Scott Scholars Annual Report 2022-2023

ANNUAL 22-23 REPORT WA LT ER SCOT T, JR . S C HOL A R SHIP P RO GR A M

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WAYNE WATKINS LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE PROGRAM OVERVIEW LEARNING OUTCOMES + MODEL PROGRAMS PROGRAM EXPANSION + FUTURE ENDEAVORS WHOLE-PERSON DEVELOPMENT DESIGN THINKING FIRST YEAR COURSEWORK COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECTS WELLNESS COMMUNITY & SENSE OF BELONGING EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IMPACT CAREER DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE 2023 DESIGN STUDIO INTERNSHIP STUDENT RESEARCH & RECOGNITION ACADEMICS MEET THE SCOTT SCHOLARS CLASS OF 2023 CLASS OF 2027 RECRUITMENT & APPLICATION TIMELINE STUDENT PROFILES

4 5 6 6 8 10 12 12 14 18 28 30 32 34 34 36 38 40 42 42 44 46 48

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IN T RODUC T ION

INTRODUCTION FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

WAYNE WATKINS >

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Dear students, alumni, sponsors, and others associated with the Scott Scholars, With gratitude, we continue to build on the legacy of our beloved benefactor and visionary, Walter Scott, Jr., who demonstrated so many times in his exceptionally impactful life, the principles of investing in and empowering people and creating societal value through innovation, practicality, and wise risk taking.

The 2022-2023 academic year afforded many opportunities for individual Scott Scholars and the scholarship program as a whole.

INTRODUCTION

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The graduating cohort boasts a promising future, either in continued education or full-time employment.

For a third summer, the Scott Scholars program sponsored its own Design Studio Internship featuring several community-benefiting projects.

We hosted the second-annual overnight Senior Retreat at Lied Lodge in Nebraska City where the graduating seniors were able to reflect on and consider their undergraduate experiences and trajectory and provide important insights on their development, further improvements to the program, as well as to society in general.

All four classes of Scott Scholars contributed to 14 unique Community Action Projects. The projects have benefited a wide diversity of community members.

The Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation arranged for each member of the junior class to have high level, behind-the-scenes, individualized meetings with top leaders in our communities.

Scott Scholars alumna Kaitlyn Baysa accepted our offer to join our team as the Design Studio Program Coordinator. She assumed her role in July 2023.

The incoming cohort, the graduating class of 2027, has 42 members – a record class size for the program.

Walter challenged our administrative team and our students to, “do great things”. To that end, the University of Nebraska at Omaha Scott Scholars program seeks perfection in its model of undergraduate student development and in its implementation of plans to scale the program, such that positive impact results will improve the human condition with an even wider reach.

The administrative team looks forward to a prioritization of the following improvements in the year ahead: > > > > > >

Expanded Design Studio Internship program Enhanced emotional and mental wellness programming Customized learning and experiential pathways for each Scott Scholar Significant multi-year Community Action Projects New business creation support for interested student entrepreneurs Enhanced focus on the concepts and skills related to Principled Pluralism

Efforts to scale the program include: > >

Initiating a Scott Scholars program at UNMC to build, retain, and increase the impact of the muchneeded health care professionals in Nebraska.

Developing plans for a multi-institutional “life impact” themed living and learning community for Omaha that would increase its student residents’ abilities to focus on their learning, skills development, and plans for impact.

We look forward to continuous program improvement and individual progress of each Scott Scholar.

WA LT E R S C OT T, JR . S C H O L A R S HIP P RO G R A M

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LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE The UNO Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship Program is powered by university leadership, staff, and faculty advisors, the student-run Scott Scholars Leadership Council, and the support of the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation. Together they seek to bring STEM-focused human development opportunities to Scott Scholars that promote positive community impact in Omaha and beyond.

SUZANNE & WALTER SCOTT FOUNDATION

LEADERSHIP: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Wayne Watkins, J.D., MBA, BSME

ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Harnoor S. Dhaliwal, Ph.D

EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Alex Mathews, MA

DESIGN STUDIO COORDINATOR

Kaitlyn Baysa, MS

WELLNESS ADVISOR & TRAINER

Rebecca L. Wysoske, M.D.

DESIGN THINKING COACH

Dan Gilbert, MS

CHANCELLOR

Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA

SUZANNE & WALTER SCOTT FOUNDATION

Laura Miller, Ph.D.

CHANCELLOR

ACADEMIC ADVISORY BOARD: Kate Coooper, Ph.D. Associate Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Informatics EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ACADEMIC ADVISORY BOARD

Paul H. Davis, Ph.D. Nebraska Regents Distinguished Professor, Department of Biology CORPORATE ADVISORY BOARD

Griff Elder, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Clarence E. Waters, Ph.D., PE, F.AEI Aaron Douglas Professor of Architectural Engineering

DESIGN THINKING COACH

UNO ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

WELLNESS ADVISOR & TRAINER

STUDENT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL: Claire Schweikert, Junior Hailey Bixler, Junior Jaden Nienhueser, Sophomore

DESIGN STUDIO COORDINATOR

EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Erin Weidenhamer, Sophomore Keegan Shanahan, Freshman Megan Schubert, Freshman Haley Bates, Freshman Ben Thomas, Freshman Justin Bartels, Freshman

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PRO GR A M OV ERV IE W

PROGRAM OVERVIEW LEARNING OUTCOMES

The UNO Scott Scholars Program provides a living and learning community and signature developmental resources. This whole-person approach supports Scott Scholars through growth in essential areas related to intellect, creativity, civic engagement, and wellness.

Scott Scholars graduate from the program with: > > >

An academic degree in one or more STEM disciplines Supplemental core learning credentials and essential life skills Professional connections, mentor/mentee relationships, and career opportunities

Students selected as Scott Scholars engage in an enriched undergraduate educational experience that integrates curricular and co-curricular learning. Challenging by design, the program equips students with the technical, social, emotional, and problem-solving skills necessary to excel as STEM leaders in their communities and chosen professions.

The following learning outcomes are in place to ensure program goals are achieved.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

CAREER-READY Scholars develop industry-leading technical skills that prepare them to enter their chosen field as top-tier candidates.

Students translate their many curricular and co-curricular learning experiences into a desirable career portfolio. Specific learning experiences distinct to the Scott Scholars program include exclusive internships and research positions in regional and national labs, Community Action Projects, and individualized career development and coaching.

LEADERSHIP-READY Scholars develop their individual identities and learn to engage in responsible leadership that inspires others to affect positive change through the accomplishment of common goals.

DEVELOPED SENSE OF SELF Scholars become adept at self-reflection and are able to articulate and leverage specific strengths, skills, and competencies. They have an awareness and understanding of their values and beliefs within the context of our complex social landscape.

COMMUNITY-FOCUSED Scholars grow into community-engaged citizens through participation in various service projects and ongoing commitments. They learn to use their specialized skills for community advancement.

LEARNING MINDSET Scholars become excellent critical and creative thinkers who are able to integrate and use technical knowledge and skills from a variety of disciplines to generate new ideas and solve problems. They understand the importance of life-long learning and being open to new experiences and opportunities for continued growth.

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THE MODEL

The Scott Scholars model features robust STEM curriculum, access to whole-person development opportunities, and impactful mentoring, networking, and community partnerships. This educational architecture is possible thanks to the generous support of the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the Greater Omaha community, and Scott Scholars alumni.

ACADEMICS

IMPACT WHOLE-PERSON DEVELOPMENT

ACADEMICS Scott Scholars must pursue degrees in approved STEM pathways (see p. 41) and are encouraged to seek out scholarly opportunities outside of the classroom as well.

Regardless of major, all Scott Scholars enroll in a Leadership Development course and a software development course.

To remain in good standing, Scott Scholars must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher and a full-time courseload.

LEARNING OUTCOMES SUPPORTED: > Learning Mindset > Career-Ready

WHOLE-PERSON DEVELOPMENT Living and learning community within Scott Residence Hall Leadership Development course Stanford design thinking skill mastery

IMPACT Mentorship from program administrators, faculty, and external professionals

Wellness Programming

Networking and STEM-focused career and employment opportunities

Community Action Projects

Research and innovation

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Emerging enterprise creation

Access to resources in software programming, personal finance, economic and legal systems, global appreciation, and career development LEARNING OUTCOMES SUPPORTED: > Community-Focused > Leadership-Ready > Developed Sense of Self

Advocacy for community and societal challenges LEARNING OUTCOMES SUPPORTED: > Community-Focused > Career-Ready

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PROGRAMS Design Studio > A homebase for the program’s design thinking efforts, the Scott Scholars Design Studio space allows the students to creatively facilitate design sprints and project work for community partners. > Location: Scott Residence Hall, UNO’s Scott Campus

Community Action Projects > Connecting STEM students with local organizations, the Community Action Projects bring innovative solutions to Omaha. > Using design thinking, a humancentered approach to innovation, teams of 4-6 Scott Scholars work with a partner to identify a challenge, learn more about the people impacted by that challenge, and develop a list of potential solutions. From there, the team chooses one solution to prototype, and ultimately helps the partner deploy and evaluate the impact of the prototype and their work overall.

Career Development Institute

Leadership YOU

> Based on industry-specific trends and students’ current needs, the Scott Scholars program creates in-person and online career development curriculum and resources each academic year.

> With a syllabus packed with leadership theory and design thinking principles, this required course for first-year Scott Scholars sets them up for lifelong success.

> Scott Scholars have access to individualized coaching for resume and cover letter creation, job applications, interviewing skills, and more.

> Students work collaboratively with community organizations to solve complex problems with their newly honed skills.

> Signature event: Scott Scholars Career Week is hosted in the fall of each academic year to bring local and national employers to campus for exclusive engagement opportunities with Scott Scholars.

> Projects started in this course continue for up to four years as student-led Community Action Projects.

Be Well

Leadership Council

> When it comes to students’ mental and physical health and wellness, Scott Scholars staff work to ensure they feel supported and empowered to seek out and utilize available resources.

> Each academic year, 10-12 students serving on Leadership Council engage in program initiatives related to student success, engagement and participation, and recruitment, among others.

> All first-year Scott Scholars complete Wellness: How One Lives Effectively (WHOLE), a semester-long mental wellness program rooted in stress management, mindfulness, and resiliency in the wake of adversity.

> Leadership Council represents the scholarship program at community and university engagements.

> Each year, unique wellness opportunities are offered to all Scott Scholars to encourage further training in the areas covered as part of WHOLE.

WA LT E R S C OT T, JR . S C H O L A R S HIP P RO G R A M

OneWord PROJECT > As first-year Scott Scholars, each student selects a particular word, their OneWord, that describes their values, ambitions, and worldview. > Their word choices are locked in with professional, stylized photos that the students can reflect back on throughout their college careers.

Design Studio Internship

App Lab > First-year Scott Scholars complete a required software development course designed to introduce them to the Swift programming language and app development.

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Entrepreneur Academy > Students with entrepreneurial ambitions have access to enterprise creation resources and individualized mentorship connections.

> Students work in teams to identify a need with a partnering community organization, and then design and create apps that address those needs.

Community Exploration

Experiential Living & Learning

> Scott Scholars of all grade levels from across the country are invited to apply for the summer-long Design Studio Internship at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

> It is imperative for Scott Scholars to experience and engage with Omaha and the state of Nebraska through many lenses, as Walter Scott, Jr. was so passionate about doing himself.

> All UNO Scott Scholars reside in Scott Residence Hall where they have exclusive access to private study areas, a game room and lounge, movie theatre, and exercise room.

> This paid opportunity pairs groups of Scott Scholars with partnering organizations to tackle high-level problem statements using design thinking, coding, and other technical skills.

> Students participate in behind-thescenes tours at local companies and organizations and are encouraged to give back to their communities in impactful ways.

> Beyond their academics, Scott Scholars are encouraged to apply to attend conferences, participate in preprofessional organizations, and other experiential learning opportunities.

> Scott Scholars have diverse interests and passions and are given opportunities to share them with others in the program.

> From cohort retreats to de-stress activities, students are invited to several events each academic year that promote community and sense of belonging.

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PROGRAM EXPANSION + FUTURE ENDEAVORS In October 2022, the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation approved a concept and proposal to expand the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Scott Scholars program and to launch a new program for graduate and professional health science students at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). This expansion aims to leverage the high interest in health-related fields by expanding the scale and scope of the current program at UNO and by launching a graduate scholarship program at UNMC. By intentionally targeting healthcare, the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation seeks to broaden its mission of growing, cultivating and retaining top STEM talent in Omaha.

PROGRAM EXPANSION - UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA Recent application trends have identified a significant increase in students interested in pursuing pre-health majors. In response to this reality, the incoming cohort of Scott Scholars was increased by 10 students from approximately 32 to 42. This will lead to an expanded class size over four years, resulting in the total Scott Scholars cohort increase from 128 to 200 in academic year 2027-2028. To accommodate the expansion of the Scott Scholars program while maintaining the high residential standards offered by Scott Residence Hall, a neighboring Scott Village property will be renovated and secured for senior Scott Scholars beginning in Fall 2023. Then, in Fall 2024, selected juniors and seniors are expected to reside in Scott Village.

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PROGRAM LAUNCH – UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER For over 20 years, the UNO Scott Scholars program has recruited, retained, and graduated high-achieving Nebraska undergraduate students committed to careers in various STEM disciplines.

Despite the overwhelming success of the program’s graduates, hundreds of qualified applicants have been denied admission due to program size and space limitations. Many remarkable students pursue higher education outside of Nebraska and often do not return after graduation. To retain Nebraska’s best and brightest, the Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation has approved the launch of a graduate Scott Scholarship program at UNMC, which aims to train, support, and retain future healthcare leaders in Omaha.

HEALTH DESIGN THINKING AND LEADERSHIP EDUCATION AS A CORE PROGRAM ELEMENT

Healthcare professionals and students consistently encounter pain points but need to be equipped with the tools, training, or understanding to solve them in new, creative, and transformative ways. Design thinking health education is widely regarded as developing a specific set of human-centered, problem-solving skills that can be learned and applied in real-world settings to improve patient and hospital outcomes. Starting Fall 2023, incoming UNMC M1 Scott Scholars will participate in an education and training curriculum designed to build expertise in health design thinking. Scott Scholars will learn design thinking skills in didactic and collaborative learning workshops and apply them to solve healthcare problems in clinical settings.

As a result, Scott Scholars will gain empathy, problemsolving abilities, and communication skills that will extend into clinical practice. This curriculum is designed to equip medical and graduate students with the skills necessary to impact the future of healthcare.

PROGRAM EXPANSION – DESIGN STUDIO SUMMER INTERNSHIP The Design Studio Internship was created to model an effective, high-quality internship program. Scott Scholars are partnered with local, regional, and national organizations and are tasked with identifying and creating design solutions to significant challenges their partnering organizations face. Participation in the Scott Scholars Design Studio Internship has led to quantifiable achievements in critical thinking, data analysis and interpretation, coding skills, design thinking knowledge and application, communication and presentation skills, and social and emotional intelligence.

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Due to its notable positive outcomes, the program was expanded for the summer of 2023 to accommodate 21 Scott Scholars. These scholars hail from UNO, Colorado State University, Hastings College, Notre Dame, and Creighton University. They resided together in Scott Residence Hall, located in Omaha, Nebraska.

PROGRAM LAUNCH – UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA AND MIT WORK OF THE FUTURE INITIATIVE The Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation’s Next Generation Advisory Board approved a grant to seed a pilot program partnership between the Future of Work initiative at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the UNO Scott Scholars Program to advance automation and AI in Nebraska.

Set to launch in Fall 2023, Innovation Ignited is a revolutionary educational model that enables local communities to tackle complex challenges by partnering university students with global experts in AI and automation. This innovative model begins with remote pre-work training and education, providing students with a solid foundation in automation and AI. Next, students participate in a three-day visit to MIT to tour state-of-the-art automation and robotics laboratories. During the visit, they will interact with leading experts in the field and gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology.

Following the on-site visit, students engage in ongoing educational modules by world-renowned experts. These modules will cover a range of topics, including advanced automation techniques, outcomes of automation, implications of design, implementation, ROI decisions for workers and firms, and the ethical use of AI and automation. Through this comprehensive curriculum, students gain a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding automation and AI and the technical skills needed to design and implement effective solutions.

The program culminates in the practical application of acquired skills to solve a real-world automation challenge faced by a Nebraska-based firm. Students work closely with this client throughout the semester, applying newfound knowledge and skills to develop innovative solutions that drive increased efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Students will present their findings and solutions to stakeholders, including the firm, Next Generation Advisory Board, Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation, MIT, and UNO.

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DESIGN THINKING

WHOLE-PERSON DEVELOPMENT

Rooted in empathy and innovation, design thinking, a human-centered problem-solving approach, is a distinct throughline of the UNO Scott Scholars program.

WA LT E R S C OT T, JR . S C H O L A R S HIP P RO G R A M

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DESIGN THINKING IN THE CLASSROOM Beginning in their first year, Scott Scholars work through rigorous and intentional design thinking curriculum in both the Leadership Development course and Software Development course through traditional and experiential learning opportunities.

