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Academic Affairs News

Monday, March 31, 2025
  1. UNO
  2. Academic Affairs
indextrue174135780886662863802News CenterThe Academic Affairs New Center1462078800000Academic Affairs News Center/news/indexAcademic Affairssite://Academic Affairs/news/indexswheat16751169300930792423117434344221901738821600000
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 ReleaseNoNoYesYes1741705800000/news/2025/03/img/shutterstock_2043915227.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/03/img/shutterstock_2043915227.jpgwwwshutterstock_2043915227.jpg1554911200800Photo: Shutterstock. A close-up of a pregnant woman gently holding her belly with one hand, wearing a light pink top and beige cardigan. In the blurred background, a healthcare professional is holding a clipboard, appearing out of focus. The setting appears to be a medical or clinic environment.///YouTube

Bringing a baby into the world should be a time of joy, but up to 17% of women without a history of depression experience postpartum depression. Could doulas be a solution? A University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO researcher) is putting that idea to the test. 


➡️ What’s new: Kailey Snyder, Ph.D., assistant professor in UNO’s School of Health and Kinesiology, has secured a grant (NIH Award No. U54GM115458) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study the feasibility of doulas delivering the evidence based ROSE (Reach Out, Stay Strong, Essentials for Mothers of Newborns) program. 


💡 Why it matters:  

  • The ROSE program has been shown to cut postpartum depression rates in half, yet access remains limited, especially for the 1 in 4 low-income women who experience postpartum depression.  

    Despite the program’s effectiveness, there is little research on the feasibility of doula’s delivering the ROSE program.  

  • Snyder’s study will explore whether doulas can bridge the gap and expand mental health support to those who need it most. 


🔎 Zoom in: 

  • Doulas as mental health allies: While doulas traditionally provide emotional and physical support during pregnancy and childbirth, this study will evaluate whether they can also facilitate structured programs aimed at promoting maternal well-being and reducing the risk of postpartum depression.  

  • Local impact: In partnership with the Omaha Better Birth Project and A Mother’s Love, 11 Omaha-based doulas were trained in August 2024, and several are now implementing the ROSE program with expectant parents over an eight-week period. 


🎤 What they’re saying: “Doulas are uniquely positioned to provide mental health support, particularly in communities with limited access to traditional care. This study is about expanding options and ensuring that every mother has the support she needs during the critical postpartum period,” Snyder said.  


🌎 The big picture: Snyder's research aligns with UNO’s mission to drive impactful, community-engaged research that improves public health outcomes. It also underscores the university’s commitment to advancing social and economic mobility through innovative, evidence-based solutions. 


⚡ What’s next: The study is set to conclude this summer, with findings expected to shape future efforts to integrate doulas into maternal mental health at a larger scale. 


////Yes/news/2025/03/can-doulas-help-prevent-postpartum-depressiondepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communicationsphoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryProspective StudentsGeneral PublicMediaFacultyStaffCurrent StudentsParents and FamiliesResearchCollege of Education, Health, and Human SciencesAlumnilocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2025/03/can-doulas-help-prevent-postpartum-depressionwwwcan-doulas-help-prevent-postpartum-depressionStandard Page - wwwCan Doulas Help Prevent Postpartum Depression?Postpartum depression affects millions, yet access to mental health care is limited. A new UNO study is exploring if doulas could help bridge the gap. Sam PeshekPostpartum depression affects millions, yet access to mental health care is limited. A new UNO study is exploring if doulas could help bridge the gap. Mar 11, 2025 10:10 AM
News ReleaseYesNoYesYes1743099300000Nikolaos Stergiou, Ph.D., has received one of the top honors in science for shaping how the world understands human movement and biomechanics./news/2025/03/img/20190905_investiture_059.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/03/img/20190905_investiture_059.jpgwww20190905_investiture_059.jpg2300101200800Nikolaos Stergiou, Ph.D. marshals the platform party from the Milo Bail Student Center to the Strauss Performing Arts Center for the investiture of Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., as UNO’s chancellor in 2019. Photo: Office of Strategic Marketing and CommunicationsNikolaos Stergiou, Ph.D. marshals the platform party from the Milo Bail Student Center to the Strauss Performing Arts Center for the investiture of Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., as UNO’s chancellor in 2019.///YouTube

A University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) researcher is set to receive one of the American scientific community’s highest honors.


➡️ What’s new: Nikolaos "Nick" Stergiou, Ph.D., assistant dean and director of the Division of Biomechanics and Research Development, will be recognized as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the organization announced.


💡 Why it matters:

  • Election as a AAAS Fellow is a lifetime honor, and all Fellows are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity.
  • Stergiou is the fifth AAAS fellow in the university’s history and the first since 1945.

🔎 Zoom in: Stergiou was elected for his “continuous community engagement and fundraising to expand public understanding of biomechanics and for visionary efforts to foster education about human movement variability around the world” in the General Interest in Science & Engineering section.


🎤 What they’re saying:

  • Stergiou: “To be named a Fellow of the AAAS is deeply humbling. It’s a personal milestone, but it’s also a reflection of the incredible people and community behind UNO Biomechanics. This honor belongs to every student, colleague, partner, and supporter who believes that research in human movement can improve lives. Together, we’ve built something extraordinary at UNO: a place where science serves people, and excellence is expected.”
  • Phil He, Ph.D., Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs: “Dr. Stergiou’s recognition as a AAAS Fellow is a testament to the standard he sets, in research and leadership. He leads by example, with vision, passion, and purpose. His work shows what’s possible when academic excellence and community impact go hand in hand.”
  • Neal Grandgenett, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Education Health, and Human Sciences: “This award is a validation of a life’s work committed to scholarship, mentorship, and community impact. Dr. Stergiou has transformed how we understand movement, and in turn, how to make lives better. He’s a true Maverick.”
  • Sara Myers, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Creative Activity: “Election as a AAAS Fellow sends a powerful message about the caliber of research happening right here at UNO. As an urban metropolitan university, we’re proving that groundbreaking, globally relevant science can thrive in communities like ours. Dr. Stergiou has helped shape a research culture that’s innovative and impactful.”

