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Academic Affairs News

Friday, March 07, 2025
  1. UNO
  2. Academic Affairs
indextrue173885719629207924231News CenterThe Academic Affairs New Center1462078800000Academic Affairs News Center/news/indexAcademic Affairssite://Academic Affairs/news/indexswheat16751169300930792423117388571839681738821600000
News ReleaseYesUNO Debuts High-Energy ‘You Are a Maverick’ Commercial Celebrating the Spirit of OmahaNoYesYes1737766800000Hockey fans got a first look at the commercial at Baxter Arena during the Omaha vs. St. Cloud State game Friday night./news/2025/01/img/img_uno_institutional_spot_1200x800.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/01/img/img_uno_institutional_spot_1200x800.jpgwwwimg_uno_institutional_spot_1200x800.jpg1566271200800Screen capture from the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s new “You Are a Maverick” institutional brand advertisement. Photo: UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications. Screen capture from the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s new “You Are a Maverick” institutional brand advertisement. Photo: UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications. ///YouTube

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) premiered its new institutional brand advertisement during the Omaha vs. St. Cloud State hockey tonight game at Baxter Arena with clear message: “You are a Maverick.” 


💡 Why it matters:

The high-energy commercial, which celebrates the spirit of Omaha and empowers viewers to see themselves as Mavericks, will serve as the cornerstone of UNO’s future branding and marketing efforts.  


➡️ Watch and share: Check out 30-second version below and the 60-second version of the commercials on UNO’s YouTube page.


🔎 Creative close-up:  

  • The commercial is the product of a partnership between the UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications (MarComm) and Omaha-based production company Glory Visuals.  

  • The spot showcases UNO’s Maverick spirit through fast-paced shots of campus life and communicates its role as a central piece of Omaha’s vibrant culture through sweeping shots of the city.  

  • UNO’s core pillars of education, research, social mobility, and workforce development are all communicated in the piece.  


🎤 What they’re saying:  

  • Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA: "At UNO, we believe everyone has the Maverick spirit within them: a drive to think differently, and passion for discovering solutions to problems, and an eye toward the future. This commercial speaks directly to prospective students, parents, community members, and those ready to take the next step in their professional careers so they can envision themselves here. It shows that if you bring the energy, we’ll provide the resources, connections, and opportunities to help you achieve your personal and professional goals." 

  • UNO Chief of External Relations Victoria Kohout: "This incredible project would not have been possible without the creativity, collaboration, and dedication of our MarComm team and the Maverick students, faculty, and staff who provided a deep well of stories to tell. Their hard work and innovative energy brought this vision to life, and I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together. This piece truly reflects the Maverick spirit that drives UNO." 

  • UNO Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications Sasha Thurin: "This commercial sets the stage for how we’ll tell UNO’s story moving forward: boldly and authentically. It’s a powerful reflection of who we are as Mavericks and our university’s connection to Omaha that will inspire a new generation to pursue their dreams right here at UNO." 


⚡️ What’s next: Keep an eye out for the commercial on social media, streaming television, and email marketing campaigns, as well as Summit League and NCHC broadcasts. 

////Yes/news/2025/01/uno-debuts-high-energy-you-are-a-maverick-commercial-celebrating-the-spirit-of-omahadepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communications phoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryFacultyAlumniMediaCurrent StudentsStaffProspective StudentsParents and FamiliesCommunity EngagementGeneral Publiclocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2025/01/uno-debuts-high-energy-you-are-a-maverick-commercial-celebrating-the-spirit-of-omahawwwuno-debuts-high-energy-you-are-a-maverick-commercial-celebrating-the-spirit-of-omahaStandard Page - wwwUNO Debuts High-Energy ‘You Are a Maverick’ Commercial Celebrating the Spirit of OmahaHockey fans got a first look at the commercial at Baxter Arena during the Omaha vs. St. Cloud State game Friday night.Sam PeshekHockey fans got a first look at the commercial at Baxter Arena during the Omaha vs. St. Cloud State game Friday night.Jan 24, 2025 7:00 PM
News ReleaseYesNoYesYes1737457200000/news/2025/01/img/20241114_plaza_15.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/01/img/20241114_plaza_15.jpgwww20241114_plaza_15.jpg2055191200800UNO College of Business Administration student and Army veteran Kaylin “Katie” Plaza studies at her kitchen table. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) College of Business Administration student and Army veteran Kaylin “Katie” Plaza studies at her kitchen table. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.///YouTube

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) earned top spots in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs ranking, with two categories in the top 10 nationally.