DESIGN THINKING IN THE COMMUNITY Scott Scholars partner with community organizations to take on real challenges and work to solve them using design thinking methodology. These Community Action Projects launch as a part of the Leadership Development course and continue for 3 to 4 years, resulting in meaningful collaboration between the students and community partners.

DESIGN THINKING AS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT In Spring 2023, sophomore, junior, and senior Scott Scholars took an introspective approach to design thinking in “Designing Your Life” workshop sessions led by Design Thinking Coach, Dan Gilbert. Focused on self-discovery, goal setting, and everyday improvements, these sessions empowered the students to see themselves as the end-user.

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FIRST YEAR COURSEWORK LEADERSHIP YOU

LEARNING TO LEAD, DESIGN, AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, MATTER. All first-year Scott Scholars were required to participate in a three-credit Leadership Development course instructed

by Harnoor Dhaliwal, Ph.D., Associate Executive Director. The primary objective of this course was to equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to become successful and responsible leaders in their chosen professions and communities. Through the course, students were introduced to essential leadership theories and encouraged to delve into personal and social competencies associated with effective collaboration and leadership.

CURRICULUM TOPICS SOCIAL CHANGE

COLLABORATION

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

COACHING AND FEEDBACK

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

DESIGN THINKING

EMPATHY

INTENTIONAL CHANGE INSPIRATION

STRENGTHS

LEADERSHIP IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT

INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE

WA LT E R S C OT T, JR . S C H O L A R S HIP P RO G R A M

SELECTED COURSE TEXTS AND READINGS > > >

Primal Leadership: Realizing the Power of Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, and Annie McKee The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni Dare To Matter: Your Path to Making a Difference Now by Jordan Kassalow

SEMESTER SCHEDULE › Week 1: Design Challenge, ePortfolio Discussion › Week 2: Dare to Matter Introduction › Week 3: Design Challenge Presentations › Week 4: Introduction to Design Thinking › Week 5: Problem Pitches by local organizations › Week 6: Design Thinking: Empathy › Week 7: Design Thinking: Define › Week 8: Design Thinking: Ideate › Week 9: Design Thinking: Prototype › Week 10: Design Thinking: Test › Week 11: Group Presentation › Week 12: Group Presentation › Week 13: Group Presentation › Week 14: Group Presentation › Week 15: Prep Week › Week 16: Final Exam

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FIRST YEAR COURSEWORK SOFTWARE CODING COURSE APP DEVELOPMENT USING SWIFT

All first-year Scott Scholars (34) were enrolled in a three-credit software development course designed to introduce students to the Swift programming language and to app development. Students worked in teams to identify a need with their partnering community organization and designed and created an app that addressed that need.

This course introduced students to the basic concepts of app programming. Students were also provided instruction in user interface design tools and constraints and considerations applicable to app development. The course was developed to emphasize student-driven design and implementation of apps and working cooperatively in teams.

WA LT E R S C OT T, JR . S C H O L A R S HIP P RO G R A M

SELECTED COURSE TEXTS AND READINGS > >

iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide by Christina Keur and Aaron Hillegass Swift Developer Documentation by Apple Computer

SEMESTER SCHEDULE › Week 1: Introduction to Xcode and Swift › Week 2: Data types in Swift › Week 3: Control flow › Week 4: Initial project proposal presentation › Week 5: Problem Pitches by local organizations › Week 6: Functions and function calls › Week 7: List and list manipulation › Week 8: Review of previous content › Week 9: Additional Swift language features/UI elements › Week 10: Additional Swift language features/UI elements › Week 11: Project work time › Week 12: Project check point › Week 13: Group presentation › Week 14: Group presentation › Week 15: Prep week › Week 16: Final exam

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COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECTS Scott Scholars Community Action Projects (CAP) connect high-achieving STEM students from University of Nebraska at Omaha with organizations in the Omaha metropolitan area to develop innovative solutions to community challenges.

CAP strives to create products that have value for community partners by way of processes that are valuable for students. Different from traditional service learning projects students face in academic contexts, Community Action Projects feature many more variables, real-life operational challenges, and ever-changing social and professional dynamics.

Using design thinking, a human-centered approach to innovation, teams of 4-6 Scott Scholars work with a partner to identify a challenge, learn more about the people impacted by that challenge, and develop a list of potential solutions.

From there, the team chooses one solution to prototype, and ultimately helps the partner deploy and evaluate the impact of the prototype and their work overall.

PROGRAM GOALS SCOTT SCHOLARS WILL: › Use design thinking skills to create a prototype for a tool, program, or service that a community partner can test in a real-life setting. › Gain experience working in teams through a rapid and principled design process. › Learn about the Omaha metropolitan area’s opportunities and challenges with experts in the field. › Stretch their thinking with human-centered empathy skills, far beyond what most are exposed to in STEM curriculum alone.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS WILL: › Receive creative thinking services and a testable solution aimed at correcting a challenge or leveraging an opportunity facing their organization. › Build awareness about their organization and its mission with a captive student audience. › Be inspired and refreshed from engagement with thoughtful and committed undergraduates.

THE UNO SCOTT SCHOLARS PROGRAM WILL: › Build capacity, tools, and processes for how student teams can work together on a variety of projects. › Tie together academic excellence with community impact in ways that create value for UNO, Nebraska, and the entire region. › Strengthen the brand identity of the Scott Scholars program in the region.

2023-2024 ECONOMIC IMPACT

$103,309

WA LT E R S C OT T, JR . S C H O L A R S HIP P RO G R A M

BENEFITS REPORTED BY SCOTT SCHOLARS

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› Strengthened public speaking and written communications skills › Exposure to various industries and workplace environments › Experience working with students from different academic backgrounds › Learning the versatility of design thinking and how it can be applied in real life › Satisfaction of directly helping others in the community › Building a network of professionals in the region

Working on this Community Action Project has been an incredible opportunity. It is so humbling to see how thankful RISE is for the work we do, and it has helped me see the importance of giving back. After each visit, I come back feeling like I have made a difference in somebody’s life.”

Working with Arbor Bank has been a unique experience, particularly in the perspective of adapting our technical knowledge to problem sets that don’t seem to apply at first glance.

Thinking about how a bank connects with its community and learning about how the senior management sees the world and our community is far beyond my usual zone of working in cybersecurity.”

S O L A N A H O ND A , J UNI O R

L O G A N D UNL O P, J UNI O R

RISE

ARBOR BANK

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NEW PROJECTS

The Scott Scholars Community Action Projects are a required element of the first-year Leadership Development course. For these projects, students utilize design thinking methodology to identify and impact the strategic initiatives of community organizations.

In Fall 2022, 34 first-year Scott Scholars participated in over 750 hours of technical community service in support of three Omaha area community organizations.

The projects culminated in the development and presentation of high-fidelity prototypes to senior leaders of each organization. Scott Scholars will continue to support the following organizations by designing technical solutions until the time of graduation.

SPECIAL SPACES

Special Spaces is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating dream bedrooms for children facing life-threatening illnesses.

With a mission to provide a therapeutic and personalized environment, Special Spaces transforms ordinary bedrooms into extraordinary spaces tailored to each child’s interests and needs.

Their team of dedicated volunteers, known as “Dream Teamers,” works closely with families to design and implement room makeovers that reflect the child’s dreams, hobbies, and passions.

These transformations not only bring joy and excitement to the children but also provide them with a healing sanctuary where they can find comfort and escape from their medical challenges.

By focusing on the power of a special space, the organization aims to inspire hope, strength, and resilience in the lives of these courageous children and their families. Special Spaces’ efforts have a profound impact on the emotional well-being of the children, fostering a positive and empowering environment during their difficult journey.

Scott Scholars are developing processes to increase volunteer engagement and financial support to further Special Spaces’ impact.

CORRALTECH

CorralTech is a technology company specializing in innovative solutions for livestock management and agriculture. With a mission to enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in the farming industry, CorralTech develops cutting-edge technologies engineered for the specific needs of livestock operations. Their comprehensive range of solutions includes advanced data analytics, precision livestock monitoring systems, and automated feeding and watering systems. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, IoT (Internet of Things), and sensor technologies, CorralTech enables farmers to collect real-time data on animal health, behavior, and environmental conditions. This data-driven approach allows farmers to make informed decisions, optimize herd management, and improve overall animal welfare.

CorralTech’s solutions also focus on environmental sustainability by reducing waste, conserving resources, and minimizing the ecological impact of farming practices. By revolutionizing livestock management with smart technologies, CorralTech is shaping the future of agriculture, facilitating more efficient and responsible farming practices for a growing global population.

Scott Scholars are developing a mobile application for farmers to collect real-time data on animal health, behavior, and environmental conditions.

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TRI-FAITH INITIATIVE

The Tri-Faith Initiative in Omaha is a groundbreaking interfaith organization that aims to foster mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration among people of different faiths. The initiative brings together Jewish, Christian, and Muslim congregations on a shared campus, creating a unique environment for dialogue, education, and cooperation. The organization’s campus, Tri-Faith Commons, serves as a physical embodiment of its commitment to interfaith relations. It includes a synagogue, mosque, church, and shared community center where individuals from diverse backgrounds can engage in meaningful conversations and build bridges of understanding. The Tri-Faith Initiative organizes various programs, events, and educational activities that promote interfaith dialogue, religious literacy, and social justice. By cultivating relationships and challenging stereotypes, the initiative strives to create a harmonious society where people of different faiths can coexist and collaborate for the greater good. Tri-Faith Initiative serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring communities worldwide to embrace diversity and work toward peace and unity.

Scott Scholars are developing a mobile app to increase engagement in TriFaith’s programming efforts.

55TH WING

The 55th Wing is a United States Air Force unit assigned to Air Combat Command, responsible for executing a wide range of critical missions supporting national security objectives. Based at Offutt Air Force Base, the 55th Wing primarily focuses on intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and electronic warfare operations. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate intelligence, collect and analyze data, and conduct strategic communication activities to enable decision-making at all levels of command. The 55th Wing operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including the RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft, E-4B National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC), and EC-130H Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft. These assets enable the 55th Wing to conduct global ISR missions, gather intelligence, monitor and assess potential threats, and maintain a robust situational awareness capability. In addition to its aerial operations, the 55th Wing also operates the Global Operations Center, which serves as a focal point for coordinating worldwide ISR and communication activities and plays a vital role in information sharing and integration, enabling seamless collaboration between different military and intelligence agencies.

Scott Scholars are developing educational modules to support 55th Wing personnel in troubleshooting and updating technology systems when they encounter issues or obsolescence.

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ONGOING SUCCESS IN THE COMMUNITY In academic year 2022-2023, sophomore, junior, and senior Scott Scholars demonstrated dedication and commitment to innovation with their ongoing Community Action Projects. Following the launch of the projects in their first year Leadership Development course, the students continue to work in teams to meet the needs of their community partners until graduation.

FALL 2022

Scott Scholars resumed their work with ten different partners in the greater Omaha community. As a cohort, these students contributed approximately 1,860 hours of their time to helping our region thrive.

SPRING 2023

The students worked on design thinking in two distinct components. First, they continued their work in teams, supporting their community partners’ specific challenges. In a return to the fundamentals of the problem-solving method, they also learned how to apply design thinking techniques to their daily lives and decision-making processes through a series of workshops and challenges.

The following section highlights updates and success stories from this year’s Community Action Projects and the everevolving, complex problems the students tackled.

CIVIC NEBRASKA

NEBRASKA MEDICINE

Students: Crispin Corpuz, Dillon Falkinburg, Jackson Haselhorst, Elizabeth Howard, Kailee Matras, Andrew Shellberg, Trevor Thomas

Students: Bishesh Adhikari, Clare Euteneuer, Ethan Funke, Xavier Herman, Bella Madsen, Michael Maline, Abby Meier, Jackson Petrzilka, Esther Samuel, Jackson Ward, Isabelle Weber

TOTAL SERVICE TIME: 140 hours Problem Statement: At Civic Nebraska’s after school programs, the parent pick-up is an underutilized “touch point” for encouraging conversations about civics. How might Civic Nebraska increase community engagement by promoting discussions between parents and their children about civics?

TOTAL SERVICE TIME: 374 hours Problem Statement: Existing translation resources do not meet the needs of many patients and providers in Nebraska Medicine’s Emergency Department (ED). Beyond hiring in-person interpreters, what else might the ED do to strengthen communication and see better health outcomes?

PROJECT UPDATES AND DELIVERABLES: Scott Scholars created two prototypes designed to encourage multi-generational conversation about civics. The first product was a take-home flyer designed to prompt conversation immediately after a pickup in the car; the second was an online survey designed to stimulate later discussions at home.

The Civic Nebraska project concluded in December 2022 following the delivery of the students’ prototypes.

PROJECT UPDATES AND DELIVERABLES: Students developed two prototypes: 1) a first version of a dragand-drop visual discharge program and 2) a process for engaging UNO student volunteers with translation help. They also explored how UNMC could lower stress levels in the ED and continued to work on a mobile app for easily understood discharge instructions.

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NEBRASKA ENTERPRISE FUND

MALONE

Students: Evan Clement, Toluwa Davies, Temi Davies, Thomas Maline, Luke Partusch, Michael Walsh, Dianna Sledge, Ellie Zenter

Students: JP Aurit, Carter Brehm, Ava DeLaGarza, Julia Ehlers, Stone Hoffman, Jaden Nienhueser, Tristan Weston, Nolan Williams

TOTAL SERVICE TIME: 196 hours

TOTAL SERVICE TIME: 272 hours

Problem Statements:

Problem Statements:

› Underwriting and entrepreneurship can feel complex to many people who are looking to start their own businesses. How might Nebraska Enterprise Fund make its processes feel less intimidating to first-time entrepreneurs?

› Malone offers programming in education, health & wellness, business leadership, and athletics to end multigenerational poverty in Lincoln. How might the Malone staff strengthen their external communications about their work?

› The path to success for a new business is long and complex.

The amount of information available to new entrepreneurs is overwhelming. How might Nebraska Enterprise Fund make the steps to success clearer to first-time entrepreneurs?

› Much of Malone’s operational funding is restricted to specific programs. How might Malone generate additional unrestricted funding to support clients whose needs don’t always align with existing grants?

PROJECT UPDATES AND DELIVERABLES:

PROJECT UPDATES AND DELIVERABLES: The team researched multiple strategies for specific social media tools and created a social media plan for Malone staff to use throughout their program year.

Scott Scholars developed a prototype of a single-page document and infographics to visually represent NEF’s processes and the typical journey of a first-time entrepreneur.

Nebraska Enterprise Fund now uses these materials in information sessions and outreach work throughout Nebraska.

Malone staff is considering operating a coffee cart to generate unrestricted funds. Scott Scholars researched and wrote an indepth business plan that included a pro-forma, cost analysis, and report of business models examples of existing coffee businesses.

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RISE

LOCKWOOD DEVELOPMENT

Students: Morgan Baker, Hailey Bixler, Katie Frey, Solana Honda, Noa Jurgens, Jonathan Kellor, Aedan Leahy, Grace Testchner, Allie Wilson

Students: Sydnee Baysa, Tommy Bonebrake, Bella Donovan, Ollie Edwards, Brendan Falkinburg, Will Harr, Toby Heinemann, Davis Hill, Max Sladovnik, Erin Weidenhamer

TOTAL SERVICE TIME: 306 hours

TOTAL SERVICE TIME: 200 hours

Problem Statement: When individuals leave incarceration and are interested in starting a business, they are often overwhelmed with the volume of information about licensing, funding, and operations. How might RISE reduce the complexity of the entrepreneurship process?

Problem Statement: When Omaha’s Crossroads re-opens as a mixed-use development, the existing parking garage will remain.

How might the developers make the garage feel safer and more inviting?

PROJECT UPDATES AND DELIVERABLES: Scott Scholars created single-page “How to start…” guides for three common businesses started by RISE participants. Four students shared their work with RISE participants inside Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) and facilitated a feedback session.

In the spring, the Scott Scholars continued their work on the guides to help aspiring entrepreneurs. They built on the feedback from pre- and post-release RISE participants.

Should I Become a Handyman?

PROJECT UPDATES AND DELIVERABLES: Scott Scholars presented a proposal to Lockwood executives detailed plans with cost estimates for improving the Crossroads parking garage including adjustments to lighting and communications, and the addition of artwork.

The project concluded in December 2022 following the delivery of the students’ proposal.

ARBOR BANK | INTERNSHIP WEBSITE Students: Beni Csordas, Ryan Gaughen TOTAL SERVICE TIME: 40 Hours

Overview:

Am I a good fit?

Location: Mobile

Do you…

Hours: Flexible Work Season: All Education: On-the-job training

What is a handyman?

Handymen do real estate construction work for pay. This includes all the following: ● ● ● ● ●

● Want to work with your hands? ● Have the ability to lift heavy objects? ● Want a job that’s different every day? ● Want the option to work independently? ● Feel confident marketing yourself and talking to new people?

