthcare providers.
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD:
JANNY NGUYEN (‘27) COMPUTER SCIENCE
Janny Nguyen (‘27) and Drew Swanberg (‘27) partnered with Union Pacific to apply their new knowledge and skills to solve a challenge posed by the company’s CEO, who frequently travels by train across the country. During these trips, he enjoys challenging his workers by asking them seemingly random questions about his surroundings, thereby increasing company-wide awareness of where and how their trains operate. In the past, a worker would have to contact several colleagues to answer the CEO’s questions. To streamline this tedious process, Janny and Drew are collaborating with Union Pacific’s AI team to create an AI chatbot to answer the CEO’s questions in real-time. Their main task focuses on testing the accuracy of the chatbot’s responses, thereby aiding in its training and development.
DREW SWANBERG (‘27) APPLIED COMPUTING AND INFORMATICS
STUDENT RECOGNITION
STUDENT HONORS CONVOCATION | 2024-2025
Student Honors Convocation is an annual celebration where undergraduate and graduate students are recognized for their distinguished academic achievements as a means to further encourage scholarship.
UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR AWARDS
Academic units identify undergraduate major honorees through processes established within the unit or college. Honorees must be a graduating senior completing degree requirements in August, December, or May, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 or above and must be in good academic standing. Honorees exemplify the best facets of the program and serve as student exemplars who represent the program in its best light.
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
WILL HARR MATHEMATICS
COLLEGE OF INFORMATION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
AVA DELAGARZA COMPUTER SCIENCE
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, HEALTH & HUMAN SCIENCES
ABBY MEIER BIOMECHANICS
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING (UNL)
JULIA EHLERS ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING
COLLEGE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS & COMMUNITY SERVICE
TRISTAN WESTON AVIATION
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING (UNL)
MAX SLADOVNIK CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING
DEAN’S AWARD
Undergraduate major honorees are forwarded to the Dean’s Office of their respective colleges, and the Dean’s Award is selected from those nominees.
CHANCELLOR’S OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This award is selected from the Dean’s Award recipients. The selection process involves a committee reviewing the nominations and making a recommendation to the Senior Vice Chancellor for approval.
AVA DELAGARZA | COLLEGE OF INFORMATION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
STUDENT RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Scott Scholars actively pursue and are selected for top research opportunities, both locally and nationally. For a comprehensive list of all Scott Scholars’ research and internship positions, see the student bios in pages 64-92 of this report.
U.S. ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES (USAMRIID)
Claire Denton (‘27, Computer Science) was selected for the second year in a row to participate in a summer research program at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) at Fort Detrick Military Base in Frederick, Maryland. As a viral pathogenesis intern, Claire expanded the knowledge and skills she gained during her internship the previous summer, including how to microinject mosquitos with the Mayaro virus and then utilize Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) to detect the viral RNA genome. In addition, Claire initiated the infection of an organtissue equivalent (OTE) model of the human lung using the Human Parainfluenza Virus (HPIV) to determine if the model system could be useful to study new unknown respiratory viruses.
“IT’S EXCITING TO BE AT THE FOREFRONT OF KNOWLEDGE CREATION, WITNESSING THE DEDICATION AND SCIENTIFIC RIGOR OF WORLD-CLASS RESEARCHERS.”
-Marcus Sherrod
CLAIRE DENTON (‘27)
TRUDEAU INSTITUTE
Three Scott Scholars were selected to participate in a summer research internship at the Trudeau Institute in Lake Saranac, New York.
Marcus Sherrod (‘27) and Molly Shanahan (‘28): Marcus and Molly engaged in cutting-edge research at Trudeau Institute, working to test the efficacy of universal influenza A vaccine candidates that target conserved viral proteins, a strategy designed to provide broad protection that extends beyond seasonal strain differences. Working under Dr. Deb Brown, they utilized preclinical mouse models to measure the immunological protection of these vaccines.
Abigail Lauder (‘28): Working under Dr. Shelton Bradrick, Abigail’s research focused on EV-D68, an enterovirus that has evolved to spread via the respiratory route and has been linked to severe neurological diseases like encephalitis and acute flaccid paralysis. Their work aims to contribute to the development of new models for studying enteroviruses and evaluating potential therapeutic and vaccine strategies.
LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY
Mohammed Njie (‘28), Neil Prasanth (‘28), and Heyat Seid (‘28) collaborated with Los Alamos National Laboratory in the summer of 2025 on a cutting-edge computer vision project aimed at improving the detection of physical damage in nuclear waste storage drums. Guided by Dr. Margeret Hall at UNO and Dr. Ernst Esch at Los Alamos, the students deepened their technical skills and gained insight into how interdisciplinary teams operate under deadlines with end users in mind. A site visit to the lab in New Mexico including a rare tour of a nuclear reactor facility, providing students with a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on how their work contributes to national safety and environmental stewardship.
OTTILIE COOPER-OHM (‘22)
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
UNO Scott Scholars alumna Ottilie Cooper-Ohm (‘22) was recently selected as a Schwarzman Scholar, one of the world’s most prestigious and selective graduate fellowship programs. As part of the program’s tenth cohort, Ottilie will complete a fully funded master’s degree in global affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing alongside 149 other scholars from 38 countries. Selected from a pool of 5,000 applicants worldwide—the largest in the program’s history—Ottilie is a true embodiment of the late Walter Scott Jr.’s hope that Scott Scholars would go out into the world to do great things.
ABIGAIL LAUDER (‘28)
MOLLY SHANAHAN (‘28)
MARCUS SHERROD (‘27)
SUMMER UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROGRAM (SURP)
6
UNMC SURP (SUMMER UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROGRAM) PARTICIPANTS
SUMMER HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION PROGRAM (SHPEP)
3
UNMC SHPEP (SUMMER HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION PROGRAM) PARTICIPANTS
UNMC SUMMER UNDERGRADUATE
RESEARCH PROGRAM (SURP)
This past summer, Bryan Benitez (‘27), conducted research in Dr. Ronning’s lab within UNMC’s Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences that focused on identifying and characterizing key proteins involved in the chemical pathways of infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis. The main purpose of their work was to disrupt essential biological functions within the pathogens. Their ultimate goal was to crystallize these target proteins and explore their potential as drug targets. This significant research will contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies against TB and related diseases.
BRYAN BENITEZ (‘27)
WALTER SCOTT, JR.
GRADUATING CLASS OF 2025
This past academic year, 30 Scott Scholars graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. After countless hours devoted to rigorous coursework, impactful research, and enriching internships, these accomplished graduates are more than ready to go out and make their mark on the world. Whether they’re continuing their education in graduate school or starting full-time careers, the Scott Scholars Program could not be more proud of these bright individuals for all that they’ve achieved and the growth they’ve experienced during their time as Scott Scholars.
20
NUMBER OF GRADUATES
STARTING FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT
$73K AVERAGE STARTING SALARY
4
NUMBER OF GRADUATES PLANNING TO PURSUE GRADUATE DEGREES
5
NUMBER OF GRADUATES ACCEPTED TO MEDICAL SCHOOL
1
NUMBER OF GRADUATES STARTING THEIR OWN COMPANY
CLASS OF 2029
INCOMING FIRST YEARS | FALL 2025
This fall, the UNO Scott Scholars Program welcomes its largest and most diverse cohort yet—45 of Nebraska’s most accomplished students. These students arrive with impressive achievements not only in academics but also in athletics, music, theatre, and speech. We’re excited to see how their unique perspectives, talents, and passions will enrich both the program and the broader university community.
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
Sydney Hamilton, Basil Fulton, and Saral Sapkota are also recipients of the University of Nebraska System Presidential Scholarship. Each brings a strong academic track record that earned them full funding for tuition, fees, housing, and a generous annual stipend. As Presidential Scholars, they’ve demonstrated leadership and commitment to academic excellence—qualities that perfectly align with the Scott Scholars Program’s mission to develop well-rounded, high-achieving STEM professionals.
33.1
4.029
27
REPRESENTED
SCOTT SCHOLAR MAJOR HIGH SCHOOL
Alianna Armstrong Environmental Engineering Elkhorn South High School
Daniel Barclay Aviation Plattsmouth High School
Melissa Barrera-Mendoza Mathematics Buena Vista High School
Kate Beran Biomechanics Mercy High School
Maxim Bolouvi Molecular & Biomedical Biology
Omaha North High School
Georgia Chyczy Neuroscience Elkhorn High School
Ryland Crowder Computer Science Homeschool
Attila Csordas Neuroscience Creighton Preparatory School
Andre Dominguez Mathematics Platteview High School
Mary Euteneuer Biology Mercy High School
Riley Farnsworth-Livingston Computer Science Skutt Catholic High School
Brenden Fischer Electrical Engineering Papillion La Vista High School
Basil Fulton Mathematics Pius X Catholic High School
Bella Gerloff Biology Westside High School
Dawson Gibbons Civil Engineering Millard West High School
Stephanie Gomez-Alcala Molecular & Biomedical Biology Mercy High School
Austin Gonderinger Computer Science Conestoga High School
Sydney Hamilton Physics Elkhorn South High School
Will Headlee Architectural Engineering Millard North High School
Rachael Jaixen Neuroscience Millard North High School
Lynley Janovich Neuroscience Millard West High School
Kritika Kandel Molecular & Biomedical Biology Westside High School
Timothy Kolster Cybersecurity Homeschool
John Kryzsko Biology Hastings St. Cecilia High School
Arisa Lattison Molecular & Biomedical Biology Omaha Central High School
Landon Le Neuroscience Millard North High School
Grant Lewis Molecular & Biomedical Biology Elkhorn South High School
Katie Lilla Molecular & Biomedical Biology Gretna High School
Rachel Ma Biomechanics Millard North High School
Makenzie Maine Environmental Engineering Blair High School
Jonah Majorins Aviation Lincoln East High School
Joshua Mammen Biology Creighton Preparatory School
Noah Markworth Computer Engineering Papillion La Vista South Highschool
Marissa Maynard Molecular & Biomedical Biology Kearney High School
Minji Okuom Architectural Engineering Millard North High School
Sarah Peeralam Neuroscience Millard North High School
Abdul Hameed Rahmanzai Molecular & Biomedical Biology
Caleb Ridder Economics
Gretna East High School
Guardian Angels Central Catholic
Andrew Rothe Neuroscience Elkhorn South High School
Louis Safranek Civil Engineering Homeschool
Saral Sapkota Biology Elkhorn North High School
Sharish Shapkota Neuroscience Millard North High School
Reese Stowe Neuroscience Elkhorn South High School
Emi Taylor Neuroscience
Lincoln Southeast High School
Sophia Yaghmour Biology Skutt Catholic High School
RECRUITMENT AND APPLICATION TIMELINE
During the 2024-2025 school year, the Scott Scholars Program launched a more expansive and intentional recruitment strategy aimed at reaching a broader pool of high-achieving STEM students across Nebraska. The new plan included coordinated high school visits, interactive open house events, and strengthened partnerships with educators and school counselors. Strategic communication campaigns supported these efforts, ensuring consistent outreach and personalized engagement with prospective students and their families. These initiatives reflect the program’s commitment to reaching talented students from a variety of backgrounds and helping them see how they can thrive as part of the Scott Scholars community.
1 OCT 28 NOV 9
APPLICATION OPENED
Candidates submitted online applications with:
f Video essay
f Academic portfolio - ACT score, GPA, transcripts
f Resume, honors, involvement
OPEN HOUSE #1
25 students and 49 family members attended the event held at Scott Residence Hall. Guests explored dorms and common areas, and chatted with program staff and students along the way.
VIP HEALTH CAREERS EVENT
Nebraska’s top high school seniors interested in pre-health careers attended this annual, invitationonly event, hosted in partnership with UNO’s Health Careers Resource Center (HCRC). Students and families went on interactive laboratory and facility tours with faculty and current students.
APPLICATION METRICS
f APPLICATIONS: 163
f TOTAL INTERVIEWS: 157
SELECTION METRICS
f OFFERS MADE: 54
f WAIT-LISTED (BUT ULTIMATELY NOT OFFERED): 39
f NOT OFFERED OR WAIT-LISTED: 70
f FINAL COHORT: 45
APPLICANT POOL INFORMATION
f HIGH SCHOOLS REPRESENTED: 59
f MAJORS REPRESENTED: 20
f AVERAGE COMPOSITE ACT: 32
SPRING 2025
DEC 16 DEC 29 APR 14 JAN 18
OPEN HOUSE #2
49 students and 77 family members attended the event. To expand on the first iteration, a formal presentation was added in addition to the residence hall tour.
APPLICATION CLOSED DEADLINE TO ACCEPT SCHOLARSHIP Waitlist offers followed, with the cohort finalized on May 5, 2025
APPLICANT DAY EVENT
All qualified applicants were required to attend the event and complete an individual interview with the selection committee. Interviews took place throughout January, both before and after the event.
ENGAGEMENT & EVALUATION
CAMPUS EVENTS
BE A MAV DAYS | FALL 2024
In partnership with UNO New Student and Family Programs, the Scott Scholars program attended five on-campus Be A Mav Day events for one-on-one connection with high school seniors interested in STEM majors at UNO.
PRE-HEALTH SYMPOSIUM | APRIL 25, 2025
The Scott Scholars Program participated in the HCRC’s Pre-Health Symposium, engaging with high school students, counselors, and teachers from across the state. As a program sponsor, Scott Scholars funded the experience for 100 students, helping make the event more accessible and impactful. Staff connected with attendees during the College and Career Fair and led two dynamic breakout sessions: Alex Mathews offered a scholarship overview tailored for educators and counselors, while Kaitlyn Baysa and a team of scholars facilitated an interactive health design thinking challenge that sparked creativity among future healthcare leaders.
HIGH SCHOOL VISITS
Fall 2024 - Scott Scholars staff and current students visited 26 high schools (160% increase from 2023) across Nebraska to inspire seniors to apply and help them envision themselves as part of the program.
Spring 2025 - As part of the spring recruitment effort, Alex Mathews visited 10 high schools to connect with juniors who will be eligible for the next Scott Scholars application cycle. These visits aimed to raise early awareness about the program, answer questions, and begin building relationships with prospective applicants and their school communities.
COMMUNICATIONS
The Scott Scholars team crafted branded emails and physical letters to students who met key academic benchmarks, such as Regent’s or Presidential Scholarship eligibility and National Merit Semifinalist status. In addition, the team reached out directly to school counselors, teachers, and principals through personalized emails and phone calls to share program information and encourage referrals of high-potential students.