🏆 The rankings:

  • #4: Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs for Veterans

  • #6: Overall Rank for Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs

  • #29: Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans

  • #41: Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs

  • #57: Overall Rank for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs


💡 Why it matters: UNO has been a pioneer in online education for over 25 years, prioritizing access and flexibility for students in Omaha and beyond. Along the way, UNO has expanded its offerings by launching dozens of online programs, adopting cutting-edge technology, and creating robust support systems to help students succeed. 


🔎 Zoom in: UNO’s commitment to veterans goes beyond online education. In November, Military Times ranked UNO as the best public university for veterans in the nation. UNO trailed only University of the Incarnate Word – a private university in Texas – on the overall list.


🎤 What they’re saying:  

  • Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA: “These rankings reflect UNO’s unwavering mission to make an exceptional, life-changing education accessible to all, especially our nation’s veterans. As a university deeply committed to public service, we are proud to offer programs that empower military-connected students to achieve their goals and transform their futures.” 

  • Phil He, Ph.D., Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs: “These rankings underscore UNO’s university-wide commitment to flexibility and innovation. By meeting students where they are—whether online or on campus—we are creating life-changing opportunities for learners from all walks of life.” 

  • Jaci Lindburg, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor, Division of Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives: “Our success in these rankings is a direct result of the dedication and creativity of UNO’s faculty and staff. Their commitment to excellence and innovation in online education ensures that every student, no matter where they are, has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. For decades, UNO has been focused on increasing flexibility through online modalities while maintaining a high degree of student and faculty engagement and connectivity.” 

  • Gaylene Armstrong, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Public Affairs and Community Service: “Our criminal justice faculty and staff are leaders in delivering cutting-edge, high-quality education that prepares students to excel in public safety and justice fields. Their innovation and dedication to online learning have set a national standard, and I am incredibly proud of their work to ensure our programs remain among the best in the country.” 


🌎 The big picture: As a metropolitan university, high-quality online programs are a key strategy for reaching diverse learners across social, economic, and geographic spectrums. The access to higher education provided by these flexible programs bolsters workforce development and increases social mobility in Omaha, in Nebraska, and beyond. 


⚡️ What’s next:  

  • UNO’s Division of Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives (ILCI) continues to support faculty and programs across all six academic colleges in adding online options and in enhancing the quality of UNO’s distance education offerings. The division champions digital accessibility and builds professional development opportunities that foster high degrees of student and faculty engagement via technology.  

  • ILCI also supports academic innovations that extend beyond traditional online learning, including exploring competency-based learning strategies, teaching and learning with artificial intelligence, developing standalone skills-based microcredentials, and offering free open access course materials. 

  • Led by UNO’s dedicated and expert faculty, these innovations enhance the educational experience for all students at UNO, including those in online programs. 


////Yes/news/2025/01/uno-criminal-justice-programs-among-the-nations-bestdepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communications phoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryMediaGeneral Publiclocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2025/01/uno-criminal-justice-programs-among-the-nations-bestwwwuno-criminal-justice-programs-among-the-nations-best2025 U.S. News Online Ranking: UNO Criminal Justice Programs Among the Nation’s Best2025 U.S. News Online Ranking: UNO Criminal Justice Programs Among the Nation’s BestUNO earned top spots in five categories in the U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Online Programs rankings.U.S. News and World ReportSam PeshekThe University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) earned top spots in five categories in the U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Online Programs rankings.Jan 21, 2025 5:00 AM
News ReleaseYesNoYesYes1736920800000UNO celebrates the academic excellence of Mavericks across Nebraska, the nation, and the world. /news/2025/01/img/20241220_commencement_32.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/01/img/20241220_commencement_32.jpgwww20241220_commencement_32.jpg2286531200800Confetti rains on UNO graduates during December 2024 Commencement ceremonies at Baxter Arena on Dec. 20, 2024. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.Confetti rains on UNO graduates during December 2024 Commencement ceremonies///YouTube

Almost 5,000 students are being recognized for their academic achievements during the Fall 2024 semester at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) with inclusion on the Chancellor's and/or Dean's List. 

Each semester, Mavericks seeking their first bachelor's degree who meet or exceed specific grade point average thresholds are selected for inclusion on the Chancellor's List and/or Dean's List at UNO in recognition of their outstanding academic performance. 

This semester, 4,911 Mavericks were recognized.  