If so, this could be a good fit for you!

Job Attributes:

Additions Alterations Reconstruction Installations Repairs

Sometimes, handymen are referred to as subcontractors.

Can I do this?

There are no specific restrictions on being a handyman based on criminal history. However, if you are on the SO registry for a crime involving a minor, you may not be able to become a handyman.

Note: This document may not contain all necessary information. Please check these websites for the latest requirements. SEPTEMBER 2022

Problem Statement: Arbor Bank manages a program that connects high school students with internships with local employers. How might Arbor Bank improve the program’s processes?

PROJECT UPDATES AND DELIVERABLES: The Scott Scholars created a working prototype of a website that employers, educators, and students could use to streamline internship matching opportunities. After a formal hand-off meeting with Arbor Bank IT team, this project concluded.

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ARBOR BANK | RESEARCH & ANALYSIS PROJECTS Students: Tristan Bertsch, Benjamin Bugenhagen, Logan Dunlop, Reece Fuchs, Bede Fulton, Jarret Linscott, Joshua Oarhe, Will Randby, Ethan Reinsch, Evan Riley, Kelsi Weilage TOTAL SERVICE TIME: 440 hours

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PROJECT UPDATES AND DELIVERABLES: To conclude this project, the group of senior Scott Scholars organized the curriculum, planning logistics, helpful tips, and funding strategies in a single “how-to” website and shared it directly with Prairie STEM staff who are now integrating this new content into their existing website and sharing it with their global audience of STEM education activists.

College-Age Research | Fall 2022 Problem Statement: Arbor Bank management held a series of assumptions about how people in their early twenties think about banking and financial services. How might Arbor Bank test some of their assumptions about this market segment?

PROJECT UPDATES AND DELIVERABLES: Students crafted and deployed a market research survey, completed by approximately 250 college-aged students, that asked about their attitudes and behaviors in respect to finance.

Students presented their work to Arbor Bank’s senior leadership and board members at their year-end corporate retreat.

Innovative Ideas Challege | Spring 2023

PRAIRIE STEM | STEM KITS

Arbor Bank management was keen to engage students in two distinct areas they are exploring as an organization. The students were challenged to:

Students: Jackson Hanus, Jake Kumke, Jacob Maguire, Jonah Reiser, Clayton Riley, Jordan West

1. Identify potential places to deploy artificial intelligence tools.

2. Consider outside-the-box ideas to attract and retain talented employees.

PROJECT UPDATES AND DELIVERABLES:

TOTAL SERVICE TIME: 120 hours Problem Statement: Prairie STEM has received interest in its STEM Kits from educators around the world. What modifications could Prairie STEM make to its kit and delivery systems to reach learners in a variety of different contexts?

Students divided into two groups to research the topics and generate innovative ideas for Arbor Bank to consider. The students presented their work to Arbor Bank’s senior executives and engaged in high-level analysis to explore potential action steps.

PRAIRIE STEM | SISTERS IN STEM Students: Katie Anderson, Kelly Arnold, Emma Carlson, Jillian Dlouhy, Nour Elrokhsi, Katrina Meier TOTAL SERVICE TIME: 120 hours

PROJECT UPDATES AND DELIVERABLES:

Problem Statement: In 2022, Scott Scholars designed and executed the hands-on Sisters in STEM program. How might other communities, and/or women studying STEM at other universities build on the Omaha program’s success?

In their final semester of CAP work, the Scott Scholars researched one potential partner location – Uganda. They proposed modifications and cost estimates to adapt Prairie STEM materials for local conditions. Students also developed a hardware and software system to accompany the kits so they could be used by students without internet connection.

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PRAIRIE STEM | DISTRIBUTION & SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH

SMART GEN SOCIETY | BROWNIE POINTS Students: Keegan Brown, Nathan Renard, Ethan Warrick

Students: Sydnee Baysa, Tommy Bonebrake, Bella Donovan, Ollie Edwards, Will Harr, Davis Hill, Natalie Moore, Max Sladovnik, Becca Nelson, Claire Schweikert, Erin Weidenhamer

TOTAL SERVICE TIME: 60 hours

TOTAL SERVICE TIME: 154 hours

PROJECT UPDATES AND DELIVERABLES:

Prairie STEM has multiple opportunities for extending its work far beyond the Omaha region. The organization is interested in exploring new models for distributing and financing its STEM kits as well as looking for ways to make other programs and services sustainable.

A final hand-off of this project, the Scott Scholars turned over “Brownie Points” - a working mobile application with points, rewards and competition for staying off devices at night. Smart Gen Society has plans to test the app with traveling sports teams.

PROJECT UPDATES AND DELIVERABLES: The Scott Scholars split into teams to tackle the specific challenges from Prairie STEM. This work generated specific prototypes for new STEM kits, curriculum material for socio-emotional learning development, and multi-generational activities. One group of students met with lawmakers in Lincoln to advocate for STEM education funding in Nebraska.

SMART GEN SOCIETY | COMMUNICATING ABOUT TECHNOLOGY Students: Anna Diedrich, Hayden Ernst, Lucas Miller, El Waters, Joshua Welling

Problem Statement: How might we help children and families reduce media consumption at night?

SMART GEN SOCIETY | RESEARCH & ANALYSIS PROJECTS Students: Brendan Falkinburg, Ian Fuelberth, Toby Heinemann, Ava Rech, Max Sladovnik TOTAL SERVICE TIME: 70 hours Smart Gen Society raised two specific challenges for the Scott Scholars students: 1. How might we improve the process of handling secure and sensitive information?

2. How might we improve the ways we deliver our content online?

TOTAL SERVICE TIME: 120 hours

PROJECT UPDATES AND DELIVERABLES:

Problem Statement: Parents, schools and adolescents often misunderstand each other when talking about their fears with using technology. How might we strengthen communications and confidence among those groups?

Students researched, analyzed, and presented multiple paths forward to the entire SGS staff. Both presentations connected high-level goals, technical details, and operational realities.

PROJECT UPDATES AND DELIVERABLES: To complete this project, Scott Scholars created a one-page overview and how-to sheet for school district administrators to use when talking about social media usage. Smart Gen Society is now publishing and sharing the materials with local and national school districts.

Comparison Benefits Cost

Ease of Setup Ease Of Use Security Latency

AWS $37-274/month

Local $105-205/month plus upfront cost of $10002500

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MILLWORK COMMONS Students: Sam Ali, Ian Fuelberth, Zander Gibney, Natalie Moore, Bekah Nelson, Ava Rech, Claire Schweikert TOTAL SERVICE TIME: 140 hours Problem Statement: Millwork Commons is a dynamic destination, but with its opening coinciding with the start of the pandemic, many people are not aware of its existence. How might we think differently about promoting this site to different communities in Omaha?

PROJECT UPDATES AND DELIVERABLES: Scott Scholars interviewed nearly 40 potential visitors to Millwork and created 4 personas to categorize and represent potential visitors. The students also created a one-page overview of a strategic plan to attract and engage visitors to the entire development. The community engagement team at Millwork Commons is now designing action plans to implement components of the students’ strategy and building outreach efforts to target the specific personas they identified.

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WELLNESS

WHOLE | WELLNESS: HOW ONE LIVES EFFECTIVELY

In collaboration with Rebecca L. Wysoske, M.D. (Board Certified Psychiatrist, Nebraska Medicine), the UNO Scott Scholars program created WHOLE, Wellness: How One Lives Effectively, a semester-long mental health and wellness program. Specifically constructed for first year Scott Scholars, the program is rooted in stress management, mindfulness, and resiliency in the wake of adversity. Program administrators recognize the need to emphasize the importance of self-care and mental health awareness for high-achieving students entering their first year of college.

The entire first year cohort (34 students) completed the WHOLE program in 7 bi-weekly sessions over the course of the Fall 2023 semester. Pre- and post-program assessments were administered to measure the students’ levels of understanding and application of the topics.

WHOLE - PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: 1. To introduce concepts related to stress management, resilience, and personal wellness 2. To empower the students to use practical skills proven to manage stress and combat dysfunctional patterns of thinking and responding

TOPICS COVERED:

SLEEP HYGIENE

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

AVOIDING BURNOUT

MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION

IMPOSTER PHENOMENON

SOCIAL CONNECTIONS

PROCRASTINATION

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IMPACT METRICS: WHOLE

34% 30% 23%

increase

increase

increase

Pre- and post-test results showed an average increase in reported self-awareness of physical tension, stress, and mental unease

Pre- and post-test results showed an average increase in reported sense of community and feeling included in the group

Pre- and post-test results showed an average increase in reported meaningful connections with other individuals in the group

BE WELL – PERSONAL GROWTH SERIES | SPRING 2023 Seven sophomore and junior Scott Scholars opted into a new voluntary program, Be Well, that included advanced training on select wellness topics and immersive learning experiences.

Each topic consisted of a one-hour didactic discussion with the wellness coach, Dr. Wysoske, followed by interactive sessions with the coach and/or other experts.

Strengths, Values, and Goals + Breaking Unhelpful Habits

› CliftonStrengths Assessment and 1x1 self-exploration session with certified coach Self-Care: Sleep, Diet, and Exercise

› 1-hour massage therapy session at UNO Wellness Center Thought Distortions + Imposter Phenomenon

› 2 Expressive Drama Therapy workshops led by Louisa W. Foster, Psy.D., RDT/BCT

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COMMUNITY & SENSE OF BELONGING In a living and learning community for high-achieving scholars, community building is of utmost importance. From their first year of college through alum status, the goal is for Scott Scholars to experience an equitable environment that cultivates a strong sense of belonging and a supportive network.

The Scott Scholars program team creates intentional programming aimed at helping the students foster meaningful connections in their own cohorts and beyond.

FIRST-YEAR RETREAT | SEPTEMBER 10, 2022

SCOTT RESIDENCE HALL COMMUNITY

The 34-student cohort kicked off their first semester with a full day of getting to know their on-campus resources and each other.

Their morning began with a presentation on mental wellness from UNO’s Counseling and Psychological Services, a customized workshop, and a Scott Scholars signature get-to-know-you activity – OneWord, in which students identify and explain one particular word that describes them. The afternoon was spent at Carol Joy Holling Center in Ashland, NE, where the students took their leadership skills to new heights.

When Scott Scholars are asked to name the most valuable aspects of the scholarship program, one of the top answers is, “the community.” The students enjoyed a school year filled with group study sessions in the Collaborative Space, ping pong tournaments in the game room, and sunny patio de-stress sessions.

› Connect to Campus Presentations › CliftonStrengths Assessment & Workshop › High Ropes Course › Teambuilding & Leadership-based Challenges

ALL-CLASS CELEBRATION | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 A fun-filled day of outdoor activities, food, and music, the Scott Scholars All-Class Celebration aims to build community by creating opportunities for Scott Scholars to connect with others with similar majors outside of their class. The students got into groups by major or area of study and took on competitive challenges and enjoyed breaks for snacks, dancing, and yard games.

SENIOR WEEKEND | MARCH 24-26, 2023 The graduating class of 2023 took a weekend to celebrate their successful four year-tenure as UNO Scott Scholars. From cheering on each other’s future plans to providing valuable feedback to program leaders, the seniors leaned into this meaningful weekend.

› Senior Luncheon | Suzanne & Walter Scott, Jr. Foundation Barn o

Celebration of Scott Scholars from all 5 institutions

› Overnight Retreat | Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm o o o

Reflection on experience in Scott Scholars program Design Your Life workshop for future goals Post-graduation plans sharing session

CONNECTION TO WALTER SCOTT, JR. WALTER’S FAVORITE THINGS DAY | SPRING 2023

› The Scott Scholars love to honor Walter’s birthday with a few of his favorite things! An afternoon of good food and even better conversation (must-haves for Walter), Favorite Things Day offered Taco Bell tacos, eCreamery ice cream truck treats, and a much-needed study break before finals week.

FIRST YEAR ZOO TRIP | FALL 2022 › On August 31, 2022, the freshman class joined the Suzanne & Walter Scott, Jr. Foundation at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to learn more about Walter’s legacy and his and Suzanne’s passion for supporting the zoo and other community organizations.

Student-favorites from the day included the Dairy Queen Dilly Bar dessert, ambassador cheetahs, and up-close encounter with the giraffes.

OneWord PROJECT

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EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING It is a high priority for program leadership to provide engaging and impactful opportunities to Scott Scholars outside of their rigorous academic workloads. These experiential learning opportunities range from traveling to industry- or topic-specific conferences to time to unique local experiences. New and annual favorites marked the calendar during the 2022-2023 academic year!

ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL | JUNE 2022 Scott Scholars Crispin Corpuz, Bella Donavan, Clare Euteneur, Claire Schweikert, and Nolan Williams, all members of the Scott Scholars Leadership Council, attended the Aspen Ideas Festival in Aspen, Colorado. The program was packed with thoughtprovoking discussions, seminars, panels, and tutorials from journalists, designers, innovators, politicians, diplomats, executives, judges, musicians, artists, and writers.

The festival-wide focus on themes of power systems, trust, money, climate, beauty and connections, provided ample opportunity for new ideas and societal assessment.

Through full schedules of conference sessions and networking conversations, the Scott Scholars were exposed to topics related to global politics and economics, U.S. Policy, the environment, technology, science, health, education, and the arts.

In addition to the fascinating speakers and panel discussions of significance, Scott Scholars had interesting small private conversations with high-profile influencers like U.S. Senator Rob Portman, supermodel Paulina Porizkova, and Aspen Institute Senior Advisor, Randall Kempner.

ASPEN CYBER SUMMIT | NOVEMBER 2022 Scott Scholars Logan Dunlop, Marc Fayad, Ben Thomas, and Jossen Rinn were selected to attend the Aspen Cyber Summit in New York City. The Summit is a unique, annual gathering that brings together top leaders from business, government, and civil society to discuss the world’s urgent cyber issues. This event is hosted by the nonpartisan Aspen Institute and has become one of the most significant stages for cyber policy discussion. It spurs dialogue and action on the cyber security related challenges of today and tomorrow. The 2022 event was headlined by senior representatives from the US government’s cybersecurity response team and included DHS Under Secretary for Policy Rob Silvers, TSA Administrator David Pekoske, and White House Principal Deputy National Cyber Director Kemba Walden.

Scott Scholars left the meeting with a wide range of professional contacts and a new and enlightened perspective on the opportunities and challenges related to cybersecurity. Of particular interest to the Omaha students were discussions on: 1. Efforts to protect critical infrastructure.

2. Creating the cyber workforce of tomorrow.

3. The issues of consumer protection including civil rights, privacy, and data security.

4. The impacts of information disorder.

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GRATITUDE SUMMIT | OCTOBER 2022

How the Science of Thankfulness Can Rewire our Brains Omaha’s inaugural Gratitude Summit brought together students and leaders from the private, government, and nonprofit sectors to engage in dialogue about the science of gratitude. In an exclusive session for Creighton and UNO Scott Scholars, students were challenged to make meaning of the significant life opportunity they have been granted as recipients of the Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship.

Speakers and Sessions: Cultivating Gratefulness -

Dr. Robert Emmons, Professor of Psychology and Lab Director of the Emmons Lab at University of California, Davis

The Brain Science of Gratitude -

Dr. Jeff Snell, Director of Psychology and Neuropsychology Services at QLI in Omaha, NE

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CAREER DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE

The Scott Scholars Career Development Institute (CDI) serves Scott Scholars by connecting their professional interests with internship and career opportunities in existing and emerging fields. CDI programming is designed to guide Scott Scholars through self-exploration, career preparation, and, ultimately, their launch into Nebraska corporations and communities.

EXPLORE > > > >

CliftonStrengths Assessment Job & Internship Search Assistance Industry Networking Opportunities Career Week

PREPARE > > > > >

LAUNCH

Career Workshops Resume & Cover Letter Review LinkedIn Profile Review Practice Interviews Job & Internship Offer Navigation

>

> > > >

IMPACT

CAREER WEEK | OCTOBER 2023 A new signature element of the Career Development Institute, Career Week offered networking, industry exploration, and employment opportunities in exclusive sessions for Scott Scholars.

Partners were selected to match the interests of Scott Scholars and included small and large corporations, a government organization, and local and national laboratories.

Career Week is set to double in participating employers and offer a wider variety of session types for 2023.

Individualized Summer Experiences (Corporate Internships, National Research Laboratories) Job-Shadow Coordination Company Site Visits Access to Scott Scholarspecific Internship and Job Opportunities Engagement with Scott Scholar Alumni Network

SESSION ELEMENTS

INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION

QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION

MINGLING & NETWORKING

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FEATURED EMPLOYERS - CAREER WEEK:

METRICS THAT MATTER

DEDICATED CAREER EDUCATION 150 hours – Student meetings and follow-up support 9 hours – Career Week Sessions 10 hours – Workshops 20 hours – CDI program planning 20 hours – Employer meetings 10 hours – Outcome reporting and analysis

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SUMMER 2023 DESIGN STUDIO INTERNSHIP Launched in Summer 2020, the Design Studio Internship program allows Scott Scholars to impact community organizations by helping them solve an organizational challenge using a human-centered design thinking approach.