CANDIDATE EVALUATION
Candidates participated in panel-style interviews with three Scott Scholars professional staff and a current student. This rigorous process is designed to identify students with strong potential for positive impact, demonstrated through:
1. Motivation to Achieve Excellence: Self-starters with drive and innovative thinking
2. Interpersonal skills: Empathetic communicators and collaborative leaders
3. Commitment to STEM: Passionate, serviceoriented learners seeking to create value
4. Exceptional cognitive skills: Superior marks in scholarly endeavors
ROLLING ADMISSIONS PROCESS
After interviews concluded in late January, applicants received a status update in the form of a scholarship offer, an invitation to remain on the waiting list, or a declination.
Offers were extended by the program to students selected from the waitlist until the roster was complete.
SCOTT SCHOLARS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
RECRUITMENT & COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE
Nearly 50 Scott Scholars joined the Leadership Council Outreach Committee, playing a vital role in the program’s recruitment and engagement efforts. These students volunteered their time for high school visits, family tours, event support—including hosting sessions, presenting on panels, and managing setup and teardown—and tabling at outreach events. Their involvement has been invaluable to the professional staff team, showcasing their deep commitment to the Scott Scholars community and creating authentic, meaningful connections with prospective applicants.
STUDENT PROFILES
Throughout their four-year journeys, Scott Scholars build robust profiles with their research and internship experiences, community engagement, and career interests. The student profiles are displayed on the Scott Scholars website and are accessible to industry, research, and academic partners.
SENIORS | CLASS OF 2025
BISHESH ADHIKARI | SENIOR | CHEMISTRY | OMAHA, NE
During his time at UNO, Bishesh worked for the Department of Chemistry as a research assistant, where he helped design and build a 3D-printed absorbance spectrometer. With his Community Action Project team, Bishesh helped develop a translation app for the Nebraska Medicine emergency department to help solve language barriers at check-in. Bishesh also served as a teen leader for the Nebraska Nepalese Society, where he organized fundraisers. Following graduation, Bishesh will take a gap year to work as a dental assistant and prepare for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) before applying to dental schools in North Carolina. His career goal is to become a pediatric dentist, eventually returning to his home country of Nepal to provide affordable dental care.
JP AURIT | SENIOR | CIVIL ENGINEERING | ELKHORN, NE
JP spent two summers working with Burns & McDonnell as a structural engineering intern. He also recently served as the social media marketing intern for the NorthStar Foundation. JP’s Community Action Project team worked with the Malone Center to create a mobile app and a new revenue system that would circumvent their dependence on third-party donations. At UNO, he was involved in Delta Chi Fraternity and was the president of the American Society of Civil Engineers. JP is trained in AutoCAD and has experience using RISA-3D and Hilti Profis for structural modeling. After graduation, JP relocated to Kansas City to start his career as a structural engineer with Burns & McDonnell.
SYDNEE BAYSA | SENIOR | BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE
Throughout college, Sydnee worked part-time as a patient resource assistant at Nebraska Medicine. She was partnered with Prairie STEM and Scholars in STEM for her Community Action Project, whose work focused on bringing accessible high-quality STEM education to middle school students in the Omaha metro area. At UNO, Sydnee was involved in Chi Omega Sorority and the UNO Dance Marathon. After graduating, Sydnee started working full-time as a mobility aide at Nebraska Medicine. She plans to apply to graduate programs to pursue her Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DOT) degree.
TOMMY BONEBRAKE | SENIOR | MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS | OMAHA, NE
Tommy gained diverse internship experience during his time as a Scott Scholar. As a 2023 Scott Scholars Design Studio intern, he led his team through a complex project with the U.S. Department of the Navy. During his internship with the Nebraska Defense Research Corporation, Tommy conducted data research, integration, and analysis. For their Community Action Project, Tommy’s team worked with Prairie STEM and later Scholars in STEM to generate specific prototypes for new STEM kits, curriculum material for socio-emotional learning development, and multigenerational STEM activities. Upon graduating, Tommy accepted a full-time position with Scott Data Center as a network IT specialist.
CARTER BREHM | SENIOR | COMPUTER ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE
In his most recent software development internship with Quantum Workplace, Carter was responsible for full-stack web development on a web application used by thousands of companies nationwide. He was previously a Scott Scholars Design Studio intern and developed solutions to help USSTRATCOM tackle outdated software systems. For his team’s Community Action Project, Carter was the main developer for a native iOS app created to communicate with and deliver curriculum to the Malone Center’s clients. Carter is familiar with several languages including C#, Java, and PHP. Additionally, he has experience with backend database management in SQL Server and MySQL, as well as frontend web development with common web frameworks. He recently accepted a full-time position at Quantum Workplace as a software developer.
AVA DELAGARZA | SENIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | OMAHA, NE
Ava interned at the W.M. Keck Observatory as a scientific software engineer in the summer of 2024. Over the years, Ava also served as a paraprofessional for Omaha Public Schools where she gained a diverse range of in-classroom experiences. She previously interned with the Nebraska Defense Resource Corporation, where she conducted a research project in the cloud using machine learning to do predictive analysis. Her team’s Community Action Project supported the Malone Center with solutions for data tracking and grant reporting. Ava is proficient in many programming languages and computing in the Oracle Cloud, and she also has experience creating and teaching fundamental CS curricula. At UNO, Ava was a member of the University Concert Band and Association for Computing Machinery - Women (ACM-W). After graduation, Ava relocated to Hawai’i to join the Scientific Software Engineering Team at the W. M. Keck Observatory.
BELLA DONOVAN | SENIOR | MATHEMATICS | GRETNA, NE
In the summer of 2024, Bella served as an IT intern at Conagra, where she developed automations to improve employee efficiency. Bella previously served as a 2022 Scott Scholars Design Studio intern and led a team tasked with developing a mobile application for the U.S. Department of Defense that allowed Air Force pilots and maintainers to quickly perform basic math calculations and complex, common aviation calculations while in flight. For their Community Action Project with Prairie STEM and later Scholars in STEM, her team met with lawmakers in Lincoln to advocate for STEM education funding in Nebraska. Bella served as a member of the Scott Scholars Leadership Council, where she worked closely with other Scott Scholars to continuously improve the program. She is proficient in Python, TypeScript, HTML, Power BI, and UiPath. Bella recently started a full-time position at Conagra Brands as an IT associate.
JULIA EHLERS | SENIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | LINCOLN, NE
Julia interned at NREL (National Renewable Energy Lab) in the summer of 2024, a position earned by winning the Jump Into STEM competition, where she was able to expand on her interests in sustainability. As a mechanical engineering intern with Professional Engineering Consultants in 2023, Julia designed plumbing and HVAC systems and conducted site visits. Her Community Action Project team supported the Malone Center by creating an app for patients to easily find information and resources throughout their postpartum experience. At UNO, she was a member of the Activities Committee for Architectural Engineering Student Leadership and Advisory Committee (AESLAC). Julia also worked in the UNO Math Lab and math classrooms to support student learning. This summer, she’s working with Arup in Boston as a sustainability consulting intern before starting her master’s in architectural engineering through UNL. After graduation, she would like to build and design tiny houses or sustainable development to help alleviate the affordable housing crisis.
CLARE EUTENEUER | SENIOR | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE
Clare currently works as a licensed CNA at QLI, where she assists with traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. Previously, Clare conducted research in Dr. Paul Davis’ Molecular Parasitology Lab, a translational biomedical research laboratory on UNO’s campus. Her Community Action Project team partnered with Nebraska Medicine to overcome language barriers and solve translation issues in the emergency department. During her time as a Scott Scholar, she also founded a refugee empowerment club that partnered with Restoring Dignity to coordinate furniture donations for refugee homes. At UNO, she participated in intramural sports and the Pre-Health Club, and served as the vice president of the Women in STEM club on campus. Clare was accepted into the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Medicine and will begin her journey toward becoming a physician in fall 2025.
BRENDAN FALKINBURG | SENIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | BENNINGTON, NE
In the summer of 2024, Brendan interned at Fiserv, gaining valuable project-based experience in an IT environment. Previously, Brendan worked in the Molecular Parasitology Lab under Dr. Paul Davis. For his Community Action Project, Brendan was partnered with Smart Gen Society to research and analyze the organization’s processes for handling secure data. He later joined the Malone Maternal Wellness Center team and helped plan, design, and develop a maternal wellness app that offers resources, information, and frequently asked questions for postpartum mothers and their partners. Brendan is proficient in Java, is a certified nursing assistant (CNA), and is Basic Life Support (BLS) certified. Following graduation, Brendan accepted a full-time position as a software engineer with EF Johnson.
ETHAN FUNKE | SENIOR | BIOINFORMATICS | OMAHA, NE
Ethan held various research positions throughout college, including with the Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program and as a visiting scholar for the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) at UNMC, where he conducted research on host cell interactions with the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii under Dr. Leonardo da Silva Augusto. His Community Action Project team was partnered with Nebraska Medicine, working to solve language barrier issues in the emergency department at UNMC before, during, and after treatment. Ethan also assisted with coding the Automated Precheck Program (APP), a simple way to translate a patient’s needs and quickly connect them to care. Ethan is proficient in HTML5, CSS, and Excel, and has extensive laboratory experience. He plans to pursue a career in basic and translational medical research, with an emphasis on pathology and drug discovery.
WILLIAM HARR | SENIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS | OMAHA, NE
Will was a 2023-2024 Innovation Ignited Fellow in partnership with MIT, allowing him to gain expertise in AI and automation and apply this knowledge to solve complex train coupling issues at Union Pacific Railroad. In 2023, Will participated in a data science and analytics internship with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where he was responsible for the analysis of genome sequence data. For his Community Action Project, Will was partnered with Prairie STEM, where his team worked to generate specific prototypes for new STEM kits, curriculum material for socio-emotional learning development, and multi-generational activities. Will is proficient in AVR assembly as well as Python, C, and R coding languages. Following graduation, Will launched Harr Enterprises, a start-up that focuses on IT consulting, business analytics, and custom software development.
TOBY HEINEMANN | SENIOR | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING | WINSIDE, NE
Toby served as an embedded systems engineer intern at Garmin in 2024. As a telecom engineer at Union Pacific in 2023, he learned about large-scale network design and data transmission technology. For his Community Action Project, Toby partnered with Smart Gen Society to research and analyze the organization’s processes for handling secure data. At UNO, Toby was involved in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Nebraska Engineering Student Council at Omaha. He is skilled in HTML and C programming and is proficient in Windows and Mac Operating Systems, as well as Multisim and Pathloss software. Toby recently accepted a full-time position with Garmin as a design certification engineer.
XAVIER HERMAN | SENIOR | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING | CLARKS, NE
In 2024, Xavier interned at Garmin, serving as an embedded systems engineer intern. At his previous internship with Union Pacific, Xavier performed rectifier efficiency analysis. His Community Action Project with Nebraska Medicine aimed to improve language barriers via a translating app, which Xavier played a key role in programming. Xavier is skilled in Fusion 360, EAGLE CAD and PCB design, C/C++, and Swift programming. Upon graduating, Xavier accepted a full-time position with Garmin as a product support engineer.
DAVIS HILL | SENIOR | CIVIL ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE
Davis interned at Kiewit in 2024 and gained valuable job site experience. At UNO, he served as secretary for the UNO Rugby Club and also participated in Latinos in STEM. As a Scott Scholars Design Studio intern, Davis and his team worked with USSTRATCOM to design solutions for system updates. Additionally, he has served as a research assistant under Dr. Hu in the concrete lab, working with 3D printing, Biochar, and UHPC (Ultra High Performance Concrete). For his Community Action Project, Davis partnered with Prairie STEM and helped prototype innovative youth STEM kits. Following graduation, Davis started a full-time position with Valmont working as an associate engineer.
STONE HOFFMANN | SENIOR | CIVIL ENGINEERING | PAPILLION, NE
Stone worked in land development as an intern with Lamp Rynearson in 2024. Stone also served as a 2022 Scott Scholar Design Studio intern and partnered with the National Security Innovation Network to improve their process for upgrading equipment. Through his Community Action Project, he and his team supported the Malone Center’s Maternal Wellness program by securing sustainable funding. As an Eagle Scout, Stone led a project to expand a non-profit’s food garden by constructing a swale and renovating their storage. He is also a leader of a Bible study group and Homeschool Teen Serve. Following graduation, Stone accepted an internship at E&A Consulting Group, Inc. His career interests include water resources engineering, with a goal of utilizing modern engineering to provide underserved communities access to clean water.
BELLA MADSEN | SENIOR | BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE
During her time at UNO, Bella was an engaged member of SustainUNO and served as a research assistant under the supervision of Dr. Ryan Wong, where she prepared and ran various experiments using Zantiks units, analyzed videos using Boris, interpreted data, and presented findings. She was also involved in the University Honors Program and the Lambda Theta Nu Sorority Inc. as the community service chair. Bella has interned as a teaching assistant for Springville Elementary, where she led small group tutoring sessions. Bella is skilled in Ethovision, Zantiks, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and pipetting. Following graduation, Bella will work as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) while she applies to nursing programs.
MICHAEL MALINE | SENIOR | COMPUTER ENGINEERING | OAKLAND, NE
In his most recent internship with IT Solutions, Michael worked with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), serving the water and waste industry sectors in Lincoln, Nebraska. For his Community Action Project, Michael and his team worked with Nebraska Medicine and redesigned their emergency department discharge instructions by creating an innovative application that combines clear written content with supportive visual imagery. Michael is interested in a career in computer engineering, with a focus on software and system management. He currently works as controls engineer for Tyson Food, Inc.
ABIGAIL MEIER | SENIOR | BIOMECHANICS | PIERCE, NE
During her time at UNO, Abigail was a member of the Pre-Health Club and volunteered with stroke and gait research through the biomechanics program under Dr. Brian Knarr. She also helped start a Women in STEM undergraduate club on UNO’s campus and tutored in the Math Science Learning Center. As part of her team’s Community Action Project, Abigail partnered with Nebraska Medicine to address translation and language barriers in the emergency department. Most recently, she worked at QLI as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). Abigail was recently accepted to the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Medicine, where she will start in fall 2025.
KYLEIGH MURRAY | SENIOR | CHEMISTRY | LINCOLN, NE
Kyleigh served as a nuclear technical intern at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in the summer of 2024, where she worked on waste management projects. Kyleigh’s Community Action Project team supported the Malone Center by designing an app that improved communication with their members by reworking their social media, web presence, and fundraising efforts. At UNO, she was the social media officer for the Philosophy Club and a member of the Chemistry Club. Following graduation, Kyleigh will return to PNNL as a graduate lab techician for a gap year while she applies to PhD programs in chemistry.