The Chancellor’s List 

The 1,516 students who qualified for the Chancellor's List earned a grade point average of 4.0 for courses taken at UNO during the Fall 2024 semester, provided 12 or more quality hours were completed.  

Search the Chancellor’s List page 


The Dean’s List 

The 3,395 students who qualified for the Dean's List earned a GPA of 3.5 or better for courses taken at UNO during the Fall 2024 semester, provided 12 or more quality hours were completed. 

Search the Dean’s List page 


About the Lists 

Please note that students who qualify for both the Chancellor's and Dean's Lists will only be listed on the Chancellor's List. 

In addition to recognition on these respective lists, those students earning placement on the Chancellor's or Dean's List will receive a letter from their respective college signifying their academic success. 

If you have a question about the lists, please contact the Office of the University Registrar at unoregistrar@unomaha.edu. 

////Yes/news/2025/01/nearly-5000-uno-students-named-to-deans-chancellors-lists-for-fall-2024departmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communications phoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryCurrent StudentsGraduate StudiesMediaEngineeringGeneral PublicCollege of Business AdministrationProspective StudentsFacultyStaffAwardsAlumniCollege of Information Science and TechnologyCollege of Public Affairs and Community ServiceCollege of Communication, Fine Arts and MediaCollege of Arts and SciencesCollege of Education, Health, and Human SciencesParents and Familieslocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2025/01/nearly-5000-uno-students-named-to-deans-chancellors-lists-for-fall-2024wwwnearly-5000-uno-students-named-to-deans-chancellors-lists-for-fall-2024Nearly 5,000 UNO Students Named to Dean’s, Chancellor’s Lists for Fall 2024Nearly 5,000 UNO Students Named to Dean’s, Chancellor’s Lists for Fall 2024UNO celebrates the academic excellence of Mavericks across Nebraska, the nation, and the world. Sam PeshekUNO celebrates the academic excellence of Mavericks across Nebraska, the nation, and the world. Jan 15, 2025 12:00 AM
News ReleaseYesNoYesYes1736787600000The UNO Aviation Institute’s Victor Huang received a Federal Aviation Administration grant to help pave the way for safer skies as more uncrewed aircraft populate the national airspace. /news/2025/01/img/shutterstock_636131741.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/01/img/shutterstock_636131741.jpgwwwshutterstock_636131741.jpg1266581200800Photo: Shutterstock.Photo: Shutterstock.///YouTube

The rapid expansion of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, is reshaping air traffic control in the United States.  

With Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations evolving and drone technology expanding, understanding how air traffic controllers can safely manage uncrewed aircraft alongside traditional aircraft in the national airspace system is critical. 


➡️ The news:  

  • University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Aviation Institute Associate Professor Chenyu “Victor” Huang, Ph.D., has landed a $174,000 U.S. Department of Transportation-Federal Aviation Administration grant that will help pave the way for safer skies.  

  • Huang’s project will initiate critical research on air traffic control human performance and technical training under the impact of emerging UAS technology and prepares the ATC workforce for safe UAS integration into the national airspace system.  


💡 Why it matters:  

  • Drones are everywhere: From airport operations to beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flights, drones are becoming essential tools in various industries, interacting with traditional aviation systems. 

  • FAA is adapting: To meet growing demand, the FAA is expanding regulations, including rules for night flights, new operation categories, and safer integration of drones into airspace. 

  • Tech innovations lead the way: Tools like remote ID, counter-UAS systems, and low-altitude notification technology (LAANC) are being developed to ensure safe and secure drone operations. 


📈 A booming industry: According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, the global market for transport and logistics supported by UAS is expected to grow from $11 billion in 2022 to $29 billion by 2027. The number of UAS produced is forecasted to grow from 2 million units in 2021 to 6.5 million in 2030.


✈️ Prepared for takeoff: Huang’s work seeks to accomplish four goals: 

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of how air traffic controllers perceive the challenges of UAS integration for ATC operations. 

  • Discover possible knowledge gaps on UAS operations in the ATC workforce. 

  • Identify technical training needs for the ATC workforce under the impact of UAS integration.  

  • Explore technical training frameworks to address the challenges better. 


🎤 What they’re saying: "As a leader in aviation education and research, the UNO Aviation Institute has a responsibility to stay ahead of emerging challenges and opportunities in our field. By embracing innovation and conducting impactful studies, we ensure that our students, industry partners, and the broader aviation community are prepared for the future of flight," Huang said.