Scott Scholar interns spend their days working with clients and their evenings learning programming languages to create mobile applications. This summer, the Design Studio Internship program was expanded to feature students from all five Scott Scholar programs. 21 students from UNO, Creighton, Colorado State, Notre Dame, and Hastings College worked in teams to deliver technical solutions for UNMC’s College of Dentistry, the U.S. Department of Navy, GiveNebraska, and UNeTech.

UNMC COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY Problem Statement: Patients in rural settings often lack access to quality medical and dental care. Dental patients complain that coming to a dental visit at an urban metropolitan location is often stressful. Is there a way to utilize technology and specifically intraoral cameras to expand dental services to patients in rural settings?

> > > > >

Morgan Moore | Project Lead - Incoming Freshman, UNO Jenna Kramer | Incoming Freshman, UNO Leo Pechous | Incoming Freshman, UNO Akash Nooka | Sophomore, Notre Dame Charis Cook | Sophomore, Creighton

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF NAVY Problem Statement: A gap exists between the demands of the consumer, threats of adversaries, and changes in technology, and the Department of Navy’s (DON) ability to deliver technology-based enterprise services.

The ability to deliver is heavily burdened with policy and non-technical impediments. The Systems Engineering Technical Review (SETR) Process is cumbersome and designed for waterfall execution projects. While the approach has historically provided a structure applicable to many critical acquisitions across the Department of Defense, it impedes expeditiously delivery of quality digital enterprise services to two million consumers. The Air Force has made progress in enhancing agility in its SETR process, but the approach continues to express opportunities for improvement.

Additionally, PEO Digital committed to implementing the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe™) to accelerate delivery. The organization would benefit from developing a playbook that meets the requirements of each review event, following the recommended sprint and program increment cadences in SAFe. Significant interest exists in the ability to automate the activities completely. A theoretical example of its applicability to an existing product roadmap provides an opportunity to assess the proposed framework empirically.

The organization’s resources are burdened by accountability to the existing SETR process. The team acknowledges that the intent of the

SETR is to ensure the criteria are met, not simply to hold events. SETR events regularly consume three or more hours from key leaders that could reinvest their time into generating value for the enterprise. The events offer minimal to no value for capability deployments on agile projects. Students are unburdened from accountability to the existing SETR process and demonstrate a unique opportunity to separate their analysis from legacy protocols.

> > > > >

Tommy Bonebrake | Project Lead - Junior, UNO Claire Peoples | Incoming Freshman, UNO Liam Yeiter | Incoming Freshman, CSU Lily Teeple | Sophomore, Hastings Lindsay Dietz | Senior, CSU

UNeTech Problem Statement: Walking stability can be measured by a wide variety of means. It is challenging to establish a compressive measures of walking stability when parsing multiple and potentially conflicting data sources. In addition, there are few effective ways of improving walking stability. Individuals who have unstable walking generally have few options to improve their walking stability, short of physical therapy intentionally. Researchers at the University of Nebraska Omaha have discovered that pink noise, a semi-random pattern of sound that mimics natural, healthy biorhythms, can rehabilitate walking stability.

By playing sounds or providing tactile stimulation, in a pattern like pink noise, improved the walking stability of people. UNeTech would like to engage the Scott Scholars to help design a user interface for an app, aimed at older adults, to use pink noise to improve their walking stability.

> > > > > >

Claire Denton | Project Lead - Incoming Freshman, UNO Bryan Benitez | Project Lead - Incoming Freshman, UNO Anthony Robinson | Incoming Freshman, UNO Kaitlyn Parker | Incoming Freshman, UNO Edward Pallotto | Sophomore, Hastings Reid Chapman | Incoming Freshman, UNO

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GiveNebraska Problem Statement: Workplace charitable giving programs have existed for over 100 years, with few changes or advances beyond hard copy, electronic, and online giving options for employees. The current model does not appeal to younger employees, leading to a decline both in terms of dollars raised and employee participation. Yet this is an easy and efficient way for many people to give and for nonprofits to raise additional funds. It is a great way for employees to connect with nonprofit missions and for companies to show support of the community.

To reinvigorate workplace giving, the model needs to be updated to engage all employees.

> > > > >

Alena John | Project Lead - Junior, Hastings Drew Swanberg | Incoming Freshman, UNO Jack Ehlers | Incoming Freshman, UNO Judith Echeveste-Morales | Incoming Freshman, Creighton Angelique Vargas | Incoming Freshman, UNO

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STUDENT RESEARCH & RECOGNITION STUDENT HONORS CONVOCATION | 2022-2023

Zander Gibney | College of Information Science & Technology > Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research or Creative Activity > Selection of the recipient is based on a combination of outstanding research or creative activity as demonstrated through scholastic endeavors and achievements. The recipient is selected from the Dean’s Award recipients. > Dean’s Award: College of Information Science & Technology > Undergraduate major honorees are forwarded to the Dean’s Office of their respective colleges and the Dean’s Award is selected from those nominees.

UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR AWARDS > > > > > > >

Nour Elrokhsi, Neuroscience Zander Gibney, Information Technology Innovation Elizabeth Howard, Economics Crispin Corpuz, Electrical Engineering Dillon Falkinburg, Computer Engineering Jillian Dlouhy, Architectural Engineering Katrina Meier, Civil Engineering

Academic units identify undergraduate major honorees through processes established within the unit or college. Honorees must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 or above and must be in good academic standing. They exemplify the best facets of the program and serve as student exemplars who represent the program in its best light.

Zander Gibney, Commencement Speaker, and Chancellor Joanne Li

Crispin Corpuz, Zander Gibney, and Dillon Falkinburg

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STUDENT RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Jackson Petrzilka

Jack Rygg

Neuroscience | Sophomore

IT Innovation | Freshman

In Summer 2023, Jackson conducted research at Boys Town National Research Hospital under Dr. Madhav Bandatmakur. The pediatric neuroscience study investigated the effectiveness of anti-CGRP treatment on migraines in juveniles. CGRP is a protein that has been previously linked to the cause of migraines. The medications involved in the study work to stop the production of the protein, and in turn, prevent migraines. Jackson was responsible for co-authoring the study’s paper which is set to be published in major medical journals.

Jack works in an on-campus lab for the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE), which is based at UNO and funded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). NCITE works closely with DHS and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) and was invited to Washington, D.C. for their “Metaverse Roadshow” to present findings from research into emerging tech and the threats it could pose should malicious actors attempt to utilize these technologies for harm.

Under the direction of Dr. Joel Elson, Jack traveled to D.C. for the Roadshow, where he oversaw a technology demonstration station and presented to NCTC.

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AC A DEMIC S

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ACADEMIC PATHWAYS Scott Scholars must enroll in programs of study within approved academic programs associated with the UNL College of Engineering, the UNO College of Information Science & Technology, the UNO College of Arts and Sciences, the UNO College of Public Affairs and Community Service, and the UNO College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.

In line with their UNO Regents Scholarship guidelines, Scott Scholars must achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 each semester. They are expected to remain in good standing within their academic colleges and the university, as well as meet participation requirements for Scott Scholars programming.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES BIOLOGY CHEMISTRY ECONOMICS MATHEMATICS MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY NEUROSCIENCE PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES PHYSICS

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, HEALTH, & HUMAN SCIENCES BIOMECHANICS

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING CIVIL ENGINEERING COMPUTER ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY BIOINFORMATICS COMPUTER SCIENCE CYBERSECURITY IT INNOVATION MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS & COMMUNITY SERVICE AVIATION

MEET THE SCOTT SCHOLARS

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MEE T T HE SCOT T SCHOL A R S

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THE NEXT CHAPTER

As the 2022-2023 school year came to a close, 36 Scott Scholars graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. With countless hours in the classroom, research labs, and internships behind them, these accomplished scholars are ready to embark on the next phases of their journeys.

18

43

Full-time positions with top organizations

From graduate school to full-time positions and entrepreneurial endeavors, the Scott Scholars Class of 2023 has so much to look forward to.

4

Self-employment opportunities and/or new business enterprises

3 17

Students starting medical school

Students attending graduate school

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MEE T T HE SCOT T SCHOL A R S

CLASS

OF

2027

2

2

3

16 2

2

5

After completing their impressive high school careers, 42 of Nebraska’s highest achieving students will land in the UNO Scott Scholars program. The extremely competitive selection process yielded one of the most decorated and diverse cohorts in program history. We look forward to seeing them integrate their worldviews, talents, and passions into the program and beyond.

CLASS STATS

INTERESTS AND INVOLVEMENT • Student Council, National Honors Society • Marching Band, Show Choir, and other music ensembles • Church Internships & Youth Group • Speech & Debate Team, Mock Trial • Show Choir, One Act, Musical, Slam Poetry • Swim Team, Tennis, Cross Country, Volleyball, Basketball • Eagle Scouts • Quiz Bowl, Math Team, FBLA, HOSA • ROTC • UNMC High School Alliance

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Name

Major

Hometown

High School

Meg Aerni Bryan Benitez Charlie Berryman Reid Chapman Claire Denton Nathan Dull Jack Ehlers Lynn Fayad Calum Heldt Marshall Herman Wells Johnson Dominic Koperski Kolton Kralik Jenna Kramer Kristen Lee Elaina McHargue Tom Melliger Joel Miller Isabella Mitchell Morgan Moore Janny Nguyen Mollie Nielsen Samuel Norman Joseph Norman Kaitlyn Parker Leo Pechous Claire Peoples Claire Rickert Anthony Robinson Marcus Sherrod Maggie Slusher Callie Stalnaker Nick Svoboda Drew Swanberg Ella Swank Ella Terwilliger Brielle Unseld Angelique Vargas Aiden Weber Juniper Weyhrich Mallory Williams Jordan Zhang

Neuroscience Neuroscience Biology Computer Science Bioinformatics Chemistry Electrical Engineering Biology Mathematics Biology Biology Civil Engineering Physics Neuroscience Neuroscience Bioinformatics Electrical Engineering Biology Molecular and Biomedical Biology Computer Science Computer Science Bioinformatics Biomechanics Civil Engineering Molecular and Biomedical Biology Architectural Engineering Electrical Engineering Biology Computer Engineering Neuroscience Computer Science Architectural Engineering Architectural Engineering Economics Biomechanics Neuroscience Molecular and Biomedical Biology Chemistry Architectural Engineering Mathematics Civil Engineering Computer Science

Omaha Omaha Omaha Omaha Bellevue Omaha Lincoln Omaha Scottsbluff Battle Creek Omaha Lincoln West Point Lincoln Papillion Central City Columbus McCook Omaha Elkhorn Omaha West Point Elkhorn Elkhorn Papillion Omaha Omaha Columbus Nebraska City Omaha Gretna Omaha Ralston Omaha Lincoln Lincoln Pierce Bellevue Tecumseh Omaha Omaha Beatrice

Homeschool Bryan Elkhorn South VJ & Angela Skutt Catholic Bellevue West Elkhorn North Lincoln Southeast Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart Scottsbluff Battle Creek Elkhorn North Pius X Guardian Angels Central Catholic Lincoln Northeast & LPS Science Focus Program Papillion-LaVista Central City Scotus Central Catholic Homeschool & McCook Senior Omaha Central Elkhorn Ralston West Point Public Schools Elkhorn North Elkhorn North Bellevue West Elkhorn South Platteview Scotus Central Catholic Nebraska City Omaha Central Gretna Millard North Westside Homeschool Lincoln East Lincoln East Pierce Bellevue West Johnson County Central Millard North Burke Beatrice

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MEE T T HE SCOT T SCHOL A R S

RECRUITMENT ENGAGEMENT WITH POTENTIAL APPLICANTS

A reflection of a campus-wide return to in-person events and programming, the Scott Scholars program engaged with potential applicants in numerous impactful ways throughout academic year 2023-2024.

In partnership with UNO New Student and Family Programs, the Scott Scholars program attended six oncampus Be A Mav Day events in Fall 2022 for one-on-one connection with high school seniors interested in STEM majors at UNO. A VIP Health Career Event was held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 in collaboration with the UNO Health Careers Resource Center. Seven of Nebraska’s top pre-health highschool seniors attended the exclusive event which yielded six scholarship application submissions and five awarded scholarships. The program seeks to host similar events for future recruitment cycles to create intentional connection opportunities with students interested in other areas of study.

APPLICANT DAY EVENTS + INTERVIEWS All qualified applicants are required to attend a Scott Scholars Applicant Day and an individual interview with the selection committee. The program hosted two at-capacity Applicant Days on UNO’s Scott Campus. The scholarship candidates and their family members heard presentations from program leaders, the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation, and Chancellor Joanne Li. A family Q&A session, student design sprint challenge, and campus tour rounded out the events.

In the weeks following each event, the candidates participated in interviews with Wayne Watkins, Harnoor S. Dhaliwal, Ph.D., and a member of the Scott Scholars Leadership Council.

The goal of this rigorous candidate evaluation process is to identify and select students demonstrating high potential for positive impact as exemplified by the following characteristics and more: 1. Achievement-focused: Scott Scholars are self-starters who demonstrate drive and innovative, clear thinking.

2. Effective communication and interpersonal skills: Scott Scholars are empathetic leaders who embody humility and a propensity for working well with others.

3. Strong commitment to STEM: Scott Scholars have a passion for learning, are service focused, and are value-creation driven.

4. Exceptional cognitive skills: Scott Scholars earn superior marks in their scholarly endeavors.

SELECTION PROCESS METRICS

APPLICANT INFORMATION

113

18

QUALIFIED APPLICATIONS

WAIT‒LISTED (NOT OFFERED)

59

31.8

HIGH SCHOOLS REPRESENTED

110

39

TOTAL INTERVIEWS

NOT OFFERED

16

AVERAGE COMPOSITE ACT OF APPLICANTS

53

42

OFFERS MADE

MATRICULATING

MAJORS REPRESENTED

4.12 AVERAGE GPA OF APPLICANTS

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CLASS SIZE EXPANSION

With the support of the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation and Chancellor Joanne Li, the Scott Scholars program will welcome 42 incoming students for academic year 2023-2024, a significant increase from recent years’ cohort sizes of 30-35 students.

The expansion allows the program to support students in an even broader array of STEM majors and further expand into more prehealth-related areas of study.

Scott Scholars

Application opened

for 2023 first year cohort

APPLICATION TIMELINE

SEPT.

01 2022 NOV.

19 2022

Priority Candidate Applicant Day Event Interviews held over the following two weeks.

DEC. Priority Candidates

Notified of Decision

08 2022 JAN.

21 2023

Second Applicant Day Event Interviews held over the following week.

FEB. Final Candidates

Notified of Decision

01 2023 MAY

01 2023

Deadline to Accept Scott Scholarship

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STUDENT PROFILES

Throughout their four-year journeys, Scott Scholars build robust profiles with their research and internship experiences, community engagement, and career interests. The students’ profiles are displayed on the Scott Scholars website and are accessible to industry, research, and academic partners.

SENIORS | CLASS OF 2023 SAM ALI | SENIOR | BIOMECHANICS & BIOINFORMATICS | OMAHA, NE

Sam served as a student researcher in the Bioinformatics Lab, focusing on 3D modeling upper arm prostheses for children with congenital upper limb deficiencies and examining wearable sensors that collect ECG and EKG data to predict the likelihood of diseases. As a result of his role in the lab, Sam became proficient in converting MATLAB scripts to Python to process raw data. Sam also interned with Union Pacific, where he assessed data framework issues. Sam’s Community Action Project team worked to help promote the Millwork Commons area as a space where creative minds can collaborate and build community. Sam plans to work full-time as an EMT and Paramedic in Omaha, NE. KATIE ANDERSEN | SENIOR | BIOMECHANICS | OMAHA, NE

Katie serves as a medical scribe for University of Nebraska Medical Center and works as part of a research team under Dr. Brian Knarr in UNO’s Biomechanics Research Building. She was awarded a FUSE grant to conduct undergraduate research on two different functional performance tests for people with ankle injuries and chronic ankle instability (CAI). Her Community Action Project team worked with Prairie STEM and founded a subgroup called Sisters in STEM with the goal of exposing young girls to STEM fields through interaction with high school and college students and industry professionals. Following graduation, Katie continues to work as a research assistant in Omaha, NE and plans to apply to medical school.

KELLY ARNOLD | SENIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | GRETNA, NE

As a Mechanical Engineering Intern at Specialized Engineering Solutions, Kelly focused on load calculations, drafting, and equipment selection for healthcare projects. She previously worked at the Waldinger Corporation as a Project Management Intern, where she worked on estimation and coordinated submittals, schedules, and purchasing with vendors. At UNO, Kelly served as vice president for the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers and participated in the MCA Leadership Academy, where she raised money for Heats On Omaha and performed service calls for low-income and elderly residents. Partnering with Prairie STEM and Girls in STEAM for a Community Action Project, Kelly helped facilitate multiple events for middle school girls promoting careers in STEM. Following graduation, Kelly is pursuing a master’s degree in architectural engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

KEEGAN BROWN | SENIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | OMAHA, NE

Keegan held two internships with Fiserv. First, as an Issuer Solutions Intern, he designed and developed modern business applications. Then, as an Authorization Intern, Keegan supported the mainframe development team. At UNO, Keegan and other students developed the 1-Check COVID mobile screening application at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Keegan served as tech lead and software developer for his team’s Community Action Project, which involved developing an application for Smart Gen Society that encourages users to reduce blue light exposure at night by gamifying lessened phone usage. After graduation, Keegan transitioned to his full-time role as Developer and CTO at NebDev LLC, a software development firm in Omaha, NE he co-founded with a fellow Scott Scholar.