JADEN NIENHUESER | SENIOR | MOLECULAR AND BIOMEDICAL | JUNIATA, NE
In 2024, Jaden participated in the INBRE program through UNMC, conducting critical biomedical research. Previously, as an intern with the UNO STEM Trail Center, Jaden learned about STEM education and conducted research in the Denton Immunobiology Lab. One of their research projects involved the effectiveness of certain agonists on the expression of HIV and the efficacy of NK cell killing. For their Community Action Project, Jaden’s team worked to provide the Malone Center with a new source of income, a client database, and ways to expand the outreach of the Maternal Wellness program, which seeks to end the Black maternal health crisis and provide agency to women of color in the delivery room. Following graduation, Jaden plans to work full-time as a research technician or medical scribe at Nebraska Medicine while they prepare for the MCAT. Jaden hopes to pursue a career in healthcare, serving queer, trans, and other underrepresented groups, and researching topics such as STD testing, HIV/AIDS, immunobiology, and retroviruses.
JACKSON PETRZILKA | SENIOR | NEUROSCIENCE | OMAHA, NE
Working under Dr. Madhav Bandatmakur at Boys Town National Research Hospital in 2024, Jackson conducted a pediatric neuroscience study investigating the effectiveness of anti-CGRP treatment on migraines in juveniles. For his Community Action Project, Jackson partnered with Nebraska Medicine. The goal of his team was not only to streamline language translation services for hospitals, but to create a better experience for both provider and patient when translation services are required. Jackson also provided code for the Automated Precheck Program (APP) app, a simple way to translate a patient’s need and quickly connect them to care. Following graduation, Jackson plans to take a gap year to work full-time while he applies to graduate school. He is interested in a career in research, particularly involving neuroscience and brain-computer interfaces, where he hopes to be a pioneer in the field.
EBEN SAMUEL | SENIOR | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | ELKHORN, NE
In summer 2024, Eben participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) at UNMC. He also served as a surgical and clinical simulation intern with iEXCEL at UNMC’s Davis Global Center, where he aided in the facilitation of simulated clinical and surgical encounters for healthcare students. For his Community Action Project, Eben and his team partnered with RISE, an organization dedicated to breaking generational cycles of incarceration by providing tailored programs for individuals preparing to leave incarceration and those recently released. Together they redesigned how these individuals receive feedback and test scores from their baseline assessments, creating a process that is both more effective and empathetic to their unique circumstances. Eben will be starting medical school in fall 2025 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
ESTHER SAMUEL | SENIOR | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | ELKHORN, NE
Most recently, Esther worked as a medical scribe at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. As an intern with the Scott Scholar Design Studio, Esther and her team were tasked with solving language barrier challenges for patients and physicians at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Esther continued this work for her Community Action Project on the simulation team, developing an immersive simulation guide that authentically replicates the challenges faced by non-English speaking patients in the emergency department. During her time at UNO, Esther was involved with the Pre-Health Professionals Club and was a small group leader for Chi Alpha Campus Ministries. Esther was accepted to the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Medicine, where she will attend this fall to become a physician of obstetrics and gynecology.
MAX SLADOVNIK | SENIOR | CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE
As an intern at Boyd Jones in 2024, Max assisted superintendents on job sites and was trained as a project engineer. For his Community Action Project, Max partnered with Prairie STEM and later Sisters in STEM, where his team helped generate STEM curriculum for STEM kits, curriculum material for socio-emotional learning development, and multi-generational activities. Following graduation, Max accepted a full-time position with Boyd Jones Construction as a project engineer.
JACKSON WARD | SENIOR | PHYSICS | GRETNA, NE
During his time at UNO, Jackson worked as a student ambassador, welcoming new and prospective students to campus. As a 2022 Scott Scholar Design Studio intern, Jackson served as a team lead and developed a prototype application for the the iEXCEL program at UNMC’s Davis Global Center that could streamline scheduling for medical education and training labs. Jackson recently accepted a full-time position with the U.S. Department of Defense as an operational researcher.
ISABELLE WEBER | SENIOR | NEUROSCIENCE & MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | LINCOLN, NE
In 2024, Isabelle participated in biomedical research related to cancer biology and genetics through UNMC’s INBRE program. She also assisted with research in Dr. Denton’s immunobiology lab, where she has studied the immune system’s ability to recognize and kill a target cell and a cell’s readiness to fight an infection. During her time at UNO, Isabelle served as president of the Students Together Against Cancer Club, leading fundraising events for cancer patients throughout Nebraska, and was the secretary for the UNO Pre-Health Professionals Club. Following graduation, Isabella plans to continue working as a patient attendant at Nebraska Medicine while she applies to PhD programs focused on cancer biology or immunology/microbiology.
ERIN WEIDENHAMER | SENIOR | ECONOMICS | OMAHA, NE
During her time at UNO, Erin served as a student ambassador, assisting with campus visits and new student orientation. Erin’s internship in 2024 at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineering involved document intake, information and data review, and research. For her Community Action Project, Erin partnered with Prairie STEM and later Sisters in STEM, where she worked with her team to deliver innovative ideas for STEM kits and curriculum and make STEM education more accessible to middle school students in the Omaha metro area. Erin recently accepted a full-time position at Kirsch Transportation Systems as a pricing analyst.
TRISTAN WESTON | SENIOR | AVIATION | HASTINGS, NE
In 2024, Tristan interned at Skywerx Aviation, where he worked in marketing and a variety of aviation-related duties. As a Scott Scholar, Tristan enjoyed working on his team’s Community Action Project with the Malone Center, conducting empathy interviews and developing data tracking solutions to fit users’ needs. Tristan is currently an instrument rated private pilot with 170 flight hours. He has many aviation-related career goals, including pursuing a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot certificate through a commercial airline and serving as a missionary pilot specialist to provide services to remote areas. He recently accepted a full-time position as a certified flight instructor at Revv Aviation.
NOLAN WILLIAMS | SENIOR | MOLECULAR AND BIOMEDICAL CHEMISTRY | OMAHA, NE
Nolan participated in hematology and oncology medical research through UNMC’s Eppley Cancer Institute in Dr. Dalia Elgamal’s lab, where he examined the effects of a hypoxic tumor micro-environment on various treatments for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). His Community Action Project team worked with the Malone Center, which provides pre- and post-natal care for BIPOC mothers, to streamline their methods and efficacy of the distribution of care and resources to their partnering families. During his time at UNO, Nolan served as safety officer for the UNO Soccer Club, secretary for the UNO Botanical Society, and was a member of the Pre-Health Professionals Club and Chemistry Club. Currently as a medical scribe, Nolan works directly with healthcare providers to write medical charts and assist with high workloads. His career interests include medicine, with a focus on anesthesiology. He hopes to contribute to the medical community by conducting life-changing medical research. Nolan was accepted to the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Medicine for fall 2025.
JUNIORS | CLASS OF 2026
NICHOLAS ARMSTRONG | JUNIOR | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | ELKHORN, NE
Nicholas currently works as a research assistant in Dr. Paul Davis’ Lab, where his most recent work involves investigating treatment options for Naegleria fowleri (the brain-eating amoeba). He also contributes to bioinformatics research by identifying DNA mutations in treated samples as part of a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense. In 2025, he participated in a summer internship as an Innovation Ignited Fellow through the Scott Scholars Program and MIT, working with UNMC’s Center for Intelligent Health Care. Nicholas has also actively volunteered for club soccer camps, ReStore Omaha, and Food Bank for the Heartland. After graduation, he plans to pursue a graduate degree that will lead to a career that leverages modern technologies to improve patient outcomes in the healthcare system.
JUSTIN BARTELS | JUNIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | BENNINGTON, NE
This past summer, Justin worked on the support staff team at Riverside Bible Camp in Iowa. Previously, Justin worked as a technology intern with Fiserv in the summer of 2024 and as a Design Studio intern in 2022. His team developed a mobile application for the U.S. Department of Defense that allows Air Force pilots to quickly perform complex aeronautical and mathematical calculations while in flight. For his Community Action Project, Justin and his team are partnered with Bockscar, the Technology Innovation Sector of the 55th Wing of the U.S. Air Force. Their recent work has focused on developing an application of the oceanic crossing procedures to improve accessibility and user experience, ultimately enhancing flight safety for the U.S. Air Force. Justin is interested in a career in app development, data science, machine learning, or cybersecurity.
HALEY BATES | JUNIOR | BIOLOGY | MILFORD, NE
Most recently, Haley participated in an internship through the University of Kansas, where she conducted conservation work in Bogotá, Colombia. She is currently a student researcher in Dr. Tim Dickson’s Grassland Ecology Lab and is involved with SustainUNO. Previously, she participated in the Tulalip Tribal Wildlife Research and Conservation Internship through the University of Washington, relocating “problem” beavers to help restore salmon habitats. She also took part in the Doris Duke Conservation Scholar Program, also through UW, where she conducted field research and studied ethical conservation. Haley plans to pursue a career in biocultural conservation, with research centered on community engagement.
SOPHIA BIRCH | JUNIOR | COMPUTER ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE
In the summer of 2024, Sophia interned at Garmin as an embedded software engineering intern in the avionics department, where she implemented improvements to operating systems and hardware drivers. She has developed strong skills in embedded software, operating systems, low-level C and assembly, and web development. Prior to Garmin, she worked with Fiserv as a web development intern and also served as a Scott Scholars Design Studio intern, where her team developed a mobile app prototype for the U.S. Department of Defense to help Air Force pilots perform complex in-flight calculations. Sophia plans to pursue a career in software engineering or in the renewable energy sector after college.
PEYTON BROOKING | JUNIOR | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE
Peyton currently works as a phlebotomist at Children’s Nebraska, where she is part of several specialized teams, including lab collection, code response, NICU, and pediatrics. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, she also serves as a trainer, helping new team members learn essential skills and procedures. This past academic year, she served as the director of academic affairs for the Women in STEM club at UNO. Previously, Peyton owned and operated her own piano teaching business, where she enjoyed mentoring young musicians and watching them perform in recitals. After graduation, Peyton plans to attend graduate school to become a physician assisant (PA), where she is particularly interested in exploring specialties such as labor and delivery, surgery, and women’s health.
MARC FAYAD | JUNIOR | CYBERSECURITY | OMAHA, NE
Most recently, Marc worked as a cybersecurity intern at American National Bank, where he managed access for all employees, processed new hires, promotions, and terminations, and handled various access requests—all while ensuring proper documentation. Previously, he worked as a cybersecurity intern assisting in the transition to a new Identity Access Management application, improving how employee permissions were assigned and removed. In an earlier role as a distributed application development intern at Fiserv, he was responsible for coding, testing, and supporting application software. This past spring, Marc also participated in a study abroad program in Italy. He has various skills related to active directory, identity & access management, and Microsoft Azure/Entra. Marc is interested in a career in information security analytics.
ANTONIO GARCIA | JUNIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE
In the summer of 2025, Antonio worked at Olsson as a structural intern. Previously, he worked at HDR as a building information modeling intern and served as a Design Studio intern, where he helped develop a mobile aviation calculation app for the U.S. Department of Defense. On campus, Antonio is active in the Nebraska Engineering Student Council at Omaha (NESCO), where he has served as vice president of membership—organizing recruiting events and conducting interviews—and as vice president of student affairs, leading events for the College of Engineering. Antonio plans to work in the architectural engineering field and aspires to one day become a professor of engineering.
ELIJAH GNUSE | JUNIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | OMAHA, NE
Elijah has previously interned with Fiserv in an information technology and programming-focused role. This past summer, he continued his work with the company as part of the NRE (New Research Engine), where he supported team software development and testing and managed data using Splunk. For Community Action Projects, Elijah is partnered with RISE to evaluate the program’s testing methods and data reporting to empower builders. He completed online high school and worked diligently to explore coding languages, becoming highly skilled in Python, C++, and JavaScript. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in computer science and programming.
EVIE HARVEY | JUNIOR | MATHEMATICS + COMPUTER SCIENCE | PAPILLION, NE
Evie recently interned with Garmin as an embedded developer in the fitness electronics platform department. She also holds a $20K web development contract with an Iowa-based company, focusing on trans healthcare as a key issue. Evie founded and led a team working on MaVS.uno, an interactive education project that won first place in Grant Sanderson’s SoMEPi competition (non-video category). Previously, she worked as a DevOps intern with Spreetail, applying her skills in coding, 3D art, visual effects, and building and flying custom racing drones. Evie is interested in a career programming low-level firmware for open-source hardware, as well as in machine learning and data science research.
JAGGER HASTINGS | JUNIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | WATERLOO, NE
Jagger recently interned with TSL Transportation, where he worked across the IT/cybersecurity, software engineering, and accounting teams. During his internship, he helped develop TSL’s new website, worked extensively in accounts receivable, and collaborated across departments to design and build the company’s help desk site using Atlassian tools. He also contributed in an Agile development environment and gained experience in Python, JavaScript, and C#, with additional exposure to HTML, RISC-V, and PowerShell. Outside of his internship, Jagger has developed two video games—a 3D platformer and a turn-based RPG—with more in progress. For his Community Action Project, Jagger and his team are partnered with Bockscar and recently developed an application of the oceanic crossing procedures to improve accessibility and user experience, ultimately enhancing flight safety for the U.S. Air Force. After graduation, Jagger plans to pursue a career in cybersecurity or indi game development.
PRESTON HIGGINBOTHAM | JUNIOR | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | PAPILLION, NE
Most recently, Preston worked as a rehab aide with OrthoNebraska, where he was involved in physical therapy patient care and assisted with inpatient care for pre- and post-operative patients. He also contributed to an anesthesia data tracking project aimed at improving clinical efficiency. Outside of his clinical work, Preston serves as a youth basketball coach for Papillion-La Vista South and as an assistant varsity soccer coach for his alma mater, Gross Catholic High School. For his Community Action Project, Preston and his team are partnered with Nebraska Medicine. This past year, they developed visual resources designed to improve the patient experience in the emergency department waiting room. Preston is interested in a career as a physician specializing in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine.
KARTER JEFFREY | JUNIOR | CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING | LINCOLN, NE
This past summer, Karter worked as a field and office engineer intern with Lueder Construction, gaining exposure to both field operations and project management. In the summer of 2024, Karter gained hands-on experience as a field engineer intern with Kiewit’s Southeast District in Jacksonville, FL, where he worked on a job site at Orlando International Airport. Outside of his internships, Karter is an active member of the UNO Men’s Club Soccer team and participates in Salt Company, a campus ministry group. He also volunteers regularly at Citylight Church, engaging with the local community. For his Community Action Project, Karter and his team partnered with Special Spaces to design, organize, and launch the inaugural Special Strides 5K event. Their efforts successfully raised over $34,000—enough to fund four custom bedroom makeovers. Karter is interested in building a career as an entrylevel on-site engineer with a general contractor, where he can apply his skills in construction engineering and project coordination.