🔎 Zoom in: The Aviation Institute, housed within UNO’s College of Public Affairs and Community Service, was founded with support from Omaha’s civic and business leaders including Charles Durham, Walter Scott, and Mike Harper. Don Smithey, former Executive Director of the Omaha Airport Authority, spearheaded the effort by working with Otto Bauer and John Faar of UNO’s administration to establish the Institute in 1990. The Institute now offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation with concentrations in Air Transport Administration, Professional Flight, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations. 

//indexnavigationNosite://CPACS - Aviation Institute/indexCPACS - Aviation InstituteindexAviation InstituteThe aviation institute has soared to great heights, offering students flight instruction and education in the many other facets of aviation such as air traffic control, airport management, ground operations and security.//Yes/news/2025/01/preparing-air-traffic-controllers-for-a-drone-integrated-futuredepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communications phoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryCollege of Public Affairs and Community Servicelocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2025/01/preparing-air-traffic-controllers-for-a-drone-integrated-futurewwwpreparing-air-traffic-controllers-for-a-drone-integrated-futureStandard Page - wwwPreparing Air Traffic Controllers for a Drone-Integrated FutureThe UNO Aviation Institute’s Victor Huang received a Federal Aviation Administration grant to help pave the way for safer skies as more uncrewed aircraft populate the national airspace. Sam PeshekThe UNO Aviation Institute’s Victor Huang received a Federal Aviation Administration grant to help pave the way for safer skies as more uncrewed aircraft populate the national airspace. Jan 13, 2025 11:00 AM
Academic Affairs News Center
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1736920800000UNO was one of 58 universities nationwide recognized for their commitment to indoor air quality./news/2025/01/img/dsc_0917.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/01/img/dsc_0917.jpgwwwdsc_0917.jpg1556281200800UNO facilities staff are presented with the NAFA Clean Air Award. Pictured left to right: Marc Elder, UNO Facilities maintenance supervisor; Larry Morgan, UNO Facilities director; Tom Wawrzynkiewicz, UNO Facilities chief engineer; Kaleb Betzold, The Filter Shop, Inc., and Dave Meradith, UNO assistant facilities director. Photo: Kaleb Betzold, The Filter Shop, Inc. University of Nebraska at Omaha Facilities staff are presented with the NAFA Clean Air Award. Pictured left to right: Marc Elder, UNO Facilities maintenance supervisor; Larry Morgan, UNO Facilities director; Tom Wawrzynkiewicz, UNO Facilities chief engineer; Kaleb Betzold, The Filter Shop, Inc., and Dave Meradith, UNO assistant facilities director. Photo: Kaleb Betzold, The Filter Shop, Inc. ///YouTube

The University of Nebraska at Omaha's (UNO) Arts and Sciences Hall has been honored with a 2024 Clean Air Award by the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA). 

This recognition underscores UNO’s dedication to creating healthier, safer indoor environments through exemplary HVAC filtration and system hygiene practices. 


🔎 Zoom in:   

  • The Clean Air Award is given annually to institutions that prioritize indoor air quality by implementing advanced filtration systems. 

  • UNO was one of 58 recipients nationwide, demonstrating leadership in health and sustainability. 

  • Arts and Sciences Hall (ASH), a central academic hub, received the award after a nomination by The Filter Shop, an HVAC solutions provider. 


👉 More info: The Clean Air Award is presented each year to the building owners and managers who take steps to significantly improve the quality of their indoor air by increasing the level or efficiency of their HVAC air filtration system in 10 specific categories. Award-winning buildings must maintain IAQ diligence and submit inspection data each year to maintain the NAFA Clean Air Award.  


🎤 What they’re saying:   

  • Emily Bardach, NAFA executive director, in a press release: "This year’s Clean Air Award submissions have been truly inspiring. As our members and their clients continue to navigate the evolving landscape of indoor air quality, the nominated facilities have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to providing healthier, cleaner environments. Their innovative approaches to filtration and system hygiene showcase the power of proactive measures in creating a more sustainable and well-being-focused built environment." 

  • Larry Morgan, assistant vice chancellor for Facilities Management and Planning: "This recognition by the National Air Filtration Association reflects UNO's unwavering commitment to providing safe, healthy, and sustainable spaces for our students, faculty, and staff," said "Our dedication to maintaining high indoor air quality standards demonstrates how UNO invests in both environmental stewardship and the well-being of our Maverick community." 