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EMMA CARLSON | SENIOR | BIOINFORMATICS | OMAHA, NE

Emma worked at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory as a National Security Intern on two projects related to forensic proteomics and epigenetics. Emma has conducted research with Dr. Hesham Ali examining kinesiology data collected by UNMC’s laparoscopic surgery training equipment to analyze performance and compare patients’ progress. As a Community Action Project with Prairie STEM, Emma and her team tackled how to get middle school girls more engaged in STEM programs. They developed a series of virtual workshops focused on developing leadership skills and confidence for the demographic. Post graduation, Emma is pursuing a master’s degree in human genetics at McGill University in Quebec, Canada.

CRISPIN CORPUZ | SENIOR | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, MATHEMATICS | LINCOLN, NE

As Telecommunications Engineering Intern at Union Pacific, Crispin constructed microwave link stress-testing and data analysis scripts, developed the front-end and back-end of a website, and configured network devices to expand the network and improve network reliability. He then worked at Garmin as Design Engineer Intern, where he learned numerous electrical design methodologies, designed schematic and PCB layouts for a GPS truth device, and aided with phase noise, digital timing, and voltage rail tolerance testing to quantify proper device operation.

At UNO, he was president of Nebraska Engineering Student Council at Omaha (NESCO), Lead Project Engineer for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Program Officer for Eta Kappa Nu, IEEE’s Honor Society. After graduation, Crispin began a full-time role as a Design Engineer at Garmin in Olathe, KS. BENI CSORDAS | SENIOR | BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE

As Student Prototyping Engineer at the UNO Biomechanics Machining and Prototyping Core Facility, Beni was responsible for designing and building projects for clients, ranging from bone plates to research testing equipment.

He also conducted maintenance on machines and validated new materials and techniques. His Community Action Project team worked to provide Arbor Bank with a website and database that will allow high school students and community partners to meet for various career development opportunities. Beni plans to remain in Omaha, NE to focus on developing and manufacturing a low-cost 3D printer.

TOLUWA DAVIES | SENIOR | BIOMECHANICS | OMAHA, NE

As an undergraduate student, Toluwa was involved in numerous research projects at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, including working under Dr. Jenni Blackford on a proposal for studies on anxiety in children and in adults with alcohol use disorders. Under Dr. Jamie Gehringer, he assisted in coding a machine learning algorithm (MLA) to assess behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder undergoing function-based treatment. At UNO, he was involved in the UNO Makers Club, Chi Alpha Student Ministry, and UNO Pre-Health Committee. Toluwa will pursue a master’s degree in medical anatomy at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

ANNA DIEDERICH | SENIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | LINCOLN, NE

As Electrical Intern with Morrisey Engineering, Anna did power and lighting design work for a variety of projects, including apartments, nursing home facilities, and offices. Anna also had the opportunity to serve as a Scott Scholar Design Studio Intern and led her team as they worked to redesign and rethink the Scott Scholars program with a focus on whole-person learning and design thinking. Her Community Action Project team partnered with Nebraska Enterprise Fund to help the organization predict future changes and outcomes for NEF in areas like mobile technology and social interaction. Anna is continuing her education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, pursuing a master’s degree in architectural engineering.

JILLIAN DLOUHY | SENIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | LINCOLN, NE

Jillian served as a Mechanical Intern at Olsson, where she was involved in developing sophisticated building systems using Revit, AutoCAD, and IESVE. She served as treasurer for the Architectural Engineering Student Leadership and Advisory Committee (AESLAC) and was a member of the student chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). For her Community Action Project, Jillian worked with Prairie STEM’s Girls In STEAM program and organized a conference to introduce the STEM field to young women.

Jillian is now pursuing a master’s degree in architectural engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

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MEE T T HE SCOT T SCHOL A R S NOUR ELROKHSI | SENIOR | NEUROSCIENCE | OMAHA, NE

At UNO, Nour conducted research in Dr. Ryan Wong’s lab, which integrates topics of animal behavior, neurogenomics, neural networks, and the neuroendocrine system to answer various research questions. Nour also served on the board of the International Student Services division of UNO’s student government. As a Community Action Project with Smart GEN Society (SGS), her team tackled the issue of screen time among children. They developed a prototype that can be used in classrooms to encourage unconventional homework assignments with outdoor exploration and creativity-inducing tasks. Nour will continue her education by pursuing a medical degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

HAYDEN ERNST | SENIOR | COMPUTER ENGINEERING | ELMWOOD, NE

Hayden interned at BHMI, where he worked as a Java developer, tested for quality assurance, and was responsible for delivering code to test software products for bugs or errors. Through this experience, he became proficient in Eclipse IDE as well as the test platform TestNG. He partnered with Civic Nebraska for a Community Action Project, and his team developed an after-school program to help students get involved with science and outdoor activities. He also worked with Smartgen Society (SGS) to help the organization collect and display data to show their community impact. After graduation, Hayden began a full-time position as an Embedded Software Engineer for LI-COR Biosciences in Lincoln, NE. DILLON FALKINBURG | SENIOR | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, COMPUTER ENGINEERING | BENNINGTON, NE

Dillon interned as a SAP Developer at Kiewit and then as an Embedded Software Engineer at Garmin, where he focused on improving the user interface of software for modern vehicles. Dillon also served as an undergraduate student researcher at the University of Notre Dame’s Wireless Institute. In this role, under Dr. Hai Lin, he researched and automated a robotic arm to interpret its surroundings using machine learning. Following graduation, Dillon is pursuing a master’s degree in electrical engineering at the Air Force Institute of Technology in Ohio.

ZANDER GIBNEY | SENIOR | IT INNOVATION | MORSE BLUFF, NE

In his most recent internship with Netsmart, Zander assisted hospice and home health clients with implementing new software solutions. As an intern with Union Pacific, Zander trained in AngularJS to assist with development and updates to railcar maintenance data management applications. He worked to tackle language and translation barriers with Nebraska Medicine as a Scott Scholar Design Studio Intern by creating a prototype known as “UNMC Mario Maker”, which functions as a wordless discharge instruction assembly toolkit. Zander is pursuing a master’s degree in fine arts at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in England.

JACKSON HANUS | SENIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE

Jackson interned with Ronco Construction and Henderson Engineers where he gained experience in construction methods and software, lighting and power design, and project management. Then, as an intern with Veil Engineered Shading, Jackson was responsible for drawing and laying out design packages, pricing and assembling bids, and overseeing the installation of blind systems. He participated in a Community Action Project with Prairie STEM to address a lack of home internet access for 85% of Omaha Public Schools students. Jackson’s team developed a two-part solution involving an app with minimal Wi-Fi needs and STEM project kits. Jackson is pursuing a master’s degree in architectural engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

JACKSON HASELHORST | SENIOR | MATHEMATICS | PAPILLION, NE

Jackson interned at the National Strategic Research Institute on an interdisciplinary team focused on innovating the organization’s newest Wargame. As a Community Action Project, Jackson’s team partnered with Civic Nebraska to define new challenges the organization faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jackson also worked with the non-profit Omaha By Design, where his team designed and prototyped a concept called TREKPOINTS. Following graduation, Jackson began his role as a College Ministry Intern with CityLight Community Church in Omaha, NE.

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ELIZABETH HOWARD | SENIOR | ECONOMICS, ACCOUNTING | OMAHA, NE

As Accounting Clerk at Houston & Houston, Elizabeth used QuickBooks to create accurate financials and gained experience in bookkeeping and account monitoring. Elizabeth also held financial and accounting internships with Kiewit and the Archdiocese of Omaha. For their Community Action Project, Elizabeth’s team partnered with Civic Nebraska to develop an after-school program and meteorology curriculum for K-12 students. After graduation, Elizabeth began a full-time position as a Tax Associate with Hancock Dana in Omaha, NE.

JAKE KUMKE | SENIOR | CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT | LINCOLN, NE

As an intern for Monarch Investment and Property Management, Jake evaluated financial reports for asset management and performed multi-family housing market analysis. He also interned with Hausemann Construction, where he was responsible for completing close-out items for the Wittson Hall renovation at UNMC. As part of his Community Action Project with Prairie STEM, Jake used his construction knowledge to provide cost estimates and outfit a trailer used to distribute STEM kits to youth in the community. Jake is now working toward a Nebraska Real Estate License and plans to pursue a law degree.

JACOB MAGUIRE | SENIOR | COMPUTER ENGINEERING | LA VISTA, NE

As an intern developing the Arc Printer, a revolutionary and cost-saving design for a 3D printer, Jacob was responsible for designing several mechanical components, budgeting, scheduling, sourcing part suppliers, and programming the firmware that runs the machine. He also interned with STEMBoT Inc. as a Computer Engineering Intern. Jacob’s Community Action Project team worked with Prairie STEM to develop a trailer used to distribute education STEM kits and instructions to students without reliable internet access. Jacob is attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to pursue a master’s degree in computer engineering.

KATRINA MEIER | SENIOR | CIVIL ENGINEERING | PIERCE, NE

As Overhead Transmission Intern with Burns and McDonnell, Katrina used transmission computer programs to create new towers, poles, and line designs and worked in a wildfire safety program to replace at-risk lines. She also held engineering internships with Whiting-Turner and Kiewit, where she managed projects and learned engineering software. Katrina was involved with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) at UNO, where she served as treasurer, vice president, and president. She participated in a Community Action Project with Sisters in STEM aimed at inspiring middle school girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. Following graduation, Katrina began a full-time role as a Field Engineer at PCL Construction in Denver, CO. LUCAS MILLER | SENIOR | COMPUTER ENGINEERING | COLUMBUS, NE

At his most recent software engineering internship with Garmin, Lucas created an automated testing script to ensure quality products and save time. While serving as a Research Assistant in the Augmentative and Alternative Communication Translation (AACT) Lab at UNL, Lucas worked with a postdoctoral researcher to set up and modify the BCI2000 software system. He also interned with Fiserv, conducting artificial intelligence analysis on MAVE, their call center AI, to understand its flaws and suggest improvements. For his Community Action Project with Smart Gen Society, Lucas and his team created a tool for children to use to easily report dangerous online activity. After graduation, Lucas began a full-time role as a Software Engineer at Kiewit in Omaha, NE. LUKE PARTUSCH | SENIOR | BIOMECHANICS | SPRINGFIELD, NE

Luke assisted with sports biomechanics research under Dr. Brian Knarr at the UNO Biomechanics Research Building, focusing on a study called, “The Effects of Swing Speed on Variability of Ball Contact and Risk of Lower Back Injury in Golfers”. He also analyzed baseball pitchers’ throwing motions with Tyler Hamer in the Omaha Pitching Lab. In addition to conducting research, Luke worked in patient care and injury rehabilitation at the UNO Wellness Center and Makovicka Physical Therapy. Luke partnered with Smart Gen Society for his Community Action Project to develop a mobile app called SGS Trust Journal, a tool for parents and their children to help foster conversations about online behavior. Luke is pursuing a master’s degree in athletic training at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

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MEE T T HE SCOT T SCHOL A R S JOHN POHLSON | SENIOR | ECONOMICS, BUSINESS ADMINSTRATION | HASTINGS, NE

John interned at DA Davidson & Co. in Omaha, where he compiled due diligence reports and worked with market data. For their Community Action Project, John’s team partnered with the AIM Institute of Technology to help increase attendance in their coding classes. They developed a plan to host booths at community events to raise awareness. Following graduation, John began a full-time role at Ogallala High School as a math and business teacher.

WILLIAM RANDBY | SENIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE

As a Design Intern at STEMBoT Inc., Will helped develop new educational robotics technology to increase robot functionality. He also worked in the UNO Biomechanics Lab as a research assistant for Dr. Jorge Zuniga on his hybrid prosthetic arm project. The project included developing hybrid prosthetic devices using 3D modeling and printing. His Community Action Project team worked with Prairie STEM to develop a trailer used to distribute education STEM kits and instructions to students without reliable internet access at home. After graduation, Will plans to pursue a master’s degree in architectural engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

ETHAN REINSCH | SENIOR | MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS | GENEVA, NE

As Lead Telecommunications Intern at Union Pacific, Ethan was responsible for the configuration and deployment of telecommunication devices across the country and training new interns. For their Community Action Project with Prairie STEM, he and his team designed and created engaging and cost-effective STEM kits to be distributed to K-12 students. Following graduation, Ethan began a full-time role as Senior Right of Way Agent at TRC Companies. He also plans to maintain his entrepreneurial endeavors in Omaha, NE.

JONAH REISER | SENIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | WAVERLY, NE

As a Design Intern with McNeil Company, Jonah developed building plans, sections, 3D models, and gained jobsite experience. He also served as a Field Engineer Intern with Kiewit and managed multiple crews and subcontractors for a concrete prep and pouring operation at the Orlando International Airport. As a Community Action Project, Jonah’s team created a mobile trailer used to transport STEM kits and provide Wi-Fi to Omaha Public Schools students. They also created an app containing kit instructions and how-to videos. Jonah is pursuing a master’s degree in architectural engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

NATHAN RENARD | SENIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | LINCOLN, NE

Nathan interned at Fiserv, where he was responsible for designing and developing a project slotting tool. His Community Action Project team partnered with Smart Gen Society to create an app that will gamify sleep habits to reduce children’s exposure to blue light at night. Nathan also worked with Civic Nebraska and local schools to implement a new way for students and teachers to communicate. Following graduation, Nathan began a full-time role at Fiserv in Omaha, NE as a Technical Analyst.

CLAYTON RILEY | SENIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | EAGLE, NE

Clayton served as an Electrical Engineer Intern with HDR, where he designed electrical and communication systems of buildings. As a Field Engineer Intern with Kiewit, Clay worked on a construction site, coordinating material flow, reviewing plans, and solving issues. For their Community Action Project with Prairie STEM, his team retrofit a trailer with Wi-Fi and shelving to act as a mobile distribution center for STEM learning kits for K-12 students. Clay is pursuing a master’s degree in architectural engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

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ANDREW SHELLBERG | SENIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | OMAHA, NE

At Andrew’s internship with Union Pacific, he worked on the API Registry Team and provided support for the application. With his Community Action Project team, he partnered with Civic Nebraska and prepared a series of lesson plans focused on civics and created a central repository to host the lesson plans for an after-school program for middle school students. After graduating in December 2022, Andrew began his full-time role at Union Pacific in Omaha, NE as an Associate Project Engineer.

TREVOR THOMAS | SENIOR | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, COMPUTER SCIENCE | BELLEVUE, NE

As an Embedded Software Engineering Intern with Garmin, Trevor automated a power analysis bench and worked on the ANT remote crossbow ranging trigger. He also interned with Lockheed Martin, first as a Software Engineering Intern with Global Strike Product Support (GSPS) under the Rotary and Mission Systems division (RMS), and then as a Systems Engineering Intern with the Space Advanced Programs (AP). Trevor’s Community Action Project team supported Smart Gen Society’s outlook for a safer web for the younger generations by producing a prototype browser plugin for online incident reporting for children. Following graduation, Trevor began a full-time role as a Research and Design Engineer at Los Alamos National Laboratory in Santa Fe, NM. MICHAEL WALSH | SENIOR | CIVIL ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE | ROCA, NE

As Bridge and Road Structural Intern with Olsson, Michael assisted the Structural Engineer in developing project deliverables and market research. He then served as Field and Office Engineering Intern at Kiewit, where he aided in the procurement, placement, and construction plan sets of pipe systems, helped manage basic engineering services, and learned scheduling and construction techniques. For a Community Action Project, he developed potential models for a UNO presence in the Millwork Commons area, helping to create 3D architectural modeling.

After graduation, Michael began a full-time role as a Project Representative at HDR in Omaha, NE.

ETHAN WARRICK | SENIOR | COMPUTER ENGINEERING | PLATTSMOUTH, NE

As a Jr. Network Admin for Kiewit, Ethan helped maintain the network infrastructure of the company and developed automation tools. Then, as a Software Engineering Intern at Garmin, Ethan was involved in the development and prototyping of Splash Screen Animation for their marine products. His Community Action Project team partnered with Smart Gen Society to develop an app that reduces blue light exposure in young people by providing incentives to users who reduce their screen time. After graduation, Ethan began a full-time role at Garmin in Olathe, KS as a Software Engineer.