ABIGAIL KLINE | JUNIOR | CHEMISTRY | OMAHA, NE
During her time at UNO, Abigail has been involved in Chem Club, Pre-Health Professionals Club, worship team, and children’s ministry at Lifegate Church. She currently works at Children’s Nebraska as a CNA and is also conducting research at UNMC with Dr. Svetlana Romanova, studying silver nanoparticle sensors that detect hydrogen peroxide. This research supports kidney cell studies by tracking oxidative stress, aiding in the understanding of disease progression and the effects of therapeutic drugs. For her Community Action Project, Abigail and her team are partnered with Nebraska Medicine and recently developed visual resources designed to improve the patient experience in the emergency department waiting room. After graduation, Abigail plans to attend physician assistant school at UNMC.
MICHAEL LEBLANC | JUNIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | PAPILLION, NE
Michael most recently had a summer internship with the Army Corps of Engineers. Previously, he worked at Nebraska Defense Research Corporation, where he saw firsthand how computer science and engineering intersect. For his Community Action Project, Michael and his team partnered with Bockscar, the Technology Innovation Sector of the 55th Wing of the U.S. Air Force. Their recent work has focused on developing an application of the oceanic crossing procedures to improve accessibility and user experience, ultimately enhancing flight safety for the U.S. Air Force. Michael plans to pursue a career in architectural engineering.
ALAINA LORKOVIC | JUNIOR | BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE
Alaina currently works as a CNA at Nebraska Medicine, gaining hands-on patient care experience. She also serves as the recruitment chair for Chi Omega, where she led the recruitment of 25 new members and guided her chapter of 50 girls through the process. In addition, she leads a Bible study for eight students through the JPII Newman Center and works with the St. Robert Bellarmine Youth Ministry Program to build community and foster faith among high school students. For her Community Action Project, Alaina and her team partnered with Special Spaces to design, organize, and launch the inaugural Special Strides 5K event. Their efforts successfully raised over $34,000— enough to fund four custom bedroom makeovers. After graduation, Alaina plans to attend physician assistant (PA) school and specialize in geriatrics or family medicine.
COLE MACK | JUNIOR | CHEMISTRY | LA VISTA, NE
In summer 2024, Cole participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) and previously interned with the Scott Scholars Design Studio. He currently works at UNMC in Dr. Paul Trippier’s lab, where he began by synthesizing a novel drug for prostate cancer and is now contributing to the development of a drug targeting neurological diseases. At UNO, Cole is an active member of the Men’s Volleyball Club and sings in a barbershop quartet founded by Scott Scholars. For his Community Action Project, Cole and his team are partnered with Nebraska Medicine and are working to create an emergency department environment where every patient feels supported and cared for throughout their entire visit. He is interested in a career in chemistry with a focus on food science and drug development, and plans to pursue a PhD in medicinal chemistry or synthetic organic chemistry before entering the pharmaceutical industry.
JOHN MENTGEN | JUNIOR | COMPUTER ENGINEERING + MUSIC (CONCENTRATION IN JAZZ STUDIES) | SCOTTSBLUFF, NE
John recently interned at Garmin, where he developed low-level software to control hardware components of microcontrollers, creating efficient communication systems for Garmin products. Previously, he was a security engineering intern at Q-Net, where he debugged and wrote modules using Hardware Description Language for cybersecurity hardware. He also previously worked at the Davis Global Center and UNMC, developing virtual and augmented reality tools to enhance medical education. At UNO, John is actively involved in HKN, an engineering honors society focused on supporting the ECEN department and promoting STEM in the community. He also serves as treasurer of the Comedy Club and performs in a Scott Scholars barbershop quartet that plans to audition for the international barbershop competition for singers aged 18-25. Looking ahead, John aims to pursue a career in semiconductor technology and computer architecture, advancing innovation in the design and fabrication of nextgeneration hardware systems.
IAN MEYER | JUNIOR | MATHEMATICS + ECONOMICS + COMPUTER SCIENCE | LINCOLN, NE
Ian recently interned at Microsoft and previously worked at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where he helped build a single-cell RNA sequencing pipeline and explored applications of machine learning in biology. With a strong foundation in applied mathematics—including analysis, algebra, probability, and partial differential equations—he is particularly interested in Physically Informed Neural Networks (PINNs). Ian has also worked at J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and Kiewit Corporation, applying data science and software engineering to develop time series forecasting models, automated data pipelines, and pattern recognition tools. Outside of work, he mentors middle school students in competitive mathematics at Moore Middle School, emphasizing creative thinking and persistence. Ian is exploring career paths in applied machine learning, data science, software engineering, or quantitative finance.
GRANT PETERS | JUNIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | ROGERS, NE
This past year, Grant launched his own business, Auto Racing Analytics, where he provides data services for RSMG driver Sammy Smith and his team, maintaining critical databases to support performance analysis. Previously, he worked with the NASCAR Legacy Motor Club as one of the first members of the Driver Optimization Department, focusing on data analytics and software development to enhance driver efficiency and maximize vehicle performance. During his time there, he developed approximately five specialized tools for analyzing simulation data. Grant also gained customer service experience working as a teller at Platte Valley Bank and contributed as a member of the American Red Cross Bloodmobile team. At UNO, he holds the leadership role of Deputy Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus, actively supporting community and campus initiatives. Grant aims to build a career in software development or motorsports data analysis.
JOSSEN RINN | JUNIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE + MATHEMATICS + FINANCE | OMAHA, NE
Jossen recently worked to build databases for Scoular’s commodities trading department that identify patterns for corn and soybean futures. He also developed models for optimizing a portfolio of futures and options contracts in relation to market movements. Previously, as an accounting data intern with National Indemnity Company, Jossen was responsible for reconciliation of files, data management, and writing for the accounting ledger daily. For his Community Action Project, Jossen and his team partnered with Special Spaces to design, organize, and launch the inaugural Special Strides 5K event. After graduation, Jossen plans to pursue a career in forensic accounting and banking. He is also considering graduate school.
JACK RYGG | JUNIOR | IT INNOVATION | OMAHA, NE
Jack recently worked as a software engineering intern with Northrop Grumman. In summer 2024, he interned at nLyze, a local startup focused on consulting and implementing AI with an emphasis on security, where he worked in project management and software engineering. He also collaborates with Dr. Joel Elson and the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE), contributing to research and development that led to NCITE’s first U.S. patent (US-12069010) for a chatbot designed to report and investigate threats. For his Community Action Project, Jack and his team partnered with partnered with Bockscar, the Technology Innovation Sector of the 55th Wing of the U.S. Air Force. They recently developed an application of the oceanic crossing procedures to improve accessibility and user experience, ultimately enhancing flight safety for the U.S. Air Force. Jack is interested in pursuing a career in IT, technological innovation, and programming.
CHRIS SCHINZEL | JUNIOR | BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE
Chris currently volunteers as a research assistant in a bioinformatics lab at UNO, building DNA analysis pipelines. He is proficient in R and Python, and experienced with Excel and SPSS. In summer 2024, he worked as a research assistant at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, helping develop teaching strategies for children with autism spectrum disorder. Chris also tutors peers at UNO’s Math-Science Learning Center, assisting students in subjects from organic chemistry to immunology. Additionally, he works as a nursing assistant at the Omaha VA Branch, supporting inpatient and outpatient care across multiple departments. Outside of academics, Chris is a weekly mentor at the Kids CAN Community Center, serves as Safety Officer for the UNO Club Volleyball Team, and sings in the 4:3 Quartet. Chris’s goal is to attend medical school and become a physician.
BENNETT SCHLIESSER | JUNIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE + ECONOMICS + MATHEMATICS | BELLEVUE, NE
Bennett interned with the Nebraska Defense Research Corporation (NDRC) this past summer. Previously, he was a member of the first ever Scott Scholars Design Studio Pro Internship. Together, he and his team developed MaVS.uno, an interactive education project that won first place in Grant Sanderson’s #SoMEPi competition. For his Community Action Project, Bennett and his team are partnered with Bockscar, the Technology Innovation Sector of the 55th Wing of the U.S. Air Force. to develop an app to reduce risk during oceanic crossings for the U.S. Air Force. Bennett is also an active member of the Scott Scholars Leadership Council, representing student interests and providing essential programming support. Following graduation, Bennett plans to pursue a graduate degree and a career in computer science.
MEGAN SCHUBERT | JUNIOR | CIVIL ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE
Megan has served as vice president of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Dean’s Leader for the College of Engineering, and is a member of the Women in Engineering Program. During the summer 2025, she worked as a roadway intern for HDR, assisting in the production of engineering plans—including staging, preliminary design, and quantity estimation—using Civil 3D software. She is proficient in Civil 3D, Bluebeam, HEC-HMS, and ArcGIS. Megan also held the role of budget and fundraising coordinator for the 2025 ASCE Mid-America Student Symposium. Previously, during her internship with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Megan conducted river and lake surveys, applied engineering formulas and standards for analysis, utilized water resource modeling software, and prepared technical reports. Megan plans to pursue a career in civil engineering, focusing on highway design.
KEEGAN SHANAHAN | JUNIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | LA VISTA, NE
Keegan currently serves as secretary of the Architectural Engineering Student Leadership and Advisory Committee (AESLAC). During the summer 2025, she worked as an electrical engineering intern at Specialized Engineering Solutions, gaining hands-on experience in electrical design for buildings. She is knowledgeable in Revit and Visual Lighting software. Keegan also mentors the Gross High robotics team, helping new students learn robotics fundamentals. For her Community Action Project, Keegan and her team partnered with Sisters in STEM. This past year, they planned and executed two signature events that aimed to expose participants to STEM fields through engaging activities and near-peer mentoring by Scott Scholars, offering educational opportunities. Keegan is interested in a career in electrical engineering with a focus on power and lighting design.
SHREEYA SHAPKOTA | JUNIOR | NEUROSCIENCE | OMAHA, NE
Shreeya currently works in Dr. Paul Denton’s Immunobiology Lab, where she studies the role of natural killer (NK) cells in diseases, particularly cancer. This summer, she served as a residence life and social activities lead for the Summer Health Professionals Education Program (SHPEP) at UNMC, supporting scholars through mentorship and programming. Previously, she was a 2024 Scott Scholar Design Studio intern, where her team developed solutions to enhance the emergency department waiting room experience at Nebraska Medicine. During the academic year, Shreeya works as a patient attendant at Nebraska Medicine, serves as essential supply director at the UNO Women and Gender Equity Center (WGEC), and coaches and judges for the Millard North High School forensics team. After graduation, Shreeya plans to attend medical school, with interests in obstetrics & gynecology and addiction psychiatry.
HANNAH STONE | JUNIOR | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE
Hannah currently works as a patient transporter at Nebraska Medicine and volunteers at the Math and Science Learning Center (MSLC) as a biology and chemistry tutor. She also interns at the Health Careers Resource Center (HCRC), where she serves as a teaching assistant and mentor for students. During the summer of 2024, she participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) at the Munroe-Meyer Institute. For her Community Action Project, Hannah and her team are partnered with RISE, an organization dedicated to breaking generational cycles of incarceration by providing tailored programs for individuals preparing to leave the system. This past year, they redesigned how builders receive feedback and test scores from their baseline assessments, creating a process that is both more effective and empathetic to each builder’s unique circumstances. After graduation, Hannah plans to attend medical school to become a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.
BEN THOMAS | JUNIOR | CYBERSECURITY | OMAHA, NE
This past summer, Ben interned at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska as an information security intern. He’s also worked at Ameritas as an enterprise security intern and at Werner Enterprises as a cybersecurity intern. For his Community Action Project, Ben and his team are partnered with Bockscar, the Technology Innovation Sector of the 55th Wing of the U.S. Air Force. They recently developed an application of the oceanic crossing procedures to improve accessibility and user experience, ultimately enhancing flight safety for the U.S. Air Force. Outside of work and school, Ben is an active volunteer with Special Spaces. After graduation, Ben plans to pursue a career in cybersecurity.
CALLUM WARD | JUNIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | GOTHENBURG, NE
This past summer, Callum interned at Garmin on the Common Libraries team, where he managed shared software libraries and coordinated cross-team needs to improve efficiency and consistency. Previously, he was a software engineering intern at Northrop Grumman, where he worked on both backend and frontend development using Java for backend systems and React with TypeScript for frontend. He also participated in the National Security Internship Program at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), focusing on UI/UX and frontend software projects using React, TypeScript, and some Python. At UNO, Callum plays alto saxophone in the Pep Band. After graduation, Callum plans to pursue a career in full-stack or frontend software development.
MASON WICKSTROM | JUNIOR | MATHEMATICS | ELKHORN, NE
Mason has most recently been employed at Northwestern Mutual as a wealth management intern, where he assisted wealth advisors with client segmentation and tracking. For his Community Action Project, Mason and his team are partnered with Special Spaces. This past year they designed, organized, and launched the inaugural Special Strides 5K event. Their efforts successfully raised over $34,000—enough to fund four custom bedroom makeovers. Mason is interested in a career in data analysis, computer science, or bioinformatics.
SOPHOMORES | CLASS OF 2027
Most recently, Meg completed a consulting advisory internship with Gallup, where she researched client needs, participated in meetings, and contributed to problem-solving strategies. Previously, Meg was a Global Friends intern in Okoboji, IA and also served as an HR intern at Arnold’s Park Amusement Park. She currently works as a program coordinator at Compana Pet Brands, where she runs their educational partnership, scholarship, and grant programs. For her Community Action Project, Meg and her team are partnered with Softsxills, a company striving to reshape student development by building a comprehensive profile of an individual’s soft skills. This past year, the team developed a technical solution for student reporting while also strengthening communication strategies for key stakeholders. Meg is also involved in the UNO Honors Program and is considering future paths in research, law school, or business consulting.
BRYAN BENITEZ | SOPHOMORE | NEUROSCIENCE | OMAHA, NE
At Nebraska Medicine, Bryan prepares cadavers for medical students and residents to practice with prior to starting surgical rotations and/or residency. This past summer, he participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) through UNMC, working in Dr. Ronning’s lab. Together, they worked to identify and characterize key proteins involved in the chemical pathways of infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis. In his previous research position, Bryan identified barriers to cancer screening among the Hispanic population in Omaha. Through collaboration with community partners like OneWorld, this research focused on improving screening access for cancers such as breast, colon, and esophageal. Previously, Bryan also served as a team lead in the Design Studio internship, where he and his team partnered with UNeTech to develop a pink noise app that helps older adults improve gait alignment. At UNO, Bryan is involved in student government, Latinos in STEM, ALAS, and the PreHealth Professionals Club. He plans to pursue an MD/PhD with a focus on surgical medical care and public health/ policy in marginalized communities within Omaha and developing countries.