////Yes/news/2025/01/uno-arts-sciences-hall-earns-nafa-clean-air-awarddepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communications phoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryResearchCollege of Arts and SciencesCommunity EngagementAwardslocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2025/01/uno-arts-sciences-hall-earns-nafa-clean-air-awardwwwuno-arts-sciences-hall-earns-nafa-clean-air-awardUNO Arts and Sciences Hall Earns NAFA Clean Air AwardUNO Arts and Sciences Hall Earns NAFA Clean Air AwardUNO was one of 58 universities nationwide recognized for their commitment to indoor air quality.Sam PeshekUNO was one of 58 universities nationwide recognized for their commitment to indoor air quality.Jan 15, 2025 12:00 AM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1736488800000More students enrolled earlier in Spring 2025 courses than Spring 2024 thanks to the campuswide effort. /news/2025/01/img/20240826_first-day-class_30.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/01/img/20240826_first-day-class_30.jpgwww20240826_first-day-class_30.jpg1715811200800The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Dodge Campus. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Dodge Campus. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.///YouTube

More UNO students are staying on track toward their academic goals thanks to the success of the university’s first-ever Enrollment Days campaign.  

Launched on Oct. 7, 2024, and lead by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success (IESS) and the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications (MarComm), the initiative helped students secure their Spring 2025 courses early, ensuring access to high-demand classes and easing their path to timely graduation. 


💡 Why it matters: Encouraging early enrollment allowed students to maximize their course choices and stay aligned with degree plans, reducing stress and boosting confidence heading into the Spring 2025 semester. 


🔑 Key takeaways: 

  • Early enrollment surge: More students enrolled in Spring 2025 courses before open registration than ever before, giving them prime access to their top-choice classes. Translation: less stress, better schedules. 

  • Expanded class caps: Some courses expanded their maximum enrollment limits, opening more seats—especially for underclassmen—and easing the headache of waitlists. 

  • Quick closures: Popular classes hit capacity faster than usual, giving departments a head start on adding sections. The result? Instructors had more prep time, and students got a smoother start to the semester. 


🎤 What they’re saying:   

  • Sammi Kaiser, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success: “This campaign succeeded because of the incredible efforts of all UNO advisors, who worked tirelessly to support students throughout the enrollment process. From resolving registration roadblocks to helping students plan their academic schedules, advisors played a critical role in ensuring that every student felt confident and prepared.” 

  • Phil He, Ph.D., Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs: “Enrollment Days gave students the tools they need to achieve their academic and career aspirations on time and with confidence. By encouraging early registration, we ensured students had access to the courses they needed to stay on track for graduation. This proactive approach not only supports student success but also prepares a highly skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of Nebraska’s growing economy.” 

  • Sasha Thurin, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications: “The success of the Enrollment Days campaign reflects the collective commitment of the UNO community to putting students first. It’s a testament to the collaboration and hard work of faculty, staff, and advisors who went above and beyond to make this initiative impactful.” 


⚡️ What’s next: UNO plans to expand the Enrollment Days initiative for future semesters, using the insights gained from this campaign to refine and enhance the registration process.  

////Yes/news/2025/01/waitlists-to-wins-how-unos-enrollment-days-revolutionized-spring-registrationdepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communications phoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryCurrent StudentsStudent AffairsProspective Studentslocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2025/01/waitlists-to-wins-how-unos-enrollment-days-revolutionized-spring-registrationwwwwaitlists-to-wins-how-unos-enrollment-days-revolutionized-spring-registrationStandard Page - wwwWaitlists to Wins: How UNO's Enrollment Days Revolutionized Spring Registration More students enrolled earlier in Spring 2025 courses than Spring 2024 thanks to the campuswide effort. Sam PeshekMore students enrolled earlier in Spring 2025 courses than Spring 2024 thanks to the campuswide effort. Jan 10, 2025 12:00 AM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1734415200000The UNO Biomechanics team, led by Jorge Zuniga, Ph.D., is exploring how nonverbal cues can enhance treatment for child prosthetic users. /news/2024/12/img/20200115_prostheticarm_003.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2024/12/img/20200115_prostheticarm_003.jpgwww20200115_prostheticarm_003.jpg1557731200800Rue Gillespie uses her prosthesis as she gets tape from a tape dispenser as University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Biomechanics Professor Jorge M. Zuniga, Ph.D., and his team run Rue through a series of tests in January 2020, in Omaha, Nebraska, at the Gillespie home. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.Rue Gillespie uses her prosthesis as she gets tape from a tape dispenser as University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Biomechanics Professor Jorge M. Zuniga, Ph.D., and his team run Rue through a series of tests in January 2020, in Omaha, Nebraska, at the Gillespie home.///YouTube

➡️ What’s new: University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Biomechanics Doctoral Candidate Kaitlin Fraser has received a grant from the Buffett Early Childhood Institute to enhance prosthetic care for children by better understanding nonverbal cues. 