EL WATERS | SENIOR | IT INNOVATION | OMAHA, NE

For their Community Action Project, El’s team worked to improve kids’ online experience and empower them to interact safely online. Specifically, El created graphics and assisted in the development of the Smart Gen Society Brownie Points app. El also has leadership experience, serving as a moderator for several online art communities.

After graduation, El began freelance work in Omaha, NE, focusing on graphic and web design. Their career interests lie in the animation and game industries.

JOSHUA WELLING | SENIOR | PHYSICS | BELLEVUE, NE

Joshua served as a Software Engineer Intern at Garmin where he generated and debugged software for FAA certification as part of a GPU driver. He also collaborated with other interns to design unique solutions to compilation and run time errors in a C environment. At UNO, Josh gained research experience in the physics lab working with his faculty mentor, Dr. Ryan Riskowski. Josh created a model for the distance-dependent dipole-dipole interaction of MRI contrast agents and nanoparticles. Since graduating, Joshua began a full-time role at Garmin in Olathe, KS as a Software Engineer.

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MEE T T HE SCOT T SCHOL A R S JORDAN WEST | SENIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE

Jordan served as an Office and Field Engineering Intern at Kiewit where he learned about construction innovation and gained experience in the field. For their Community Action Project, his team partnered with Prairie STEM to update a distribution trailer with shelves designed to hold STEM kits using 3D modeling software. Jordan is pursuing a master’s degree in architectural engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

JUNIORS | CLASS OF 2024 MORGAN BAKER | JUNIOR | MATHEMATICS | HASTINGS, NE

Morgan is a member of the Swimming and Diving team at UNO. As a Research Intern at Mary Lanning Cardiology, she led a study on the different access sites for cardiac catheterization under Dr. Pradipta Chaudhuri. She also conducted research evaluating the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome at the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute.

Following another study, Morgan presented her findings on the effects of pharmaceutical waste on aquatic life at the AAAS Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. Morgan’s Community Action Project team is working to assist individuals with job opportunities and provide them the tools they need to successfully transition back into the community alongside RISE, a program that strives to free people from cycles of incarceration. Following graduation, Morgan will pursue a career in medicine, specifically obstetrics and gynecology.

TRISTAN BERTSCH | JUNIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | PAPILLION, NE

Most recently, Tristan served as a Mechanical Intern and Engineering Technician at Alvine Engineering, a firm focused on innovative and technological solutions. Previously, as a Metals Field Laborer Intern at Ayars & Ayars, Tristan was involved in building a new addition onto the Greater Omaha packing plant. He also served as a Scott Scholars Design Studio Intern, where he developed a prototype scheduling program for the iEXCEL at UNMC’s Davis Global Center. Tristan served as executive vice president of the Nebraska Engineering Student Council of Omaha (NESCO). He is skilled in AutoCAD, Revit, and Autodesk. Tristan is interested in a career in the engineering industry and wants to help his community through sustainable eco-friendly building systems.

HAILEY BIXLER | JUNIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | NELIGH, NE

Hailey worked on the Your Brand Here Squad at Hudl as a Software Engineering Intern, where she was involved in transitioning Hudl’s football system frontend to a new backend, matching the recently updated Hudl platform. She previously interned with Fiserv to analyze a customer service call dataset for trends and insights into improving the customer experience. At UNO, Hailey participated in research evaluating a machine learning algorithm that classified beef cuts on a mobile application designed websites for local businesses in Omaha through the IS&T Attic. As a Community Action Project, her team partnered with RISE, an organization that connects incarcerated individuals to stable jobs and housing upon re-entry into society, and assembled a toolkit for participants to develop their ideas and gather information to pitch business ideas. She has served on the Scott Scholars Leadership Council and as the chapter secretary for Future Business Leaders of America - Collegiate. Her career interests include using artificial intelligence to create a positive change in the world.

BENJAMIN BUGENHAGEN | JUNIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | NORFOLK, NE

Benjamin most recently interned with DLR Group in Omaha, serving as a Mechanical Engineering Intern. As an intern with Nucor Buildings Group, he gained experience in project coordination and design. Benjamin’s Community Action Project team partnered with Arbor Bank to conduct research on the college-age demographic and assess landscapes related to their industry including artificial intelligence. Benjamin has served as vice president of Student Affairs of Nebraska Engineering Student Council at Omaha (NESCO). He is skilled in Revit, Tekla, AutoCAD. His career interests include structural and acoustic design, urban planning and sustainability, and affordable housing solutions.

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EVAN CLEMENT | JUNIOR | BIOLOGY | ELKHORN, NE

Evan currently serves as a Veterinary Assistant at Rockbrook Animal Clinic in Omaha, where he is gaining extensive experience in animal care. As an intern with Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, Evan was responsible for feeding and caring for injured and orphaned animals, including raccoons, Virginia opossums, songbirds, and various other native wildlife. His Community Action Project team recently partnered with Nebraska Enterprise Fund to create informational materials for first-time entrepreneurs. After graduation, Evan plans to attend veterinary school and is interested in a career in exotic veterinary medicine.

TEMI DAVIES | JUNIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | OMAHA, NE

While working as a NSIN X-Force Fellow, Temi provided Air Force base assistance. As a Community Action Project, Temi and his team assisted the Nebraska Enterprise Fund in creating informational materials for first-time entrepreneurs. They prepared infographic handouts for NEF to distribute. After graduation, Temi is interested in a career in cybersecurity.

LOGAN DUNLOP | JUNIOR | CYBER SECURITY | OMAHA, NE

Logan has held two internships with Mutual of Omaha. As a Security Application Development Intern, he focused on Teradata application development and IdentityIQ application maintenance. Then, as a Perimeter Security Intern, he worked on Firewall Maintenance, URL categorization and filter maintenance. He has experience with Java, C, Assembly, SQL, Swift, and HTML. Logan is interested in exploring cybersecurity career areas, including government work and privacy and information security.

KATIE FREY | JUNIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | DAWSON, NE

Most recently, Katie worked as a Mechanical Intern with HDR in Omaha. During her previous internship with Branch Pattern, Katie performed engineering calculations, assisted with mechanical and electrical designs, and attended site visits. Her Community Action Project team created a series of videos explaining technology concepts for RISE, a prison reentry program that equips incarcerated individuals with skills needed for reentry. Katie has served as chair of the Student Affairs Committee of the Architectural Engineering Student Leadership and Advisory Committee (AESLAC), is a member of Women in Engineering (WIE), and is a Dean’s Leader for the College of Engineering. Katie is skilled in Revit, Excel, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and Trace. She is interested in a career in building system design and is passionate about sustainability and people-centered design.

REECE FUCHS | JUNIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | LINCOLN, NE

Reese recently interned with Olsson, where he was involved in mechanical and electrical projects. He previously designed mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for QuikTrip Convenience Stores and helped conduct a study for lighting efficiency for the Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu while working as an intern with Hoss and Brown Engineers. As an Estimation Intern for Ayars & Ayars, Reece sourced specialized equipment and prepared scope documents for subcontractors. For a Community Action Project, Reece’s team created an internship connection program application for Arbor Bank. Reece serves as a student mentor for incoming architectural engineering students at UNO and is a member of Nebraska Engineering Student Council at Omaha (NESCO). Reece is proficient in REVIT and AutoCAD and can utilize several functions within Revu Bluebeam. His career interests include architectural engineering, with an emphasis on designing efficient building systems to help the country transition into a greener economy.

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MEE T T HE SCOT T SCHOL A R S IAN FUELBERTH | JUNIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | OMAHA, NE

Ian is currently creating a prototype video game with a team of independent game designers. At a previous internship with Werner Enterprises, Ian developed the location and customer feedback pages in the Drive Werner Pro app. While working as a Scott Scholars Design Studio Intern, Ian used the design thinking process to create a prototype Swift application to help match housing insecure individuals with resources. At Fiserv as a Technical Intern, he analyzed Interactive Voice Response system feedback data in order to improve overall experience. Ian and his Community Action Project team partnered with Nebraska Enterprise Fund to ideate on internal process improvements and create an app prototype that would allow NEF employees and clients to communicate and access data more easily. He has programming experience with Java, C#, html, .NET, Swift, Angular/Ionic, Blender, and Unity3D. Ian’s career interests include software development, artificial intelligence, and game design.

BEDE FULTON | JUNIOR | MATHEMATICS | LINCOLN, NE

Most recently, Bede worked as a Software Engineer Intern with Werner Enterprises, where he developed and improved features for Drive Werner Pro, an internal application used by drivers. As an intern with X-Force Fellowship, Bede helped create an app for the U.S. Marine Corps that provided a consolidated database filled with information on seaports and airports across the globe. His Community Action Project team has supported Arbor Bank by developing an internship matching platform and performing market and industry research. Bede is skilled in Java, HTML, C#, Ionic and Angular Frameworks, and Swift. He is interested in a career in software development, business, or data science.

RYAN GAUGHEN | JUNIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | CEDAR BLUFFS, NE

As an IT Technician with Cambium Data, Ryan assists with ongoing projects and resolves customer tickets. Ryan’s Community Action Project team has worked with Arbor Bank to create a platform that will connect high school students to job opportunities and has facilitated several targeted research efforts to help inform the organization’s initiatives. Ryan is skilled in Java and assembly coding, Cisco Phone management, Google Admin, Microsoft Partner Center Management, and he has moderate computer hardware knowledge. His career interests include information technology, audio engineering, telecommunication, and computer hardware.

SOLANA HONDA | JUNIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | LINCOLN, NE

Most recently, Solana served as Mechanical Engineering Intern at Clarks & Enersen in Lincoln, NE. As Project Management Intern for White Lotus Group, she coordinated the punch list for the Hotel Deco Renovation Project and designed lighting, electrical, and mechanical plans. She also interned with Specialized Engineering Solutions, where she designed light fixture placement, placed electrical fixtures and equipment, and completed lighting calculations using Visual Lighting and COMchecks. Solana’s Community Action Project team created a series of videos for how to use technology for RISE, a prison reentry program that prepares incarcerated individuals for reentry. Solana is a member of Women in Engineering, Architectural Engineering Student Leadership and Advisory Committee, and Engineering Ambassadors Network at UNO. Solana is skilled in Revit, Visual Lighting, and Bluebeam. She is interested in a career in the mechanical and electrical areas of architectural engineering.

NOA JURGENS | JUNIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | BENNET, NE

Noa recently served as an Information Technology Intern at Mutual of Omaha. Previously, Noa interned with the XForce Fellowship and worked on a project for The Defense Technical Information Center in a data science and software development role. As a Community Action Project, her team partnered with RISE, an organization helping current inmates reenter the workforce. They created a packet of start-up business information to help participants pitch their business ideas at graduation. Noa plans to pursue a career in artificial intelligence. She hopes to create technology that will help in day-to-day life and the medical field.

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JON KELLER | JUNIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE

In Jon’s latest internship at HDR, he worked on calculations and drafting in the structural engineering department.

Jon previously interned with KPE Architecture Engineering Forensics, where he was tasked with creating structural detail viewports, drafting MEP and architectural plans, and performing on-site forensic analyses. He first instituted his structural and construction background working as a framer for KRT Construction. Jon and his Community Action Project team supported RISE, a reentry program for incarcerated individuals, by creating educational materials and video tutorials. At UNO, he is involved in the College of Engineering in Student Government, Nebraska Engineering Student Council of Omaha (NESCO). Jon is an Eagle Scout as well. Jon’s career goal is to work for a design firm specializing in structural engineering.

AEDAN LEAHY | JUNIOR | IT INNOVATION | OMAHA, NE

Aedan currently works in the Creative Production Lab at UNO’s Criss Library, where he assists customers with their projects and resolves software and hardware issues. Aedan’s non-profit experience includes partnering with RISE, a program that provides reentry support to incarcerated individuals. In this Community Action Project, his team collected and compiled business start-up information that program participants can access as they work toward their post-graduation goals. His career interests include software development, interactive media, graphic design, and other art-based fields.

JARRET LINSCOTT | JUNIOR | BUSINESS - ACCOUNTING & ECONOMICS | LINCOLN, NE

Most recently, Jarret served as an Accounting Intern at EAD in Omaha, NE, where he was responsible for tasks related to project costs, account payable, accounts receivable, contract administration, and the general ledger.

Jarret’s Community Action Project team partnered with Arbor Bank to develop an application for local high schools to use to find internships and other career opportunities. For this project, Jarret was part of the programming team and was responsible for helping with the application’s UI design. After graduation, Jarret will pursue a career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

THOMAS MALINE | JUNIOR | AVIATION | OAKLAND, NE

Thomas interned with Skywerx Aviation in Blair, NE where he worked as a Line Technician and gained hands-on aircraft experience. As a Community Action Project with Arbor Bank, his team worked to help them find solutions for their customer service needs and to assess innovative opportunities related to artificial intelligence and job satisfaction. His career interests include becoming an airline captain or running his own charter plane company.

KAILEE MATRAS | JUNIOR | BIOLOGY | PAPILLION, NE

As a Community Action Project with Nebraska Enterprise Fund, Kailee and her team identified areas of the company where assistance was needed and designed solutions with the company. Then joining the Prairie STEM team, Kailee supported the organization’s efforts of advocating for STEM education by meeting with law makers at the state capital. Following graduation, Kailee plans to pursue a career in genetic counseling in order to provide personalized care to patients based on their DNA. She is working toward a minor is business and hopes to run her own practice.

NATALIE MOORE | JUNIOR | MANAGEMENT INFORMATATION SYSTEMS | OMAHA, NE

Natalie recently worked at Skymira as an Engineer, where she helped develop a new web interface for embedded device customization and created a connection between first party software and third party interfaces. Natalie previously interned with OpsCompass, serving as IT Support and Systems Administrator and handling various user support tickets. As a Community Action Project, her team built an app to make it easier for Arbor Bank’s customers to submit feedback. Natalie is involved in UNO Maker Club and Nullify Computer Security Group. She is skilled in software and hardware engineering, systems administration, RF theory, and reverse engineering. Her career interests include software engineering, systems administration, and security testing of embedded systems, especially two-way radios.

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MEE T T HE SCOT T SCHOL A R S BEKAH NELSON | JUNIOR | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING | AUBURN, NE

As a Project Management Intern with Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest, Rebekah supported several jobsites and timelines. As a VDC Intern with Commonwealth Electric, Rebekah assisted with projects, like SKM ARC Flash studies and lighting layouts. Rebekah’s Community Action Project with Smart Gen Society involved creating a peer-to-peer mentoring program that SGS could implement in schools to help educate students of all ages about technology usage. Rebekah is a member of NESCO, Nebraska Engineering Student Council at Omaha. She is skilled in engineering software, including software SKM and CYMCAP. Her career interests include electrical engineering, with a focus in industrial electrical work and renewable energy.

JOSHUA OARHE | JUNIOR | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | ELKHORN, NE

Joshua recently 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. Previously, Joshua conducted research in Dr. Todd Wyatt’s lab on lung epithelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells and the effects of exposure to cigarette smoke and alcohol. As a Design Studio Intern, he worked on prototype designs for their dental clinic to accommodate the needs of patients with intellectual, behavioral, and sensory-processing disorders. For their Community Action Project, Joshua’s team worked with Arbor Bank on several initiatives, including market research related to college-aged customers and the impact of artificial intelligence on the banking industry. Joshua is involved in UNO Dance Marathon, Urban Health Opportunities Program, and Chi Alpha Campus Ministries. Following graduation, he will pursue surgical medicine in either neurology or orthopedics.

AVA RECH | JUNIOR | MATHEMATICS | BLAIR, NE

At her recent internship with Bass Pro Shops, Ava worked as a Data Analyst for their CLUB credit card program.

In past summers, she worked with the City of Omaha as a Hummel Day Camp Counselor. Ava participated in a Community Action Project with Arbor Bank, which involved her team developing a platform that will connect high school students with internship, job shadowing, and networking opportunities. As a member of the communications team for this project, she communicated with faculty and staff at local high schools to learn what functionalities are important for an internship platform. At UNO, Ava is a member of Chi Omega and has served as a resident assistant and Calculus Teaching Assistant and tutor. Ava is interested in a career path that will allow her to combine her passions for math and business.

EVAN RILEY | JUNIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | EAGLE, NE

Evan recently served as a Software Engineer Intern at Garmin. Previously, as a Scott Scholars Design Studio Intern, he worked with a team to use design thinking to combat housing insecurity in Omaha. While interning with Fiserv, he analyzed call data from interactive voice response (IVR) using excel and python to find trends and formulate suggestions for improvement. At Werner Enterprises as a Technical Intern, he developed an in-app feature using Angular, Ionic, and .NET that allowed drivers to provide location feedback. He is skilled in Java, Angular, Ionic, HTML, C#, and Swift. Evan is interested in a career in computer science, particularly at its intersection with mathematics and artificial intelligence.