CHARLIE BERRYMAN | SOPHOMORE | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE
Charlie currently works in Dr. Paul Denton’s Immunobiology Lab at UNO, where he collaborates with the lab team to study the effectiveness of a certain type of immune system cell under the influence of different drugs. He is also working with marmoset samples as part of an experiment in the Clayton Lab. With the help of Dr. Denton, Charlie was recently awarded a FUSE grant for his research from the Office of Research and Creative Activity. For his Community Action Project, Charlie and his team are partnered with Completely KIDS. This past year, the team focused on enhancing the sustainability of the weekend food program’s waste management by partnering with the Hefty ReNew Program. They also organized and streamlined the program’s data to improve budget tracking and support informed decision-making. At UNO, Charlie is involved in the UNO Symphonic Wind Ensemble, UNO Jazz Band, the Intergenerational Orchestra of Omaha, and the INBRE Journal Club. In the future, Charlie is interested in pursuing medical school, with a career pathway in research.
REID CHAPMAN | SOPHOMORE | COMPUTER SCIENCE + CYBERSECURITY | OMAHA,
NE
Most recently, Reid completed a summer internship with Northrop Grumman as a systems software engineering intern. Prior to that, he participated in the Innovation Ignited Fellowship with the Scott Scholars Program in partnership with MIT. In the summer of 2023, he served as a technical intern in the Scott Scholars Design Studio Internship, where he worked with UNMC and UNeTech to develop solutions for challenges in business and research. For his Community Action Project, Reid and his team are partnered with Softsxills, a company striving to reshape student development by building a comprehensive profile of an individual’s soft skills. This past year, the team developed a technical solution for student reporting while also strengthening communication strategies for key stakeholders. In his spare time, Reid volunteers with My Brethren Charity, as well as the Catholic Charities of Omaha. After graduation, Reid plans to pursue a career as a software developer or attend law school, with a specialization in patent law in technology.
CLAIRE DENTON | SOPHOMORE | BIOINFORMATICS | BELLEVUE, NE
This past summer, Claire returned to Fort Detrick Military Base in Frederick, Maryland to participate in a research experience at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). During her second summer as a viral pathogenesis intern, Claire learned how to microinject mosquitoes and conducted research on the Human Parainfluenza Virus (HPIV). The previous summer, Claire tested optimizations for a plaque assay protocol for the Hazara Virus while gaining hands-on experience and insight into a career in a government research lab. She also served as a team lead for the Summer 2023 Design Studio internship. Currently, Claire works as a CNA at Hillcrest Health and Rehabilitation. Claire has training in programming languages including Java, Python, TypeScript, Swift, as well as skills in HTML, CSS, and the Ionic-Angular framework. Claire’s career interests include medicine and biomedical research, with a specific focus on virology.
NATHAN DULL | SOPHOMORE | CHEMISTRY | OMAHA, NE
Nathan has had extensive job shadowing experience at Streck Pharmaceuticals, where he gained hands-on expertise in research and development pertaining to microbiology, hematology, and analytical chemistry. Over the summer, he worked as a surgical simulation intern with iEXCEL, where he helped set up and run cadaver labs to support medical training. In addition, he works as a swim teacher and has recently received his phlebotomy certification. For his Community Action Project, Nathan and his team are partnered with Collective For Youth. This past year, the team designed and implemented a series of comprehensive, healthcare-focused activities for K-8 students in the form of STEM kits. His career interests include dermatology and ophthalmology.
| LINCOLN, NE
This past summer, Jack completed a summer internship with Garmin as an embedded software engineer, where he gained experience in the automotive industry. Previously, he worked at NebDev as a software engineering intern for multiple projects, including the summer 2024 Scott Scholars Design Studio internship. During his time in the summer 2023 Design Studio internship, Jack took charge of programming initiatives for Give Nebraska, creating an innovative app designed for outreach. For his Community Action Project, Jack and his team are partnered with Softsxills, a company striving to reshape student development by building a comprehensive profile of an individual’s soft skills. This past year, Jack led his team as they developed a technical solution for student reporting. In the future, Jack is interested in combining his passions for music and electrical engineering in his career.
LYNN FAYAD | SOPHOMORE | BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE
Lynn is currently interning at iEXCEL, where she sets up and manages simulations for medical students and residents to enhance their learning. She recently spent a month in Lebanon, where she shadowed healthcare professionals at the Lebanese Hospital, gaining valuable insight into international medical practices. She was also a camp leader for Gaudete Camp, helping to create an interactive summer experience for children. Lynn tutors middle school students in math and English and serves as a family program childcare leader. For her Community Action Project, Lynn and her team are partnered with Softsxills, a company striving to reshape student development by building a comprehensive profile of an individual’s soft skills. This past year, the team developed a technical solution for student reporting while also strengthening communication strategies for key stakeholders. Lynn is currently exploring future career options and is most interested in working in healthcare.
CALUM HELDT | SOPHOMORE | MATHEMATICS | SCOTTSBLUFF, NE
This past summer, Calum participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in mathematics and collaborated on a research project at Carnegie Mellon University. Calum was a 2023-24 NASA Nebraska Space Grant recipient, conducting research in Galois theory and presenting at the 2024 Hopf Algebra and Galois Module Theory conference. In the summer of 2024, Calum also worked on a software development project to create visualizations that make advanced math and computer science topics more accessible. At UNO, he serves as Math Club president and works as a learning assistant, teaching assistant, and grader. Calum also coaches the Westside Middle School math team and volunteers for the Nebraska Mycological Society. Calum plans to pursue a PhD at the University of Exeter, aiming for a career in mathematics academia and climate science research.
MARSHALL HERMAN | SOPHOMORE | ECONOMICS | BATTLE CREEK, NE
This past summer, Marshall participated in the Scott Scholars Design Studio Internship. Marshall has also been working in the marketing department for the iEXCEL program at the Davis Global Center, where he manages social media platforms, captures digital media, assists with event planning, and helps increase web traffic. For his Community Action Projecy, Marshall and his team are partnered with Child Saving Institute. This past year, the team laid the foundation for a structured volunteer program by streamlining the onboarding process for new volunteers and assisting in the selection of a volunteer management platform. At UNO, Marshall is a member of the Economics Club and an associate in Beta Alpha Psi. His skills include Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office, social media management, problem solving, effective communication, and teamwork. Marshall’s career interests include accounting, economics, investment banking, and financial advising.
WELLS JOHNSON | SOPHOMORE | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE
At UNMC Davis Global Center, Wells works as a clinical/surgical simulations intern in the iEXCEL Program, assisting with simulations for residents and medical students. Over the past summer, he interned as a nurse technician in pediatrics at Boys Town, gaining clinical experience in patient care and procedures. Wells serves on the Scott Scholars Leadership Council Outreach Committee, promoting the Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship Program and community leadership. He’s also an active member of the MBB Journal Club, where he presents clinical and biological research to students and faculty. For his Community Action Project, Wells and his team are partnered with Collective For Youth. This past year, the team designed and implemented a series of comprehensive, healthcare-focused activities for K-8 students in the form of STEM kits. Wells is interested in pursuing a career in medicine, potentially in dermatology or anesthesiology.
DOMINIC KOPERSKI | SOPHOMORE | CIVIL ENGINEERING | LINCOLN, NE
At UNO, Dominic is involved with the Newman Center and is a member of the Maverick Maniacs, supporting UNO athletes and teams. This past summer, he worked as a student researcher, developing and testing an antimicrobial and selective laser-sintered prosthetic socket in UNO’s Zuniga Lab, supported by a UNO FUSE grant and pending a NASA Fellowship. He expects to present his research at conferences and pursue possible publication. For his Community Action Project, Dominic and his team are partnered with Collective For Youth. This past year, the team designed and implemented a series of comprehensive, healthcare-focused activities for K-8 students in the form of STEM kits. Dominic aspires to become a certified orthotist and prosthetist.
KOLTON KRALIK | PHYSICS + MATHEMATICS | PHYSICS | WEST POINT, NE
Kolton currently works in the UNO lab with Dr. Sabirianov and Dr. Mei, focusing on quantum computing research. Previously, he worked as a 2024 Scott Scholars Design Studio intern, where his team collaborated with Millard Public Schools District to reimagine their curriculum in a way that was both STEM-oriented and engaging for families throughout the area. For his Community Action Project, Kolton and his team are partnered with Softsxills, a company striving to reshape student development by building a comprehensive profile of an individual’s soft skills. This past year, the team developed a technical solution for student reporting while also strengthening communication strategies for key stakeholders. After graduation, Kolton is interested in becoming a theoretical physicist, with a focus on string theory, quantum cosmology, and quantum gravity.
JENNA KRAMER | SOPHOMORE | NEUROSCIENCE | LINCOLN, NE
This past summer, Jenna was a Stowers Summer Scholar at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, conducting full-time neuroscience research in Dr. Linheng Li’s Genetics & Genomics Lab. Previously, Jenna participated in the 2024 Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) at UNMC, where she studied the effects of alcohol on ghrelin-secreting stomach and pancreatic cells. She was also a 2023 Scott Scholars Design Studio intern, where she helped develop an app to improve access to dental care in rural communities. At UNO, Jenna is a research assistant in Dr. Garcia’s Neuropharmacology Lab, vice president of SustainUNO, an ESL tutor, a member of the University Honors Program, and part of the leadership team for the Scott Scholars student-led group Let’s Talk About It. After graduation, Jenna plans to pursue neuroscience research in graduate school, with current interests in addiction, trauma, and behavioral neuroscience.
KRISTEN LEE | SOPHOMORE | NEUROSCIENCE | PAPILLION, NE
Kristen currently works as a patient safety assistant at Nebraska Medicine, gaining valuable experience in clinical settings. This past summer, she participated in the Biomedical Sciences Academy at Midlands Hospital, where she shadowed cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Kristen also took part in the Scott Scholars Middle School Design Thinking Summer Camp, contributing to innovative problem-solving activities. She has worked in several labs planning, conducting, and reporting on independent experiments. At UNO, Kristen is a member of the Maverick Machine Pep Band. For her Community Action Project, Kristin and her team are partnered with Completely KIDS. This past year, the team focused on enhancing the sustainability of the weekend food program’s waste management by partnering with the Hefty ReNew Program. They also organized and streamlined the program’s data to improve budget tracking and support informed decision-making. Kristen is interested in a career at the intersection of clinical neurology, neuroscience research, and hospital software development.
ELAINA MCHARGUE | SOPHOMORE | APPLIED COMPUTER & INFORMATICS + NEUROSCIENCE | CENTRAL CITY, NE
This past summer, Elaina worked with the Okoboji Team as a Global Friends intern, serving international workers at local amusement parks. Elaina has research experience working with the Python coding interface and participated in the 2024 DIVAS program, where she learned to apply coding skills to solve image analysis problems in biological research. She also wrote image processing code, conducted data analysis, and contributed to a research paper for a UNO project funded by a FUSE grant in Dr. Rauter’s Lab. For her Community Action Project, Elaina and her team are partnered with Completely KIDS. This past year, the team focused on enhancing the sustainability of the weekend food program’s waste management by partnering with the Hefty ReNew Program. They also organized and streamlined the program’s data to improve budget tracking and support informed decision-making. At UNO, Elaina is involved with the PC3 college ministry and volunteers in a children’s ministry affiliated with Providence Church. In the future, Elaina hopes to pursue a field that combines her passions for biology and data analysis.
TOM MELLIGER | SOPHOMORE | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING | COLUMBUS, NE
Tom is the chief drone pilot for B-52 Spraying, where he pilots advanced drone technology to spray and distribute cover crops. He is proficient in coding and actively works on various robotics projects. This past summer, Tom was an engineering intern with OPPD in the Asset Management and Maintenance Operations (AMMO) and Power Quality (PQ) departments. At UNO, Tom is active in the Newman Center and IEEE on campus, and teaches country swing dancing there. In the future, Tom plans to pursue a career in electrical engineering.
JOEL MILLER | SOPHOMORE | BIOLOGY + ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE | MCCOOK, NE
Joel is an undergraduate research assistant in UNO’s Koraleski Commerce and Applied Behavioral (CAB) Lab, where he gains hands-on experience in the creation of consumer and behavioral studies using various technological resources and physiological sensors. For his Community Action Project, Joel and his team are partnered with Completely KIDS. This past year, the team focused on enhancing the sustainability of the weekend food program’s waste management by partnering with the Hefty ReNew Program. They also organized and streamlined the program’s data to improve budget tracking and support informed decision-making. At UNO, Joel is involved in the Pep Band, plays in the String Orchestra, and serves as a student leader at Providence Church. He also volunteers with Global Friends, a local ministry that helps international students feel at home during their time in the U.S. In the fall of 2025, Joel will travel to the Philippines to participate in a sustainability and conservation internship, further preparing for his future goal of a career in marine conservation.
ISABELLA MITCHELL | SOPHOMORE | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE
This past summer, Isabella completed a 10-week internship at UNMC’s College of Medicine under Dr. Arika Hoffman, focusing on institutional and structural disparities in healthcare with an emphasis on nephrology and transplant medicine. Currently, Isabella volunteers in the heart/vascular and pediatric units at UNMC, as well as in anatomic pathology and the emergency department. In 2024, she interned at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), conducting immunodiagnostic research for U.S. Army partners at the Fort Detrick military base in Frederick, MD. She was also a summer research intern at Creighton University, specializing in preventing aminoglycosidic hearing loss. At UNO, Isabella is a research assistant in Dr. Mark Schoenbeck’s plant biology lab, a member of the Molecular and Biomedical Biology Journal Club, a board member of the Women and Gender Equity Center (WGEC), and a UHOP scholar. Isabella is on the pre-medical track with interests in biomedical sciences, particularly medical or environmental applications, and cardiology.
JANNY NGUYEN | SOPHOMORE | COMPUTER SCIENCE + COMPUTER ENGINEERING
| OMAHA, NE
This past year, Janny was an Innovation Ignited Fellow sponsored by the Scott Scholars Program in partnership with MIT. After completing a graduate-level online course at MIT, Janny worked with Union Pacific to leverage her new expertise in AI and automation. In the summer of 2024, Janny was a software development intern at Conagra Brands, where she helped develop an AI-powered application to streamline document retrieval and improve workflow. She was also part of the Apple Pathway Alliance, working on projects with Apple experts. Janny is proficient in Python, C, JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML, and frameworks like Angular and Django. At UNO, she is involved with the Vietnamese Student Association. Janny aims to pursue a career in computer science.