This project, led by Biomechanics Professor Jorge Zuniga, Ph.D., focuses on analyzing body language to better understand how young children interact with their prostheses, offering valuable insights for improving treatment plans and patient outcomes. 


💡 Why it matters: 

  • Current prosthetic assessments rely heavily on indirect feedback from parents, akin to assessing a child's shoe fit without their direct input. 

  • Researchers aim to interpret nonverbal cues, helping children too young to articulate their experiences and provide feedback on their prosthetics. 

  • Evidence suggests children who view prosthetics as part of their body rather than a tool are more likely to use them effectively. 


📈 Key stats:  

  • Approximately 1.6 million people are living with limb loss or limb difference (LLLD) in the United States, with children accounting for 1.6% of this total, or about 25,000 individuals, according to a recent study.

  • According to a 2007 study on limb prosthesis abandonment, mean rejection rates of 45% and 35% were observed in the literature for body-powered and electric prostheses respectively in pediatric populations. 

  • Over half of children whom have access to prosthetics choose not to use them, which has been a steady rate for the past 40 years. 


🔎 Zoom in: Getting feedback directly from young patients across a variety of conditions can be challenging, so research into body language analysis for prosthetic users may provide inspiration and insights for further research to improve healthcare for many more children, orthosis (devices that help with walking or balance) users, or nonverbal patients. 


🎤 What they’re saying: 

  • Jorge Zuniga, Ph.D., lead researcher and Director of the Additive Manufacturing Laboratory: “Through this research, we are giving a voice to children who might not yet have the words to express their needs and experiences.” 

  • Kaitlin Fraser, a UNO doctoral candidate who secured the grant as part of a graduate fellowship: “Receiving this grant has been an incredible milestone in my journey as a doctoral candidate. It’s inspiring to know that our work could profoundly impact the lives of children using prosthetics, giving them a way to communicate their needs to guide future prosthetic design and training.” 


✅ What’s next: The research team is actively recruiting participants with congenital limb reductions. Clinicians working with pediatric prosthetic users are encouraged to connect families interested in contributing to this study by contacting Kaitlin Fraser at kfraser@unomaha.edu.


////Yes/news/2024/12/how-does-understanding-body-language-improve-child-prosthetic-caredepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communications phoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryCommunity EngagementAlumniOffice of Research and Creative ActivitiesStaffCurrent StudentsCollege of Education, Health, and Human SciencesFacultyParents and FamiliesResearchProspective StudentsMediaGeneral Publiclocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2024/12/how-does-understanding-body-language-improve-child-prosthetic-carewwwhow-does-understanding-body-language-improve-child-prosthetic-careHow Does Understanding Body Language Improve Child Prosthetic Care?How Does Understanding Body Language Improve Child Prosthetic Care?The UNO Biomechanics team, led by Jorge Zuniga, Ph.D., is exploring how nonverbal cues can enhance treatment for child prosthetic users. Sam PeshekThe UNO Biomechanics team, led by Jorge Zuniga, Ph.D., is exploring how nonverbal cues can enhance treatment for child prosthetic users. Dec 17, 2024 12:00 AM
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Featured

UNO Debuts High-Energy ‘You Are a Maverick’ Commercial Celebrating the Spirit of Omaha

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Nearly 5,000 UNO Students Named to Dean’s, Chancellor’s Lists for Fall 2024

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Preparing Air Traffic Controllers for a Drone-Integrated Future

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UNO Arts and Sciences Hall Earns NAFA Clean Air Award

UNO was one of 58 universities nationwide recognized for their commitment to indoor air quality.

Waitlists to Wins: How UNO's Enrollment Days Revolutionized Spring Registration

More students enrolled earlier in Spring 2025 courses than Spring 2024 thanks to the campuswide effort.

How Does Understanding Body Language Improve Child Prosthetic Care?

The UNO Biomechanics team, led by Jorge Zuniga, Ph.D., is exploring how nonverbal cues can enhance treatment for child prosthetic users.

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