CLAIRE SCHWEIKERT | JUNIOR | COMPUTER SCIENCE | PAPILLION, NE

Claire recently embarked on an immersive summer study abroad trip to Soria, Spain, where she experienced international hands-on work experience. As an Undergraduate Student Researcher in Assistive Technology for Disabilities with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington, she researched state-of-the-art Sign Language Recognition (SLR) technology and developed a prototype SLR application for use with smart glasses. She also interned with Fiserv, where she redesigned a legacy repository application for internal use. Her team’s Community Action Project involved providing Millwork Commons with ten innovative ideas for how to facilitate creative collisions and bring people together in their community. Her technical skillset includes Java, HTML, SCSS, Swift/Xcode, and Visual Studio Code, and she is proficient in Spanish. Claire will pursue a career in software and application development.

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DIANNA SLEDGE | JUNIOR | IT INNOVATION | OMAHA, NE

Dianna works as a year-round IT Intern at Union Pacific, where she supports the CyberArk system for password and identity management. Earlier in her internship, Dianna conducted research to help determine a viable personal password manager for company-wide use and assisted in the development of a professional finance application.

Dianna’s Community Action Project team partnered with Nebraska Enterprise Fund to create a template for sharing success stories and conduct research on the future environment, economic development, social interaction, and retail and merchandising climates in Nebraska. She is interested in career opportunities in computer science, cybersecurity, animation, and music.

GRACE TETSCHNER | JUNIOR | CHEMISTRY | BENNINGTON, NE

Grace currently conducts Chemistry Education research alongside Dr. Sachin Nedungadi to develop a Resonance Assessment. For this project, she serves as head writer and researcher and has created questions, administered tests, conducted student interviews, and analyzed data using Classical Test Theory and Rasch Analysis. Grace has worked with the prison reentry program, RISE, for her team’s Community Action Project. They developed how-to videos focused on the specific technology issues RISE graduates sometimes face re-entering society, and Grace served as the lead video editor. Grace is a member of the NEA’s Aspiring Educators Program. Following graduation, Grace plans to teach chemistry at the high school level.

KELSI WEILAGE | JUNIOR | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | MURRAY, NE

Kelsi recently worked with AE Design in Denver, CO as an Electrical Engineering and Lighting Design Intern.

Previously, while serving as a Land Surveying Intern with E&A Consulting Group, Kelci performed field work on civil engineering, construction, and general surveying projects. Then, as Electrical Engineering Intern at Arup in Seattle, WA, she contributed to the design of building electrical systems on a variety of projects. As a Scott Scholar Design Studio Intern, Kelsi developed an app to better understand housing insecurity in Omaha. Kelsi has served as the vice president of membership for Nebraska Engineering Student Council and is involved in the Engineering Ambassadors Network and Women in Engineering. Her Community Action Project team is partnered with Arbor Bank to conduct market and industry research. After graduation, she will pursue a career in architectural engineering, with a focus on electrical and lighting design.

ALLIE WILSON | JUNIOR | BIOLOGY | VALLEY, NE

Allie recently participated in missionary work in Taiwan through Christian Missionaries. She has also worked as a student technician at Creighton Physical Therapy and as an intern with Global Friends, where she was focused on connecting and serving international students and employees. Allie’s Community Action Project team created a curriculum with worksheets and videos for practical technological skills for RISE, a prison reentry program that provides reentry support to incarcerated individuals. As a Design Studio Intern she partnered with the MunroeMeyer Institution to create a personalized dental experience for neurodivergent patients. Allie is a member of Salt Company at UNO. After completing her bachelor’s degree, Allie plans to attend physical therapy school.

ELLIE ZENTNER | JUNIOR | NEUROSCIENCE | ELKHORN, NE

As an undergraduate intern in UNMC’s Department of Neurological Science’s Mind and Brain Health Labs, Ellie assisted with a research study of how Alzheimer’s Disease may be predicted by driving and sleeping behaviors.

Ellie’s Community Action Project team partnered with Nebraska Enterprise Fund to develop a website where their employees can view their clients, share calendars, and communicate with each other. Ellie is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Following her graduation in August 2023, Ellie accepted a full-time human resources and employee well-being position with Advance Services, Inc. in Omaha.

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SOPHOMORES | CLASS OF 2025 BISHESH ADHIKARI | SOPHOMORE | CHEMISTRY | OMAHA, NE

Along with his Community Action Project team, Bishesh is developing a translation app for the Nebraska Medicine emergency department to help solve for language barriers at check-in. Bishesh served as a teen leader for the Nebraska Nepalese Society, where he organized fundraisers. As a soccer captain, he led his club team to two state championships and high school team to the metro final. His career goal is to become a pediatric dentist, eventually returning to Nepal to provide affordable dental care.

JOHN (JP) AURIT | SOPHOMORE | CIVIL ENGINEERING | ELKHORN, NE

JP most recently interned with Burns and McDonnell, serving as a Structures Intern. 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 is involved in Delta Chi Fraternity and Nebraska Engineering Student Council. JP is trained in AutoCAD and has experience using SWIFT interface. He is interested in a career in civil engineering in the transportation or water sectors.

SYDNEE BAYSA | SOPHOMORE | BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE

Sydnee currently serves as a Patient Resource Assistant at Nebraska Medicine. She is partnered with Prairie STEM for her Community Action Project. Most recently, her team met with lawmakers in Lincoln to advocate for STEM education funding in Nebraska. Sydnee is involved in Chi Omega Sorority and UNO Dance Marathon. After graduation, Sydnee will pursue a career in healthcare.

TOMMY BONEBRAKE | SOPHOMORE | MANAGEMENT INFORMATATION SYSTEMS | OMAHA, NE

Most recently, Tommy participated in the Scott Scholars Design Studio Internship, leading his team though a complex project with the Department of Navy. In his internship with Nebraska Defense Research Corporation, Tommy conducted data research, integration, and analysis. For their Community Action Project, Tommy’s team worked with Prairie STEM to generate specific prototypes for new STEM kits, curriculum material for socio-emotional learning development, and multi-generational activities. Tommy is interested in a career designing and developing efficient information-related technologies and systems for residential use.

CARTER BREHM | SOPHOMORE | 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 and has experience with backend database management in SQL Server and MySQL, as well as frontend web development with common web frameworks. His career interests include software development, database management, and systems administration.

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AVA DELAGARZA | SOPHOMORE | COMPUTER SCIENCE | OMAHA, NE

Ava recently served as a Paraprofessional for Omaha Public Schools where she gained a diverse range of inclassroom 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 supports the Malone Center with solutions for fundraising and member communication. Ava is proficient in many programming languages and computing in the Oracle Cloud, and she also has experience creating and teaching fundamental CS curriculum. Ava is a member of UNO’s University Concert band and Association for Computing Machinery - Women (ACM-W). She is interested in a career in computer science education and research.

BELLA DONOVAN | SOPHOMORE | MATHEMATICS | GRETNA, NE

Most recently, Bella served as an IT Intern at Conagra, where she developed automations to improve employee efficiency. Bella previously served as a Scott Scholars Design Studio Intern and led a team tasked with developing a mobile application for the U.S. Department of Defense that allows Air Force pilots and maintainers to quickly perform basic math calculations and complex, common aviation calculations while in flight. For their Community Action Project, 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, Type Script, HTML, Power BI, and UiPath. Bella is interested in a career in data analytics - discovering, interpreting, and communicating meaningful patterns in data, as well as applying data patterns for effective decision-making.

JULIA EHLERS | SOPHOMORE | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | LINCOLN, NE

Julia recently interned at NREL (National Renewable Energy Lab), 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, Julia designed plumbing and HVAC systems and conducted site visits.

Her Community Action Project team supports the Malone Center by creating an app for client communication and developing funding solutions. At UNO, she is on the Activities Committee for Architectural Engineering Student Leadership and Advisory Committee (AESLAC). Julia also works in the UNO Math Lab and math classrooms to support student learning. She has basic knowledge of Python, Swift, and Autodesk Revit. Her career interests include mechanical or electrical areas of architectural engineering, and she would like to focus on environmentally sustainable engineering. After graduation, she would like to build and design tiny houses or sustainable development to help alleviate the affordable housing crisis.

CLARE EUTENEUER | SOPHOMORE | BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE

Clare conducted research in Dr. Paul Davis’ Molecular Parasitology Lab, a translational biomedical research laboratory on UNO’s campus. Her Community Action Project team is partnered with Nebraska Medicine to solve for language barrier and translation issues in the emergency department. Clare currently works as a CNA at QLI, where she assists with traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. She also founded a refugee empowerment club that partnered with Restoring Dignity to coordinate furniture donations for refugee homes. She participates in intermural sports and Pre-Health Club at UNO. Following graduation, Clare plans to attend medical school.

BRENDAN FALKINBURG | SOPHOMORE | COMPUTER SCIENCE | BENNINGTON, NE

Most recently, Brendan interned at Fiserv, gaining valuable project-based experience in an IT environment. Brendan previously worked in the Molecular Parasitology Lab under Dr. Paul Davis. Brendan is partnered with Prairie STEM for his Community Action Project, where students split into teams to tackle the specific challenges from Prairie STEM. This work generated specific protoypes and curriculum for new STEM kits. Brendan is proficient in Java, is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and is Basic Life Support (BLS) certified. He looks forward to a career in innovative computer science.

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MEE T T HE SCOT T SCHOL A R S ETHAN FUNKE | SOPHOMORE | BIOINFORMATICS | OMAHA, NE

Ethan recently participated in the Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program in through UMNC. As a Visiting Scholar for the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Ethan conducted research on host cell interactions with the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii under Dr. Leonardo da Silva Augusto. His team is partnered with Nebraska Medicine for their Community Action Project, working to solve the language barrier issue in the emergency department at UNMC before, during, and after treatment. Ethan 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.

WILL HARR | SOPHOMORE | MATHEMATICS | OMAHA, NE

In a recent Data Science and Analytics internship with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Will was responsible for analysis of genome sequence data. Will is proficient in AVR assembly as well as Python, C, and R coding languages. 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. He is interested in career opportunities involving optimization, artificial intelligence, and engineering.

TOBY HEINEMANN | SOPHOMORE | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING | WINSIDE, NE

Toby recently served as an Embedded Systems Engineer Intern at Garmin. As a Telecom Engineer at Union Pacific, he learned about large-scale network design and data transmission technology. For his Community Action Project, Toby was partnered with Smart Gen Society to research and analyze the organization’s processes for handling secure data. At UNO, Toby is involved in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and 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 is interested in a career in electrical engineering, specifically in the area of wireless communication, and he would like to design and upgrade navigation systems for aircraft and spacecraft.

XAVIER HERMAN | SOPHOMORE | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING | CLARKS, NE

Xavier recently interned at Garmin, serving as an Embedded Systems Engineer Intern. At his internship with Union Pacific, Xavier performed rectifier efficiency analysis. His Community Action Project with Nebraska Medicine seeks to improve language barriers with 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. His career interests include electrical engineering, with a focus on power generation and electronic circuits.

DAVIS HILL | SOPHOMORE | CIVIL ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE

Recently, Davis interned at Kiewit and gained jobsite experience. At UNO, he served as secretary for the UNO Rugby Club and also participates in Latinos in STEM. While participating in the Design Studio Internship, Davis and his team worked with USSTRATCOM to design solutions for system updates. 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 was partnered with Prairie STEM and helped prototype innovative youth STEM kits. Davis is interested in a career in civil engineering with a focus in water resources and concrete.

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STONE HOFFMANN | SOPHOMORE | CIVIL ENGINEERING | PAPILLION, NE

Stone served as a Scott Scholar Design Studio Intern and partnered with National Security Innovation Network improve their process for upgrading equipment. Through his Community Action Project, he also supported the Malone Center’s Maternal Wellness program with 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. His career interests include water resources engineering, with a goal of utilizing modern engineering to provide underserved communities access to clean water.

BELLA MADSEN | SOPHOMORE | BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE

At UNO, Bella is a member of SustainUNO and served as a Research Assistant in the Wong Lab, where she prepared and ran various experiments using Zantiks units, analyzed videos using Boris, interpreted data, and presented findings. She has also interned as a teaching assistant for Springville Elementary, where she led small group tutoring sessions. Bella is skilled in Ethovision, Zantiks, PCR, gel electrophoresis, fish handling and care, and pipetting. She plans to become a medical researcher to improve women’s healthcare.

MICHAEL MALINE | SOPHOMORE | 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. He is interested in a career in computer engineering, with a focus on software and system management.

ABIGAIL MEIER | SOPHOMORE | BIOMECHANICS | PIERCE, NE

At UNO, Abigail is a member of Pre-Health Club and volunteers with stroke and gait research through the biomechanics program under Dr. Brian Knarr. As part of her team’s Community Action Project, Abigail has partnered with Nebraska Medicine to address translation and language barriers in the emergency department.

She is gaining experience in the medical field as a Certified Nursing Assistant and plans to attend medical school following graduation.

KYLEIGH MURRAY | SOPHOMORE | CHEMISTRY | LINCOLN, NE

Kyleigh served as a Nuclear Technical Intern at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Kyleigh’s Community Action Project team supported the Malone Center by designing an app to used to communicate with their members, by helping them rework their social media, web presence, and fundraising efforts. At UNO, she is involved in MavLabs and French Club. As a member of the Girl Scouts, Kyleigh promoted water conservation by helping to build rain barrels and was awarded the Silver Award. Kyleigh is proficient in the programming language Python. Her career interests include pharmaceutical development and research.

JADEN NIENHUESER | SOPHOMORE | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | JUNIATA, NE

Jaden recently participated in the INBRE program through UNMC, conducting critical biomedical research. As an intern with the UNO STEM Trail Center, Jaden learned about STEM education and conducted research in the Denton Immunobiology lab. One of his 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. Jaden will pursue a career in healthcare, serving queer, trans, and other underrepresented groups, and researching topics such as STD testing, HIV/AIDS, immunobiology, and retroviruses.

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MEE T T HE SCOT T SCHOL A R S JACKSON PETRZILKA | SOPHOMORE | NEUROSCIENCE | OMAHA, NE

Working under Dr. Madhav Bandatmakur at Boys Town National Research Hospital, Jackson recently conducted a pediatric neuroscience study investigating the effectiveness of anti-CGRP treatment on migraines in juveniles.

Jackson partnered with Nebraska Medicine for his Community Action Project with a team goal of not only streamlining language translation services for hospitals, but creating a better experience for both provider and patient when translational services are required. Jackson provided code for the Automated Precheck Program (APP) app, a simple way to translate a patient’s need and quickly connect them to care. Jackson previously achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He is interested in a career in research, particularly involving neuroscience and brain-computer interfaces. He hopes to be a pioneer in the field.

ESTHER SAMUEL | SOPHOMORE | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | ELKHORN, NE

Esther currently serves 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 has continued this work for her Community Action Project and hopes to address solutions to solve for patient wait time with her team. She is involved with the PreHealth Professionals Club at UNO and is a small group leader for Chi Alpha Campus Ministries. Esther plans to attend medical school and become a physician of obstetrics and gynecology.

MAX SLADOVNIK | SOPHOMORE | CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE

As a Project Intern at Boyd Jones, Max assisted the superintendents on jobsites. For his Community Action Project, Max was partnered with Prairie STEM, where his team helped generate specific prototypes for new STEM kits, curriculum material for socio-emotional learning development, and multi-generational activities. His career interests include construction engineering, with a focus on innovative and sustainable building designs.

JACKSON WARD | SOPHOMORE | PHYSICS | OMAHA, NE

As a Scott Scholar Design Studio intern, Jackson and his team 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 is a UNO Student Ambassador, welcoming new and prospective students to campus. Jackson’s career goal is to teach physics at the high school or college level.

ISABELLE WEBER | SOPHOMORE | NEUROSCIENCE | LINCOLN, NE

Most recently, Isabelle participated in biomedical research related to cancer biology and genetics through UNMC’s INBRE program. She has also assisted in research at Dr. Denton’s immunobiology lab, where she has studied things like the immune system’s ability to recognize and kill a target cell and a cell’s readiness to fight an infection. Isabelle served as president of the Students Together Against Cancer club, leading fundraising events for cancer patients throughout Nebraska, and as the secretary for the UNO Pre-Health Professionals Club. A current Patient Attendant at Nebraska Medicine, Isabelle is interested in a career in the medical field, in either gerontology or neurology.

ERIN WEIDENHAMER | SOPHOMORE | ECONOMICS | OMAHA, NE

Erin’s internship at the US Army Corps of Engineering involved document intake, information and data review, and research. For her Community Action Project, Erin was partnered with Prairie STEM, where she worked with her team to deliver innovative ideas for STEM kits and curriculum. Erin serves as a UNO Student Ambassador, assisting with campus visits and new student orientation. Erin is exploring a career in the field of economics.

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TRISTAN WESTON | SOPHOMORE | AVIATION | HASTINGS, NE

Tristan worked at Skywerx Aviation, where he participated in marketing and a variety of aviation-related duties.

As a Scott Scholar, Tristan has enjoyed working on his team’s Community Action Project with the Malone Center, often taking on the tasks of conducting empathy interviews and preparing and delivering presentations. Tristan is currently an Instrument rated private pilot with 170 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.