MOLLIE NIELSEN | SOPHOMORE | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | WEST POINT, NE
This past summer, Mollie was selected for Nebraska’s Institutional Development Awards (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Scholars Program. As an INBRE Scholar, Mollie conducted cancer research in Dr. Eric Guisbert’s lab at UNO and was awarded a Fund for Undergraduate Scholarly Experiences (FUSE) grant. Previously, Mollie participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) at UNMC, working in a regenerative medicine lab focused on developing hydrogels for acute lung injury. Mollie is certified in animal handling for laboratory testing, cell culturing, is a certified CNA, and holds BLS certification. She also volunteers at UNMC. After graduation, Mollie plans to pursue an MD/PhD.
JOSEPH NORMAN | SOPHOMORE | BIOLOGY | ELKHORN, NE
Joe interns at UNMC iEXCEL as a surgical simulation worker, where he assists the full-time staff with cadaver labs and internal processes. For his Community Action Project, Joe and his team are partnered with the Child Saving Institute, which focuses on child-centered services and programs. This past year, their team laid the foundation for a structured volunteer program by streamlining the onboarding process for new volunteers and assisting in the selection of a volunteer management platform. After graduation, Joe aspires to attend dental school and pursue a career in dentistry.
SAMUEL NORMAN | SOPHOMORE | ECONOMICS + BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION | ELKHORN, NE
This past summer, Sam traveled to Arizona to assist in the launch of his uncle’s new preventative healthcare business, focusing on their marketing and finance endeavors. He also works as a surgical simulation intern in UNMC’s iEXCEL program, where he prepares surgical labs with cadavers for training purposes. Sam has also collaborated with the surgical floor team to improve processes, aiming for greater organization and efficiency. For his Community Action Project, Sam and his team are partnered with Child Saving Institute, which focuses on childcentered services and programs. This past year, their team laid the foundation for a structured volunteer program by streamlining the onboarding process for new volunteers and assisting in the selection of a volunteer management platform. In the future, Sam plans to plans to pursue a career in finance.
KAITLYN PARKER | SOPHOMORE | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY + MATHEMATICS | PAPILLION, NE
Kaitlyn is currently a research assistant in Dr. Wong’s lab, where she is trained in RNA probe synthesis, EthoVision analysis, fish handling and care, Zantiks behavioral analysis, PCR, and micropipetting. With the support of a Fund for Undergraduate Scholarly Experiences (FUSE) grant, she is researching how different levels of dietary protein consumed during zebrafish development will affect stress expression after exposure to chronic stress in adulthood. She hopes to eventually write a manuscript that will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Previously, Kaitlyn was a 2023 Scott Scholars Design Studio intern where she worked with Nebraska Medicine to design a technological solution using pink noise to improve patients’ gaits. At UNO, she is a member of the Asian Student Union and Math Club. After graduation, Kaitlyn plans on going to graduate school to become an occupational therapist. She is particularly interested in gerontology and neurology.
LEO PECHOUS | SOPHOMORE | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE
Leo recently worked as a structural intern at Infrastructure LLC, gaining hands-on experience in building engineering. Prior to that, he worked as a draftsman intern at Jackson Jackson & Associates, where he supported structural design projects. Leo also served as a design intern at DLR Group, contributing to five building designs. As a summer 2023 Scott Scholars Design Studio intern, Leo applied design thinking to develop a comprehensive app framework for the UNMC College of Dentistry aimed at improving access to dental care in rural areas. At UNO, he is actively involved in the Architectural Engineering Student Leadership Committee (AESLAC) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Leo’s career interests include building design, sustainability, and transportation infrastructure, where he hopes to gain further experience and contribute to innovative solutions.
CLAIRE PEOPLES | SOPHOMORE | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE
This past summer, Claire worked in the UNO Acoustics Lab with Dr. Lily Wong and took the lead on three real estate renovation projects. Previously, she participated in the Scott Scholars Design Studio internship, where she partnered with the Department of the Navy and PEO Digital to enhance their technical review process through human-centered design thinking. For her Community Action Project, Claire and her team are partnered with Child Saving Institute, which focuses on child-centered services and programs. This past year, their team laid the foundation for a structured volunteer program by streamlining the onboarding process for new volunteers and assisting in the selection of a volunteer management platform. Claire has been an active volunteer for Open Door Mission since 2018. She plans on working as an architectural engineer after graduation, with an emphasis on lighting design.
CLAIRE RICKERT | SOPHOMORE | BIOLOGY | COLUMBUS, NE
Claire has experience as a receptionist and pharmacy clerk, providing her with a strong understanding of prescription medications and their uses. She currently interns with UNMC’s iEXCEL program, assisting in cadaver labs and medical simulations, and works at Nebraska Medicine as a patient safety attendant, gaining valuable clinical experience. At UNO, Claire is active in the Pre-Health Professionals Club and the Molecular and Biomedical Biology Journal Club. She also serves as communications vice president on the Executive Board of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. Claire is on the pre-physician assistant (pre-PA) track and plans to attend PA school after graduation.
ANTHONY ROBINSON | SOPHOMORE | COMPUTER ENGINEERING | NEBRASKA CITY, NE
In 2023-2024, Anthony was an Innovation Ignited Fellow and partnered with UNMC’s Center for Intelligent Healthcare (CIHC) to implement artificial intelligence into healthcare business practices. Anthony continued this work this past summer and also starting working on the launch of his own LLC, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for tech innovation. As the technical lead in his Scott Scholars Design Studio internship in 2023, Anthony helped develop an application for Nebraska Medicine and the UNO Biomechanics Department to assist with gait improvement using pink noise. At UNO, Anthony also works as a research assistant with the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE) and is an active member of IEEE. Anthony is skilled in Python, Java, C, and AI, and has broad interests across the computing field.
MARCUS SHERROD | SOPHOMORE | NEUROSCIENCE | OMAHA, NE
This past summer, Marcus expanded his biomedical research experience at the Trudeau Institute in Lake Saranac, New York. His research focused on improving the efficacy of the flu vaccine by testing the immune response and survival of mice when given different adjuvants. Previously, he participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at UNMC, where he studied excitation-contraction coupling in heart and skeletal muscles using techniques like SDS-PAGE, slide preparation, microscopy, and ATPase assays. He also interned at UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security, assisting with event logistics, interviewing infectious disease researchers, and delivering a keynote speech on believing and succeeding. At UNO, Marcus co-leads a high school team preparing for the Brain Bee competition and is a member of the Scott Scholars “Let’s Talk About It” group. Marcus aims to pursue a career in neuroscience research, focusing on neuroinflammation and the effects of chronic reactive microglia in the neural environment.
MAGGIE
SLUSHER
| SOPHOMORE | COMPUTER SCIENCE | GRETNA, NE
This past summer, Maggie was an information technology intern at Mutual of Omaha, where she rewrote a Grails application in SpringBoot and React, and migrated Bitbucket repositories and Jenkins pipelines to GitHub and GitHub Actions. She also has experience with Python, Java, and Linux systems. Previously, she was a camp counselor at Carol Joy Holling. For her Community Action Project, Maggie and her team are partnered with Collective for Youth. This past year, the team designed and implemented a series of comprehensive, healthcare-focused activities for K-8 students in the form of STEM kits. At UNO, Maggie is a member of the Maverick Machine Pep Band. Following graduation, she hopes to obtain a hands-on, security-related tech job.
CALLIE STALNAKER | SOPHOMORE | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE
This past summer, Callie worked as mechanical engineering intern at Engineering Technologies Inc., where she helped design mechanical systems for buildings including HVAC, plumbing, and piping systems. She also studied abroad in Spain for six weeks, expanding her global perspective and cultural awareness. In her previous internship with KRT Construction, Callie worked as a drafting intern, where she played a pivotal role in creating blueprints for renovations and new construction projects. At UNO, Callie is a member of the Architectural Engineering Student Leadership and Advisory Committee (AESLAC). Callie is also highly involved in PC3, a college ministry through Providence Church, and she teaches private violin lessons. After graduation, Callie is interested in a career in architectural engineering.
NICK SVOBODA | SOPHOMORE | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | RALSTON, NE
This past summer, Nick worked as a design intern at AE Design in Denver, where he gained experience in lighting and electrical design. Previously, he was a Scott Scholars Design Studio intern. For his Community Action Project, Nick and his team are partnered with Child Saving Institute, which focuses on child-centered services and programs. This past year, their team laid the foundation for a structured volunteer program by streamlining the onboarding process for new volunteers and assisting in the selection of a volunteer management platform. Nick is a member of the Nebraska Engineering Student Council at Omaha (NESCO), the Architectural Engineering Student Leadership and Advisory Committee (AESLAC), and UNO’s Dance Marathon. After graduation, Nick hopes to pursue a career in architectural engineering.
DREW SWANBERG | SOPHOMORE | APPLIED COMPUTING & INFORMATICS | OMAHA, NE
This past year, Drew was an Innovation Ignited Fellow, sponsored by the Scott Scholars Program in partnership with MIT. During the summer, he partnered with Union Pacific to solve some of their most pressing issues using AI and automation. Drew is also a student researcher with UNO’s National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE), researching emerging threats to public safety in tech. In 2023, Drew was a Scott Scholars Design Studio intern and worked with Give Nebraska, where he helped improve their workplace giving campaigns through a web application utilizing design thinking methodologies. Drew is also a debate coach, teaching nearly 75 kids weekly about debate logic critical thinking and philosophy. During his first year as a Scott Scholar, Drew founded a club called “Let’s Talk About It,” which promotes civility and discourse around various conversation topics, including controversial ones. Drew is also involved as a student leader in local campus ministry. Drew’s career interests include criminal justice reform and AI implementation.
ELLA
SWANK
| SOPHOMORE | BIOMECHANICS | LINCOLN, NE
Ella currently works for the Recreational Therapy Program at the Munroe-Meyer Institute where she coordinates and leads patients in recreational therapy activities. For her Community Action Project, Ella and her team are partnered with Collective for Youth. This past year, the team designed and implemented a series of comprehensive, healthcarefocused activities for K-8 students in the form of STEM kits. At UNO, she is a part of the Chi Omega sorority, PC3 college ministry, and Biomechanics United. Ella plans to attend occupational therapy school after graduation, aspiring to become a pediatric occupational therapist.
ELLA TERWILLIGER | SOPHOMORE | NEUROSCIENCE + CHEMISTRY | LINCOLN, NE
Currently, Ella works as a CNA on the oncology unit at Bergan Mercy. This past summer, she participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) through UNMC, where she conducted research in cellular and integrative physiology. Ella is also involved as a volunteer in the pediatric unit at UNMC. For her Community Action Project, Ella and her team are partnered with Collective for Youth. This past year, the team designed and implemented a series of comprehensive, healthcare-focused activities for K-8 students in the form of STEM kits. After graduation, Ella aspires to attend medical school, specializing in pediatric neurology or neurosurgery.
BRIELLE UNSELD | SOPHOMORE | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | PIERCE, NE
This past summer, Brielle was a food quality intern at Grande Cheese, assisting with the development of procedures for an upcoming plant. In the summer of 2024, she worked as a product development intern at James Skinner Baking Company, where she collaborated with the product development team to design and launch a new line of pies and brownies. At UNO, Brielle gives tours to prospective students and their families as a student ambassador. Brielle plans to pursue a career in food science, with a focus on designing and creating products that cater to gluten- and dairy-free dietary needs.
ANGELIQUE VARGAS | SOPHOMORE | CHEMISTRY + BIOLOGY | BELLEVUE, NE
Angelique currently works at UNMC as an EEG assistant, monitoring video for epileptic activity, and as a mobility aide, gaining hands-on medical experience. She also conducts research in the Molecular Parasitology Lab at UNO, focusing on novel anti-infective agents. As a 2023 Scott Scholars Design Studio intern, she partnered with Give Nebraska and helped develop a web application to engage younger donors and streamline the donation process. On campus, she is involved with the Scott Scholars “Let’s Talk About It” group and is a member of the Chemistry Club. Angelique plans to pursue a career in medicine with the goal of becoming a pediatrician.
AIDEN WEBER | SOPHOMORE | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | TECUMSEH, NE
This past summer, Aiden interned with Engineering Technologies Inc. (ETI) in their electrical department, gaining hands-on experience in the field. He has experience with BIM and Revit. For his Community Action Project, Aiden and his team are partnered with Child Saving Institute, which focuses on child-centered services and programs. This past year, their team laid the foundation for a structured volunteer program by streamlining the onboarding process for new volunteers and assisting in the selection of a volunteer management platform. At UNO, Aiden is actively involved on campus as a member of the Nebraska Engineering Student Council at Omaha (NESCO) and the Architectural Engineering Student Leadership and Advisory Committee (AESLAC). Aiden also serves as a student mentor for AREN 1010, supporting first-year architectural engineering students. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in architectural engineering.
JUNIPER WEYHRICH | SOPHOMORE | MATHEMATICS + ECONOMICS | OMAHA, NE
June is currently working at the Outdoor Venture Center at UNO. Prior to this, she participated in the 2024 Scott Scholars Design Studio internship, where they worked with City Sprouts of Omaha to implement solutions to improve fundraising campaigns. During the school year, June’s Community Action Project team works with Completely KIDS, streamlining their curriculum inventory system. This past year, their team focused on enhancing the sustainability of the weekend food program’s waste management by partnering with the Hefty ReNew Program. They also organized and streamlined the program’s data to improve budget tracking and support informed decision-making. Outside of school, June enjoys playing the guitar and the banjo. In the future, June would like to pursue a career in applied mathematics or actuarial science.
MALLORY WILLIAMS | SOPHOMORE | CIVIL ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE
This past summer, Mallory interned with Olsson’s wastewater team, and in summer 2024, she worked on their roadway team. She has experience using AutoCAD and Civil 3D on design projects. For her Community Action Project, Mallory and her team are partnered with Completely KIDS. This past year, their team focused on enhancing the sustainability of the weekend food program’s waste management by partnering with the Hefty ReNew Program. They also organized and streamlined the program’s data to improve budget tracking and support informed decisionmaking. At UNO, Mallory is involved in the Nebraska Engineering Student Council at Omaha (NESCO) and serves on the NESCO Student Affairs Committee. After graduation, Mallory plans to pursue a career in civil engineering.
JORDAN ZHANG | SOPHOMORE | COMPUTER SCIENCE | BEATRICE, NE
Most recently, Jordan interned at UNMC iEXCEL, where he worked as a data/computer programming intern. In one of his main projects, he designed and implemented a user-friendly informational website using HTML, CSS, and Angular. Jordan also has experience with Python, C, and TypeScript, and has worked with tools such as Azure DevOps and Git. At UNO, he is a member of the Scott Scholars Leadership Council and supports the Wellness Committee. After graduation, Jordan plans to pursue a master’s degree in computer science and is interested in a career in software or game development.
FIRST YEARS | CLASS OF 2028
SOFIA ACOSTA | FIRST YEAR | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE
Sofia has been working as a licensed pharmacy technician with the Hy-vee Pharmacy since 2024. This past summer, she participated in the Summer Health Professionals Education Program (SHPEP) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), gaining experiences and connections in the field of medicine. At UNO, Sofia takes an active role in student government serving as both a board member of the Women and Gender Equity Center and a senator for the College of Arts and Sciences. Sofia hopes to use her diverse experience to pursue a career in medicine with a possible specialty in psychiatry, OB/GYN, family medicine, or infectious disease.
MADELEINE ALEXANDER | FIRST YEAR | BIOMECHANICS | LINCOLN, NE
Madeleine devotes much of her time to others, having worked as a camp counselor at Camp Tapawingo in New York and as a certified lifeguard at UNO’s Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. This past summer, Madeleine conducted research through UNMC’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) at the MunroeMeyer Institute Play Lab’s Department of Physical Therapy, where she also serves as an active volunteer in their Recreational Therapy Program. At UNO, Madeleine is a member of Biomechanics United, managing and creating content for social media account, and helps plan and run events as part of the leadership team at Providence Church College Community. Madeleine is planning to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and is passionate about working in pediatric physical therapy, specifically in neurohabilitation and assistive technologies.
MEGAN ALTHOUSE | FIRST YEAR | BIOMECHANICS | MINDEN, NE
Megan was a 2024 Scott Scholars Design Studio intern, working with UNMC’s Department of Emergency Medicine team to help design a new waiting room that would improve patient comfort and the overall flow of the facility. She also worked as a Haddix Math Outreach intern with Dr. Matthews in UNO’s math department, where she researched the importance of math, physics, and computer science in the medical field and then shared this information with high schools. Megan is an active member in her community, dedicating many hours to UNO Oaks, PC3, Coram Deo, and Unashamed Youth. This past summer, Megan gained experience in the realm of prosthetics working with a prosthetist and orthotist, observing provider-patient interactions and helping synthesize prosthetics. After graduation, Megan plans to land a career in prosthetics and orthotics or in biomedical engineering.
ANUSH BHUJEL | FIRST YEAR | BIOLOGY | BELLEVUE, NE
This past summer, Anush started working as a medical scribe with the UNMC Emergency Department, assisting doctors and physician assistants with documentation of patient symptoms, provider observations, and medical decisions via ONECHART scribe software. At UNO, Anush is a member of the Molecular and Biomedical Biology Journal Club as well as an officer in the Art Club. Outside of school, he is a leading artist at Romain’s Studios and the leading proprietor of the DIANSU YouTube channel, writing and creating content and visual graphics as well as managing programmers and other artists. After graduation, Anush plans to pursue an MD at an allopathic medical school and hopes to work in a specialized medical field.
JOSEPH CONNER | FIRST YEAR | CHEMISTRY | VALLEY, NE
Joe works in Dr. Gift’s chemistry lab at UNO, using his Scott Scholars Design Studio Internship experience to improve the design of 3D printed light spectrometer parts. As a 2024 Scott Scholars Design Studio intern, Joe worked with the Air Force/National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) team to construct a budget tool that would allow the Air and Space Forces to smoothly keep track of all expenses. At UNO, he is involved in Chemistry Club and Quizbowl Club, and is a member of the Scott Scholars Leadership Council’s Outreach Committee. Following graduation, Joe plans to attend graduate school to obtain a PhD in nuclear chemistry or a similar science to enter the field of nuclear power.
NOAH COON | FIRST YEAR | AVIATION | OMAHA, NE
Noah is currently in flight training, working towards his Bachelors of Science in Aviation in order to become a commercial airline pilot. He is skilled in JavaScript and Python. At UNO, Noah is a member of the Esports team and participates in choir and intramural volleyball. Outside of college, Noah is a youth leader at his parish for a youth group called TNTT.
TUANKHANH DAO | FIRST YEAR | COMPUTER SCIENCE + ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE | LA VISTA, NE
This past year, Tuankhanh worked as an Innovation Ignited Fellow sponsored by the Scott Scholars Program in partnership with MIT. In this fellowship, Tuankhanh completed a graduate-level seminar at MIT focused on artificial intelligence and automation and worked with UNMC’s Center for Intelligent Health Care to assist in the development of a patient attendant robot. In the community, Tuankhanh is a leader at his parish for the youth group TNTT, where he helps to educate and mentor young Christians. Possessing a breadth of technical skills including Python, HTML, and N8N Automation Software, Tuankhanh is passionate about coding, design, and AI, and plans to work in the field of computer science following graduation.
JENNET DAVID | FIRST YEAR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | OMAHA, NE
This past summer, Jennet participated in the Scott Scholars Design Studio internship. Her work focused on designing innovative solutions to combat the rising issue of antibiotic resistance while streamlining the antibiotic diagnosis process for medical professionals. Her team was partnered with UNeMed, a tech transfer company dedicated to transforming ideas into emerging innovations. At UNO Jennet is a member of the African Student Association, participating in cultural events, career panels, group discussions, and social gatherings that foster learning and cultural exchange among students of diverse backgrounds. She has also maintained a long-standing commitment to service through her volunteer work at Church of the Resurrection since elementary school. After graduation, Jennet envisions a multifaceted career as an entrepreneur, real estate agent, and computer programmer specializing in home security technology. Her ultimate goal is to create a unique professional pathway that bridges her dual passions by leveraging her computer science background to identify market needs and design innovative solutions within the real estate and home security sectors.
LOGAN DOORLAG | FIRST YEAR | COMPUTER SCIENCE + COMPUTER ENGINEERING | PAPILLION, NE
Logan was participated in the prestigious Innovation Ignited Fellowship sponsored by the Scott Scholars Program this past year, in which he completed a graduate-level course from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) focused on automation and artificial intelligence. He was then partnered with UNMC’s Center for Intelligent Health Care to assist in the development of their cutting-edge patient attendant robot. As a Scott Scholar Design Studio intern in 2024, Logan collaborated with the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) and the U.S. Air Force to develop innovative solutions for contract data visualization, utilizing the Ionic Angular Framework in conjunction with Chart.js to create comprehensive tools that enhanced the analysis and presentation of complex contract information. After graduation, Logan aspires to establish himself as a software engineer while potentially pursuing advanced degrees at the master’s and doctorate levels in computer science, positioning himself at the forefront of technological innovation in healthcare and beyond.
NEELY EDWARDS | FIRST YEAR | BIOMECHANICS | OMAHA, NE
This past summer, Neely worked as a children’s swim lessons coordinator and managed comprehensive program operations, including all scheduling, communication, pricing, and payment processing duties. As the captain of her varsity swim team in high school, Neely applied her passion for the sport by previously working as a swim lessons instructor, teaching children proper water safety protocols and swimming techniques. Neely has experience in AIassisted coding and working with equipment used in physics analysis research. Following graduation, Neely plans to attend graduate school to become a licensed physical therapist, combining her passion for helping others with her understanding of movement and wellness gained through her extensive swimming background.
ELLIE EISCHEID | FIRST YEAR | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | VALLEY, NE
As an undergraduate researcher in Dr Denton’s Immunobiology Lab at UNO, Ellie assisted in experiments with natural killer cells to analyze their surface receptors, while maintaining rigorous safety and sanitary protocols and collaborating with laboratory members on data analysis. This past summer, she participated in UNMC’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program at the Child Health Research Institute, working under the guidance of Dr. Thomas and Dr. Hopp on the Children’s Nebraska pulmonary and allergy team. Ellie actively participates in the UNO Pre-Health Professionals Club, where she explores various healthcare fields through discussions with local healthcare professionals and connects with Omaha organizations to provide volunteer support for their programs. She also serves as a first-year ambassador for the UNO Student Government Association. After graduation, Ellie is interested in exploring an MD/PhD path that will allow her to become a pediatrician or family doctor while conducting meaningful research.
JADEN EPP | FIRST YEAR | ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE + COMPUTER SCIENCE | LINCOLN, NE
Jaden worked as a software engineering intern at NebDev this past summer, helping coordinate their Ionic Angular Bootcamp for the Scott Scholars Design Studio internship, which he participated in the previous summer. Jaden is experienced working with Ionic and Angular frameworks for both mobile and web development and is proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, and Python. After graduation, Jaden plans to obtain his master’s in computer science or computer engineering and hopes to launch a career in software development.
ALEC FOECKING | FIRST YEAR | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING | NORFOLK, NE
This past summer, Alec worked as a Scott Scholars Design Studio intern, partnering with the Henry Doorly Zoo to improve membership retention. Previously, Alec worked as a service and construction tech at Petersen Ag Systems, learning to build, deconstruct, and maintain center irrigation pivots while gaining practical knowledge of electrical systems. He’s also the owner of his own landscaping company. Alec has coding experience in C and Java as well as proficiency in Arduino, 3D pritning, and Fusion 360. At UNO, Alec is a member of the Nebraska Engineering Student Council at Omaha (NESCO) and serves the engineering student body by planning and leading events to increase involvement within engineering student cohorts. Following graduation, Alec is planning to pursue a master’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering.
AARON FUNKE | FIRST YEAR | APPLIED COMPUTING & INFORMATICS | OMAHA, NE
This past summer, Aaron worked at Aviture as a software engineering intern, focusing on the company’s Producers Livestock to build a digital transaction system to replace their current paper-based model. During his Scott Scholars Design Studio internship in 2024, Aaron collaborated with City Sprouts to bolster volunteering, increase donor retention, and strengthen community involvement across multiple stakeholders. Aaron is proficient in JavaScript, HTML, CSS, TypeScript, Python, Ionic/Angular, React, Cypress automation testing, and Microsoft Office. Aaron is interested in a dynamic career in technology and communications with the ultimate goal of helping people.
MARASIA HARRIS | FIRST YEAR | CHEMISTRY | OMAHA, NE
Marasia participated in the 2024 Scott Scholars Design Studio internship as part of the Millard team, working to incorporate more robust and accessible STEM programming across grade levels. She is proficient in Javascript and CSS. At UNO, she demonstrates her commitment to leadership and community engagement through her involvement with the Black Student Leadership Council, where she works to advance student interests and foster inclusive campus environments. Looking toward her future, Marasia plans to attend pharmacy school to pursue her PharmD degree, with the goal of establishing herself as a licensed pharmacist in the healthcare field.
AMINA HUSSAIN | FIRST YEAR | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE
Amina co-founded the UNO chapter of Blueprints for Pangea, leading efforts to redistribute unused medical supplies to underserved communities through strategic partnerships, operational planning, and student recruitment. She also serves as Public Relations Officer for the UNO Chemistry Club and is the Founder and Secretary of the UNO Healing Hearts Project, supporting individuals facing health-related challenges. In addition to her leadership roles, Amina works as a Mobility Aide at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and volunteers in the Pediatrics Unit, experiences that deepen her clinical skills and commitment to healthcare equity. Amina plans to attend medical school after completing her undergraduate degree, with the goal of becoming a pediatrician dedicated to improving children’s health and well-being.
JACOB IRWIN | FIRST YEAR | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE
This past summer, Jacob worked as an undergraduate researcher in the Summer Honors Research Program, where he analyzed trends in higher education over the past decade. Leveraging his data science and coding expertise, he worked as the lead researcher responsible for automating the article review process, developing Python programs to import data from Excel, and providing his team with crucial metadata about current articles. Previously, as a 2024 Scott Scholars Design Studio intern, Jacob partnered with the city of Valentine, Nebraska, to develop innovative and impactful strategies aimed at making it a more family-friendly city to attract young people back to the community. Jacob is proficient in Java, VSCode, GitHub, Python, and Excel. Following graduation, Jacob plans to attend UNMC for medical school, aiming to combine his strong foundation in biology and data science to advance the field of medicine through innovative research and clinical practice.
ABBY KEATING | FIRST YEAR | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | PAPILLION, NE
Abby began her research career as a lab assistant in UNO’s Molecular Parasitology Lab under the direction of Dr. Paul Davis, where she gained valuable hands-on experience in advanced laboratory techniques and research methodologies. Currently, she continues her work as a lab assistant and this past summer participated in a sixweek study abroad program in Soria, Spain, to enhance her Spanish language proficiency. Abby maintains an active campus presence through her participation in the UNO Pep Band, where she contributes to the university’s athletic spirit, and as a member of the UNO Chemistry Club, which allows her to explore her scientific interests beyond the classroom. Abby is also an engaged member of the Scott Scholars Leadership Council’s Wellness Committee. Abby plans to pursue advanced degrees at the master’s and/or Ph.D. level, with aspirations to conduct cuttingedge biological research in the specialized fields of immunology, virology, or genetics, positioning herself to make significant contributions to biomedical science and public health.
SALAH ALDYN KHAIR ALLAH | FIRST YEAR | NEUROSCIENCE | OMAHA, NE
In the summer of 2024, Salah gained valuable experience as a Scott Scholar Design Studio intern working with Millard Public Schools while simultaneously serving as an emergency medical technician (EMT) at MMT Ambulance. In his EMT role, he conducted comprehensive patient assessments, vital signs monitoring, airway management, and basic trauma care. This past summer, Salah continued his work as an EMT at MMT Ambulance while participating in the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Through SHPEP, he engaged in healthcare career exploration, professional development workshops, and hands-on clinical and public health experiences. Following graduation, Salah aspires to become a neurosurgeon with a specialized focus on neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. He is particularly interested in integrating computer science with medicine in order to develop innovative solutions for neurological disorders.
KYLIE KRUSEMARK | FIRST YEAR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE
This past summer, Kylie was a software engineering intern at ACI Worldwide, where she explored the creation of Confluence Project structures for topical initiatives such as SBOM generation and distribution and/or Post Quantum Crypto plans. At UNO, Kylie has been an active member in the Architectural Engineering Student Leadership Advisory Committee (AESLAC), serving as the co-officer of the Activities Committee. She also plays the piccolo in UNO’s Pep Band, Maverick Machine. After graduation, Kylie aspires to become an architectural engineer with a focus on lighting systems and hopes to collaborate with others to create innovative and inviting buildings for future generations.