NOLAN WILLIAMS | SOPHOMORE | 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 works with the Malone Center, which helps provide pre- and post-natal care for BIPOC mothers in Lincoln, to streamline their methods and efficacy of distribution of care and resources to their partnering families. Nolan has served as safety officer for the UNO Soccer Club, secretary for the UNO Botanical Society, and is a member of Pre-Health Professionals Club and Chemistry Club. His career interests include medicine, with a focus on anesthesiology. He hopes to contribute to the medical community by conducting life-changing medical research.

FRESHMEN | CLASS OF 2026 NICHOLAS ARMSTRONG | FRESHMAN | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | ELKHORN, NE

Nicholas was a member of the State Olympic Development Program and served as the robotics and soccer teams captain in high school. He also participated in band and was a member of National Honor Society. Nicholas has served as an active volunteer for club soccer camps, ReStore Omaha, and Food Bank for the Heartland. Nicholas is interested in a career in biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine.

JUSTIN BARTELS | FRESHMAN | COMPUTER SCIENCE | BENNINGTON, NE

Justin recently worked as a Technology Intern with Fiserv. Previously, as a Design Studio Intern, his team was tasked with developing a mobile application for the U.S. Department of Defense that allows Air Force pilots and maintainers to quickly perform basic math calculations and complex, common aviation calculations while in flight.

In high school, Justin was a member of concert, pep, and marching band, where he was a drum major. He was also involved in choir as the concert choir president. Justin ran cross country and served as the team’s co-captain and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes leadership team. Justin is interested in a career in app development, data science, machine learning, or cybersecurity.

HALEY BATES | FRESHMAN | BIOLOGY | MILFORD, NE

Haley recently participated in the Doris Duke Conservation Scholar program through the University of Washington, where she completed field research and studied ethical conservation. In high school, Haley was involved with the Nebraska Wildlife Rehab High School Science Academy, the Turkey Trot, and Arts in Motion Ballroom Dance. She also participated in Spanish club, Envirothon, and drama. Haley also served on National Honors Society. Haley hopes to pursue a career in conservation research after earning her degree.

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MEE T T HE SCOT T SCHOL A R S SOPHIA BIRCH | FRESHMAN | COMPUTER ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE

Most recently, Sophia worked with Fiserv as a Web Development Intern. Sophia previously served as a Scott Scholars Design Studio Intern and worked with a team to develop a mobile application prototype for the U.S. Department of Defense that allows Airforce pilots and maintainers to quickly perform basic math calculations and complex, common aviation calculations while in flight. In high school, Sophia held numerous leadership roles in Family Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and she was also involved in theater, band, art club, Spanish club, and Key Club. She served as a teenage volunteer for the Elementary Afterschool Science Club. Sophia plans to pursue a career in computer or software engineering.

PEYTON BROOKING | FRESHMAN | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE

Peyton recently became a certified phlebotomist tech, having completed curriculum and clinicals through Nebraska Methodist College. Peyton also has her own business teaching piano lessons. She enjoys helping her students grow and having them perform in recitals. She is involved with a local non-profit pediatric cancer organization serving cancer patients and their families, where she organized fundraising events. She was elected to the position of Outreach Director during her service and was heavily involved in social media marketing, personally communicating with families, and publishing online articles. After graduation, Peyton plans to attend medical school and participate in research. She is interested in a career in radiology or orthopedic medicine.

MARC FAYAD | FRESHMAN | CYBER SECURITY | OMAHA, NE

In Marc’s recent role as a Distributed Application Development Intern at Fiserve, he was responsible for coding, testing, and supporting application software. In high school, Marc participated in wrestling and track & field as a varsity leader. He also participated in cross country, soccer, and choir. Marc was a member of the Scouts of America, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He was involved with and volunteered for Camp Virtus et Veritas, the VSP Club, the Heart Ministry Center, and the Sienna Francis House. Marc is interested in a career in information security analytics.

ANTONIO GARCIA | FRESHMAN | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE

Antonio recently worked at HDR as a Building Information Modeling (BIM) Intern. He previously served as a Design Studio Intern and worked on a team to develop a mobile aviation calculation application for the U.S. Department of Defense. In high school, Antonio worked with the Senior Class Board to prepare events such as prom and homecoming. He was also involved with the community organization Partnership 4 Kids, where he served as a mentor for K-12 Omaha students. Antonio plans to work in the Architectural Engineering field and has aspirations of becoming an engineering professor.

ELIJAH GNUSE | FRESHMAN | COMPUTER SCIENCE | OMAHA, NE

Elijah recently interned with Fiserv in an information technology and programming-focused role. Before starting college at UNO, Elijah lived with his family in Costa Rica where they served as missionaries. He completed online high school and worked diligently to explore coding languages. Elijah is skilled in Python, C++, and JavaScript. After graduation, he will pursue a career in computer science and programming.

ASHTON HALAT | FRESHMAN | MATHEMATICS | OMAHA, NE

Ashton most recently served as an Application Developer Intern at Fiserv. In high school, Ashton participated in tennis, SkillsUSA, and robotics. He was also a member of the Mu Alpha Theta Honors Society member, where he was a National Merit Finalist. Ashton was involved with his local city community center, where he taught tennis lessons. He plans to pursue a career in software and computer engineering. Specifically, Ashton hopes to engage in the development of photonics and quantum physics used in telecommunications and emerging computer architecture.

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ETHAN HARVEY | FRESHMAN | COMPUTER SCIENCE | PAPILLION, NE

Ethan recently worked as a DevOps Intern with Spreetail and has experience coding in a large variety of programming languages, creating and flying custom-built racing drones, and 3D art and visual effects. In high school, through the Leadership in Media Academy, Ethan managed, operated, and fixed broadcasting machines.

Additionally, as a videoboard operator, Ethan managed content creation for the school district’s video scoreboards.

Ethan competed on a CyberPatriot team in Linux challenges and contributed custom tools for the team’s use. Ethan is interested in a career in programming low-level firmware for open-source hardware, machine learning, and data science research.

JAGGER HASTINGS | FRESHMAN | COMPUTER SCIENCE | WATERLOO, NE

Jagger recently worked in an information technology role at TSL Companies. In high school, Jagger participated in the Academic Decathlon, track & field, cross country, and tennis. He was also a member of National Honor Society.

Jagger has served in various volunteer roles through the Siena Francis house, St. Patrick’s Elkhorn, and Mount Michael. After graduation, he will pursue a career in computer science and video game development.

PRESTON HIGGINBOTHAM | FRESHMAN | BIOLOGY | LA VISTA, NE

Most recently, Preston worked as a Rehab Aide with OrthoNebraska, where he was involved in physical therapy patient care. In high school, Preston served as the team captain for the basketball team and the CyberPatriot team. Additionally, Preston was involved with service projects, running the scoreboard, volunteering in grade school classrooms, and coaching various youth basketball camps. Preston is interested in a career in orthopedic and sports medicine.

KARTER JEFFREY | FRESHMAN | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | LINCOLN, NE

As a Field/Office Engineering Intern with Kiewit’s Southeast District, Karter worked on a jobsite at Orlando International Airport. In high school, Karter was a member of the varsity soccer team, as well as National Honor Society. Karter was also involved with the Salvation Army, where he volunteered ringing bells for donations, and with the Peoples City Mission, where he made tie blankets. Karter is interested in a career in architectural engineering and hopes to specialize in building skyscrapers and sports arenas.

ABIGAIL KLINE | FRESHMAN | CHEMISTRY | OMAHA, NE

Abigail served as the president of National Honor Society and was freshman mentor with SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) in high school. Abigail was an active member of show choir, where she served as the section leader, and in barbershop and jazz choirs. Abigial is involved with Lifegate Church and serves on the kid’s ministry and worship team. After graduation, Abigail plans to attend medical school.

MICHAEL LEBLANC | FRESHMAN | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | PAPILLION, NE

In high school, Michael participated in cross country and intramural sports. He was also involved with campus ministry, student council, robotics, and photo/film club. Michael volunteered with Operation Others, was a member of the Boy Scouts, and participated in church projects. He plans to pursue a career in Architectural Engineering.

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MEE T T HE SCOT T SCHOL A R S ALAINA LORKOVIC | FRESHMAN | BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE

Alaina recently worked as a Patient Resource Assistant at Nebraska Medicine. In high school, Alaina was a member of student council and National Honor Society. She also participated in DECA, where she served as the president, and was an active member of the tennis team. Through the St. Robert Bellarmine Youth Group, Alaina assisted with Vacation Bible School as a camp counselor and went on several mission trips to the Walthill Native American Reservation. Post graduation, Alaina hopes to become a pediatrician and engage in service work in underprivileged nations.

COLE MACK | FRESHMAN | CHEMISTRY | LA VISTA, NE

In high school, Cole participated in science competitions, often serving in leadership roles. He was also a member of student council and quiz bowl team, and he worked on media productions. Cole is interested in a career in chemistry, with a focus in food science.

JACK MCNALLY | FRESHMAN | ECONOMICS | OMAHA, NE

As a Venture Analyst with UNeTech’s Maverick Technology Venture Alliance (MTVA), Jack worked on the startup incubation team on several medical technology projects. In high school, Jack served as the captain for his Science Bowl, CyberPatriots, and speech and debate teams. Jack also volunteered to improve his school’s historical archives through the Rho Kappa Honors Society. Jack is interested in a career in economics, data analytics, and international monetary policy.

JOHN MENTGEN | FRESHMAN | COMPUTER ENGINEERING | SCOTTSBLUFF, NE

John recently served as a Virtual Reality Intern at UNMC. In high school, John was involved in the band program, serving as the percussion section leader. He was also an active leader in Math Club and was involved in speech team, choir, golf, and FCA. John started a 501c3 charity called Singing for Supper, where he performed at various venues in the community and raised money for food insecurity programs. As of 2022, John’s charity had raised over $10,000 toward fighting food insecurity in Scottsbluff, NE. John plans to pursue a career in virtual and augmented reality and hopes to develop new hardware and software to help create a more realistic virtual experience.

IAN MEYER | FRESHMAN | MATHEMATICS, ECONOMICS, COMPUTER SCIENCE | LINCOLN, NE

At his recent bioinformatics internship with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Ian was involved in constructing a single cell RNA sequencing pipeline to analyze cell transcriptors from lung epithelial tissue and conducted mathematics research. In high school, Ian was a two-time National Science Bowl Qualifier and served as the Science Olympiad Captain. Ian was also the Moore MATHCOUNTS Program Head Coach, where he prepared lessons and taught competition math to middle school students. Ian is interested in a career in academia, mathematical finance, applied mathematics, or data science.

GRANT PETERS | FRESHMAN | COMPUTER SCIENCE | ROGERS, NE

In his recent internship with Legacy Motor Club in Statesville, North Carolina, Grant was involved in multiple data analysis projects. He previously worked as a teller at Platte Valley Bank and as American Red Cross Bloodmobile team member. Grant participated in speech, baseball, cross country, golf, Future Business Leaders of America, quiz bowl, and National Honor Society in high school. Additionally, he was the stage manager for one act and musical and served as a MATHCOUNTS advisor. Grant is interested in a career in software development or motorsports data analysis.

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JOSSEN RINN | FRESHMAN | CYBER SECURITY | OMAHA, NE

As an Accounting Data Intern with National Indemnity Company, Jossen was responsible for reconciliation of files, data management, and writing to the accounting ledger daily. In high school, Jossen was a member of the National Honor Society, where he served as the vice president. He was also an active member of the student council.

Additionally, Jossen participated in varsity track, where he served as the team captain, and cross country. Jossen also volunteered at the Youth Frontier Courage Retreat. After graduation, Jossen will pursue a career in forensic accounting and banking.

JACK RYGG | FRESHMAN | IT INNOVATION | OMAHA, NE

Recently, Jack served as Innovation Intern at Kiewit. Jack also works on metaverse research in an on-campus lab for the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE). In high school, Jack was a member of the robotics team, soccer team, and was captain of his TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science) group. Jack was involved with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, and he volunteered for Radio Talking Book as a reader for the blind. Jack is interested in a career in IT, technological innovation, and programming.

EBEN SAMUEL | FRESHMAN | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | ELKHORN, NE

Eben recently served as 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. Eben participated in the Millard North High School marching band and concert band, where he was first chair. Eben was involved with the Methodist Women’s Hospital as a volunteer and was active in the Good News Church youth band, worship team, and youth leadership. Post graduation, Eben plans to pursue a career in medicine and microbiology.

CHRIS SCHINZEL | FRESHMAN | BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE

In high school, Chris was a member of National Honor Society, where he served as the treasurer. He also participated in robotics, cross country, track, and basketball. Additionally, Chris was an active member of the Dundee Presbyterian Youth Group. Chris will pursue a career in the medical field following his graduation. He is interested in the fusion of medicine, technology, and politics.

BENNETT SCHLIESSER | FRESHMAN | COMPUTER SCIENCE | BELLEVUE, NE

Bennett was a member of Quiz Bowl and the team captain for Academic Decathlon in high school. Additionally, he served on the leadership team for Mu Alpha Theta and was active in National Honor Society. Bennet participated in the Green Initiative and Key Club and volunteered regularly at the local Fraternal Order of Eagles chapter, specifically preparing fundraising dinners for charity. Bennett plans to pursue a career in software development and game design.

MEGAN SCHUBERT | FRESHMAN | CIVIL ENGINEERING | OMAHA, NE

At her recent water quality and control internship with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Megan performed river and lake surveys, used engineering formulas and standards for analysis and calculations, utilized water resource modeling software, and prepared reports. In high school, Megan participated in color guard, where she was a member of the leadership team. She also played clarinet in the concert band and was a member of National Honor Society and the Tri-M music honor society. Additionally, Megan is a baton twirler through Sue’s Stepperettes and has competed nationally and internationally. Megan plans to pursue a career in civil engineering, specifically, highway design.

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MEE T T HE SCOT T SCHOL A R S KEEGAN SHANAHAN | FRESHMAN | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | LA VISTA, NE

Keegan recently served as an Electrical Engineering Intern with Specialized Engineering Solutions, where she had the opportunity to learn about electrical design in buildings and get exposure to the industry as a junior engineer.

In high school, Keegan was a team leader for the Vex Robotics team and a member of the engineering team, which involved completing a community garden and nutritional education space. She serves as a mentor for the Gross High robotics team, where she helps new students learn about the basics of robotics, and volunteers with the nonprofit National Robotics Academy, Inc. Keegan is interested in a career in architectural engineering.

SHREEYA SHAPKOTA | FRESHMAN | NEUROSCIENCE | OMAHA, NE

Shreeya recently completed the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) at UNMC, where she participated in clinical experiences, career development activities, learning and study skills seminars, and a financial planning workshop. In high school, Shreeya served on the Leadership Council for National Honors Society and executed events to benefit several non-profit organizations. She was president of French Honors Society and organized lessons to introduce elementary schoolers to the language. Shreeya was also involved with the Interact Club sponsored by Rotary International. She organized numerous fundraisers to donate to girls’ education in South Sudan and to provide impoverished families in farming areas with livestock. As a teen volunteer at CHI Lakeside, she aided visitors and patients through services at the welcome desk, gift shop, and maternity center. After graduation, Shreeya will pursue a career in the medical field as a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

HANNAH STONE | FRESHMAN | MOLECULAR & BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY | OMAHA, NE

In high school, Hannah was involved in band, where she played alto saxophone and served as a drum major. She was also a member of quiz bowl, winter guard, TEAMS, and National Honor Society. Additionally, Hannah spent time volunteering at Methodist Women’s hospital. After graduation, Hannah plans to attend medical school to become a physician of obstetrics and gynecology.

BEN THOMAS | FRESHMAN | CYBER SECURITY | OMAHA, NE

Most recently, Ben served as a Cyber Security Intern at Werner Enterprises. In high school, Ben was a member of the varsity tennis team and participated in a technology internship. Additionally, Ben is an active volunteer with Special Spaces. Ben plans to pursue a career in cyber security following graduation.

CALLUM WARD | FRESHMAN | COMPUTER SCIENCE | GOTHENBURG, NE

Callum recently participated in the National Security Internship Program at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory where he received UI and UX mentoring and worked on entry-level frontend software development. In high school, Callum served on leadership group for band and participated in student council, one act, speech, musical, and robotics club. Additionally, he served as the class treasurer. Callum volunteered with the Sun Community Theatre and assisted with Student Council Community Clean-ups, local blood drives, and Meals on Wheels. Callum is interested in a career in software development and graphic design.

MASON WICKSTROM | FRESHMAN | MATHEMATICS | ELKHORN, NE

In high school, Mason was involved with unified bowling, cross country, mixer club, math club, and was a member of National Honors Society. Mason created a program for the non-profit organization DREAM called the Puzzle Project. He introduced elementary school students to jigsaw puzzles and other non-electronic activities helping them develop organization skills, problem-solving techniques, and teamwork strategies at their after-school program.

Mason is interested in a career in data analysis, computer science, or bioinformatics.

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6510 Pine Street Omaha, NE 68106 Scott Residence Hall 402.554.2091 unoscottscholars@unomaha.edu scottscholars.unomaha.edu