JACOB LAMOUREUX | FIRST YEAR | CIVIL ENGINEERING | BLAIR, NE
Jacob worked as a field technician for Thiele Geotech this past summer, performing concrete testing and assisting with work in the soils lab. He is skilled in Python, ArcGIS Pro, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D and possesses basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JS. Outside of school and work, Jacob dedicates time to the Knights of Columbus through the JPII Newman Center and is a member of UNO’s Nebraska Engineering Student Council of Omaha (NESCO). After graduation, Jacob is considering getting a master’s degree and plans to pursue a career in civil engineering, specifically as a structural engineer.
ABBY LAUDER | FIRST YEAR | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | JUNIATA, NE
Jumpstarting her career in healthcare, Abby has worked at Mary Lanning Healthcare Emergency Department as an emergency department technician as well as at Nebraska Medicine as a patient care technician. At UNO, Abby is a co-founder and co-president of Blueprints for Pangea, a student-led medical surplus recovery chapter focused on redistributing unused medical supplies to underserved communities. She is also the outreach coordinator for the Biology Club and has volunteered in Dr. Conrad’s research lab, focusing on the development of antimicrobial peptide synthesis. This past summer, Abby worked as a research intern at the Trudeau Institute in New York, investigating how host genetic variation influences enterovirus D68 infection using genetically diverse mouse cell lines. After graduation, Abby plans to attend medical school with the ultimate goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon and practicing in rural Nebraska to combine her passion for aviation with medicine and expand access to specialty care to underserved, rural communities.
MOHAMMED NJIE | FIRST YEAR | COMPUTER SCIENCE + ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE | OMAHA, NE
This past summer, Mohammed worked with Dr. Magie Hall at UNO in partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory, utilizing computer vision for damage detection of steel drums by using AI and machine learning to determine the types and severity of damage. As a cybersecurity research intern in the summer of 2024, Mohammed investigated and studied ways to improve online safety for K-12 students. He is proficient in Python, HTML, CSS, Javascript, React, Swift, Photoshop, Figma, and Premiere Pro. Mohammed is also an active volunteer at the American Muslim Institute. After graduation, he hopes to become a solopreneur, developing apps and/or websites that solve diverse problems in the lives of others.
KATE NOVINSKI | FIRST YEAR | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | GRAND ISLAND, NE
This past year, Kate shadowed several specialties in the medical field while also exploring laboratory work. She recently initiated an experiment to analyze the gut microbiome of Diploptera “lactating” beetles. She is trained in DNA extraction and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). At UNO, Kate is a member of the Maverick Swimming and Diving Program. After completing her undergraduate studies, Kate plans to attend medical school. She is currently interested in family medicine and otorhinolaryngology.
ETHAN PARK | FIRST YEAR | CHEMISTRY | OMAHA, NE
Ethan has established a strong foundation in biomedical research as a research assistant in Dr. Ouellette’s biology/ pathology lab at UNMC, where he conducts a variety of sophisticated experiments including qPCR, PCR, miniprep, and BACTH techniques. This research investigates the effects of specific genes in E. coli and chlamydial bacteria, contributing to important studies in microbiology and pathology. This past summer, he continued his laboratory work while expanding his healthcare experience as a part-time scribe for ScribeAmerica. Ethan also volunteers at his church, where he teaches chess and provides tutoring services and prepares food for fundraising events. He also plays the cello at retirement homes during the winter months to bring joy to elderly residents. After graduation, Ethan aspires to attend medical school to become a physician. Through his shadowing experiences, he has developed a particular interest in anesthesiology as a specialty, which would allow him to combine his scientific background with direct patient care in critical medical situations.
UYEN PHAN | FIRST YEAR | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | BELLEVUE, NE
Uyen was a SHPEP Medical Scholar with UNMC this past summer while also working as a medical scribe at Think Healthcare. For her Community Action Project, she and her team are partnered with Radio Talking Book Service, working to improve the lives of those living with impaired vision. At UNO, Uyen is the vice president of the Vietnamese Student Organization. She’s also a conversation leader at Learning for All and a mentor at the International Council of Refugees and Immigrants. After graduation, Uyen plans to attend medical school and specialize in oncology.
ELLERY POTTS | FIRST YEAR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | LINCOLN, NE
During the school year, Ellery works as an undergraduate research assistant under the direction of PhD candidate Samuel Underwood. In this role, she helps to set up equipment such as sound level meters and thermal cameras to conduct acoustical studies in various local restaurants, models said restaurants in SketchUp, and runs social media pages connected to the study in order to attract and communicate with future study participants. At UNO, Ellery takes an active role in the Scott Scholar Leadership Council’s Outreach and Wellness Committees and lends a hand at various STEM-focused camps for younger kids. She is a senator for the College of Engineering and serves as an outreach committee co-chair for the Architectural Engineering Student Leadership Advisory Committee (AESLAC). Following graduation, Ellery hopes to complete her master’s degree at UNO and pursue a career in structural engineering, eventually running her own firm one day.
NEIL PRASANTH | FIRST YEAR | CYBERSECURITY + ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE | OMAHA, NE
This past summer, Neil worked with Dr. Magie Hall at UNO in collaboration with the Los Alamos National Laboratory in machine learning and software development. Their work focused on training AI models with images to analyze damage to 55-gallon drums and creating a Python script to run the AI model. During his Scott Scholars Design Studio internship in the summer of 2024, Neil assisted in the formulation of a 5-year comprehensive action plan for the city of Valentine, NE to combat brain drain in rural communities. In this internship, he developed static web pages and mobile applications to enhance the workflow of Valentine’s partnering organizations using HTML, Typescript, and Ionic/Angular. At UNO, Neil is a part of NULLify, attending regular meetings to discuss cybersecurity. Neil is currently working to get his AWS Security Professional Badge and is triple majoring to determine what he wants to specialize in. He hopes to launch a career in the tech industry.
TREY RUGE | FIRST YEAR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE
Passionate about working in healthcare facility design, Trey worked as a mechanical engineering intern this past summer at Specialized Engineering Solutions (SES), a firm that provides M.E.P. design and oversees construction and maintenance for hospitals and other healthcare facilities all over the country. Trey is a part of multiple clubs at UNO, serving as a co-officer of the Recognition Committee of the Architectural Engineering Student Leadership Advisory Committee (AESLAC) and is a member of The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Trey is currently pursuing degrees in architectural engineering and business administration. He hopes to provide Nebraska with premier hospital and healthcare design in the future.
AAGYA SAPKOTA | FIRST YEAR | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE
Trained as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), Aagya worked as a medical scribe at Nebraska Medicine this past summer. In this position, she documented real-time patient encounters in the EMR and provided essential support to physicians in the fast-paced clinical environment. Aagya is an active member of her community, working as the treasurer of Healing Hearts Project, an organization that she helped to organize and launch, coordinating budgeting and donation logistics. She is also the community outreach chair of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students as well as a senator for the UNO Student Government Association. Following graduation, Aagya is interested in attending medical school to become a physician. Aagya is passionate about ensuring equitable healthcare access and serving diverse communities.
CLARE SCHINZEL | FIRST YEAR | BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE
Clare began her journey in animal care through her volunteer work at Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, where she gained hands-on experience assisting with the housing and feeding of a diverse range of animals. This past summer, she worked at Bellevue Pet Adventures, a dog daycare facility, where she continued to expand her expertise in animal behavior and care while also engaging in cutting-edge microbiology research with Dr. Clayton at UNO. Her research focuses on studying the gut microbiome and investigating how changes in gut organisms can influence significant health conditions such as obesity and depression. At UNO, Clare maintains an active presence in athletics as a member of the club volleyball team, building upon her four years of high school volleyball experience. Clare plans to attend veterinary school after completing her undergraduate degree in biology, combining her passion for animal welfare with her growing expertise in microbiological research to contribute to advances in veterinary medicine and animal health.
HEYAT SEID | FIRST YEAR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | OMAHA, NE
This past summer, Heyat worked alongside Dr. Magie Hall at UNO in collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory on a project focused on utilizing computer vision for damage detection. Together, they developed a software to detect damage on steel drums using AI and machine learning. She also volunteered at Duchesne Academy’s Esports summer camp. Heyat has proficiency in Python, React, Agile, Flask, Docker, Jupyter, and GitHub. After graduation, she hopes to become an indie game developer and own a cafe.
MOLLY SHANAHAN | FIRST YEAR | CHEMISTRY | LA VISTA, NE
Molly worked as a research intern at Trudeau Institute in Lake Saranac, New York this past summer. Her work focused on improving the efficacy of the flu vaccine by testing different adjuvants and monitoring their immune cell responses. Previously, Molly was a Scott Scholars Design Studio intern and worked with Nebraska Medicine to redesign their waiting room. She’s also a certified nursing assistant (CNA). At UNO, Molly is involved in Chem Club and volunteers as a STEM mentor at Kids Can Community Center. Following graduation, Molly plans to attend medical school and become a gastroenterologist.
JOSEPH SHORT | FIRST YEAR | MATHEMATICS | ELKHORN, NE
Joey worked as a Scott Scholars Design Studio intern this past summer, partnering with the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. Together, he and his team devised innovative solutions to improve membership retention. Joey has intermediate proficiency in Python and basic proficiency in HTML, CSS, and TS. He’s also highly skilled in data analysis and modeling and is familiar with tools like NumPy. At UNO, Joey is involved in Math Club and regularly attends meetings for NULLify, the student-led cybersecurity group on campus. After graduation, Joey aims to explore a career that combines finance and computer science.
MARY SIMON | FIRST YEAR | NEUROSCIENCE | OMAHA, NE
This past school year, Mary began working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) on the medical and surgical oncology floor at Nebraska Medicine, gaining valuable skills related to patient care, including vital signs monitoring, infection control, and hygiene and mobility assistance. During summer 2025, she participated in UNMC’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program, working in Dr. Susmita Sil’s lab in the pharmacology and experimental neuroscience department. Their research focused on how different drugs of abuse affect astrocytes and astrocytederived extracellular vesicles, in the hopes of finding a cure for the neurodegenerative side effects that occur when taking said drugs (morphine and alcohol, specifically) or after being infected with HIV. Mary also regularly volunteers in the pediatric department at Nebraska Medicine. At UNO, Mary serves as the administration director for Alpha Xi Delta and as the social media chair for Dance Marathon. She’s also a member of the Scott Scholars Leadership Council and serves on the Recruitment and Wellness Committees. Following graduation, Mary plans to attend medical school and is interested in the field of ophthalmology.
ZOE THOMAS | FIRST YEAR | BIOLOGY | PAPILLION, NE
This past summer, Zoe traveled across the country as a participant in Drum Corps. She is skilled in medical laboratory skills, including micro-pipetting, isolation streaking, and gel electrophoresis. She also has experience in AI-assisted coding. Previously, she served as the president of her high school’s HOSA chapter and was a section leader in marching band. After graduation, Zoe plans to attend medical school.
CONNOR TRAPP | FIRST YEAR | BIOLOGY | LA VISTA, NE
Connor worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT) through Iowa Western Community College this past summer, treating patients in a pre-hospital setting. He also regularly volunteers in the emergency department at Nebraska Medicine. After graduation, Connor plans to attend medical school and eventually become an orthopedic surgeon.
RIA VOOTLA | FIRST YEAR | CHEMISTRY | OMAHA, NE
Ria worked as an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Pendyala’s lab in UNMC’s Department of Anesthesiology this past year. She also studied abroad in Costa Rica over J-Term, completing a course that focused on holistic wellness and well-being. At UNO, she is involved in Special Olympics Unified Club and Chemistry Club. Ria is a Girl Scout and received the Gold Award for raising awareness of hygiene poverty. After graduation, Ria plans to attend medical school.
ADDIE WAECHTER-CASS | FIRST YEAR | ECONOMICS | HASTINGS, NE
This past summer, Addison worked as a solar sales associate for Vivint, a subsidiary of NRG based in Southern California. Addison has additional sales experience from her work with American Eagle as both a senior brand ambassador and then an interim sales lead. At UNO, Addison is a D1 cheerleader and the assistant community engagement chair for Chi Omega, helping arrange several fundraisers. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a career in economics and business management.
BRIELLE WILSON | FIRST YEAR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE
This past summer, Brielle worked as a civil engineering intern at TD2, testing concrete on-site to inform contractors of its air and water content as well as crafting cylinders to be tested for strength over time. Brielle also conducted research over the summer as an acoustics research assistant at UNO. Previously, she worked as an undergraduate research assistant for Quiet Bites through UNL to improve acoustical conditions in restaurants, as well as a Scott Scholars Design Studio intern, partnering with City Sprouts to improve their fundraising efforts. Brielle is trained in a variety of engineering lab skills and has experience with dosimeters, type 1 and 2 sound level meters, and omnidirectional speakers. She also has experience coding static and dynamic webpages with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript using Large Language Models. At UNO, she serves on the Activities Committee of Architectural Engineering Student Leadership Advisory Committee (AESLAC) and participated in Chemistry Club. After graduation, she plans to pursue her master’s in architectural engineering and launch a career in the field of acoustics.
ISABELLA WINTER | FIRST YEAR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | OMAHA, NE
This past summer, Bella was a Scott Scholars Design Studio intern, where she learned how to create applications using Ionic Basic and Typescript. Bella is highly proficient in Python and has basic proficiency in SML, Cytoscape, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Previously, she was an engaged volunteer at Planned Parenthood and currently volunteers with the Omaha Jitterbugs. After graduation, Bella is interested in pursuing a PhD in mathematics or working in data analytics.
JONATHAN WOOD | FIRST YEAR | NEUROSCIENCE | OMAHA, NE
Jonathan shadowed an orthopedic surgeon in the OR this past summer while also working part-time as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at Nebraska Medicine. In addition, he volunteers regularly in UNMC’s emergency department. Jonathan has a variety of skills related to laboratory equipment and technique, as well as patient care skills, such as vital signs monitoring and mobility assistance. At UNO, Jonathan plays club volleyball, attends a weekly on-campus Bible study, and is a member of the MBB Journal Club and Pre-Health Professionals Club. Jonathan is also actively involved in the Scott Scholars Leadership Council. Following graduation, Jonathan plans to attend medical school and is interested in a career in emergency medicine or orthopedic surgery.
PAUL WOOD | FIRST YEAR | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE
This past summer, Paul worked part-time as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at Nebraska Medicine, where he also volunteers weekly in the emergency department. Paul is skilled at Gram staining preparation and interpretation, cell counting, and the culturing and incubation of cells from multiple agar plates. At UNO, Paul plays the tenor saxophone for the Maverick Machine Pep Band, participates in intramural volleyball, and is an active member of the off-campus Frisbee Club. In addition, Paul is involved with the Scott Scholars Leadership Council. After graduation, Paul will attend medical school and plans to pursue a career in specialty surgery, specifically neurosurgery or spine surgery.