⭐️ Career closeup:

  • Pioneering researcher: Stergiou is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in human movement variability, a field he helped establish. His research has been continuously funded by prestigious agencies like the NIH, NASA, and NSF.
  • Visionary leader: As founding chair of the Department of Biomechanics and current Assistant Dean of the Division of Biomechanics, he has built UNO into a global hub for innovation in biomechanics education and research, including in the development of UNO’s world class Biomechanics Research Building.
  • Global collaborator: Stergiou has mentored over 60 graduate students and postdocs, published 240+ peer-reviewed articles, and serves in leadership roles across international scientific organizations, advancing the field worldwide.

🧑‍💻 Learn more: Read Stergiou’s full biography on the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) website.


⚡️What’s next: Stergiou and more than 400 fellows in this year’s class will be inducted at the Annual Fellow’s Forum in Washington, D.C., this summer.

////Yes/news/2025/03/uno-biomechanics-director-nick-stergiou-named-aaas-fellowdepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communicationsphoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryCollege of Education, Health, and Human SciencesStaffAwardsFacultylocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2025/03/uno-biomechanics-director-nick-stergiou-named-aaas-fellowwwwuno-biomechanics-director-nick-stergiou-named-aaas-fellowUNO Biomechanics Director Nick Stergiou Named AAAS FellowUNO Biomechanics Director Nick Stergiou Named AAAS FellowNikolaos Stergiou, Ph.D., has received one of the top honors in science for shaping how the world understands human movement and biomechanics.Sam PeshekNikolaos Stergiou, Ph.D., has received one of the top honors in science for shaping how the world understands human movement and biomechanics.Mar 27, 2025 1:15 PM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1741705200000/news/2025/03/img/shutterstock_1512285653.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/03/img/shutterstock_1512285653.jpgwwwshutterstock_1512285653.jpg1524701200800Illustration of a T cell attacking a cancer cell. Photo: Shutterstock. Illustration of a T cell attacking a cancer cell. Photo: Shutterstock. ///YouTube

Your body’s immune system can be a powerful weapon against cancer if it knows what to attack. A new AI-powered tool developed by a team of University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and Princeton researchers is helping scientists teach the body to fight smarter. 


➡️ What’s new: UNO Associate Professor Dario Ghersi, M.D., Ph.D., Princeton graduate student Eric Glynn, Ph.D., and Princeton Computer Science Professor Mona Singh, Ph.D., created the tool, MHCGlobe, to improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies. 

The study that led to the tool’s development was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (Grant No. R01-CA208148) and published in leading scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).


⏱️ Catch up quick: Immunotherapies, which use the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, depend on identifying cancer mutations that the immune system can recognize. But not all patients benefit equally.  

  • MHC proteins have more than 13,000 variants, but most immunotherapy research has focused on only a small subset. 

  • Existing prediction models perform worse for patients whose MHC variants are less studied, leading to disparities in treatment effectiveness. 


🔬 How it works:  

  • MHCGlobe and its companion process MHCPerf, which estimates prediction accuracy across different MHC variants, use machine learning to analyze vast datasets of MHC protein interactions.

  • It then predicts which cancer mutations are most likely to be recognized by a patient’s immune system, a key factor in successful immunotherapy. 


💡 Why it matters: The tool sets the stage for more effective cancer treatments, ensuring that future personalized immunotherapies work well for people of all genetic backgrounds. 


🎤 What they’re saying: UNO Associate Professor Dario Ghersi, M.D., Ph.D.: "Immunotherapies are one of the most promising breakthroughs in cancer treatment, offering patients more targeted and effective options. But to truly fulfill their potential, these therapies must work for everyone. MHCGlobe helps bridge the gap by ensuring that even patients with less-studied genetic profiles can benefit from the latest advancements in personalized medicine." 


🌎 The big picture: This research highlights UNO’s commitment to pragmatic, high-impact discovery that improves lives. By developing AI-driven tools like MHCGlobe, UNO researchers are advancing the future of personalized medicine, ensuring that breakthroughs in cancer treatment.


////Yes/news/2025/03/uno-and-princeton-researchers-develop-ai-tool-to-advance-cancer-immunotherapydepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communications phoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryGeneral PublicProspective StudentsCollege of Information Science and TechnologyAlumniMediaResearchCurrent StudentsParents and FamiliesFacultyStafflocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2025/03/uno-and-princeton-researchers-develop-ai-tool-to-advance-cancer-immunotherapywwwuno-and-princeton-researchers-develop-ai-tool-to-advance-cancer-immunotherapyStandard Page - wwwUNO and Princeton Researchers Develop AI Tool to Advance Cancer ImmunotherapyThe new computational tool “MHCGlobe” and its companion process “MHCPerf” uses machine learning to make cancer immunotherapies more precise and effective.Sam PeshekThe new computational tool “MHCGlobe” and its companion process “MHCPerf” uses machine learning to make cancer immunotherapies more precise and effective.Mar 11, 2025 10:00 AM
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2025 U.S. News Online Ranking: UNO Criminal Justice Programs Among the Nation’s Best

UNO earned top spots in five categories in the U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Online Programs rankings.

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

UNO celebrates the academic excellence of Mavericks across Nebraska, the nation, and the world. 

Preparing Air Traffic Controllers for a Drone-Integrated Future

The 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.

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Can Doulas Help Prevent Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression affects millions, yet access to mental health care is limited. A new UNO study is exploring if doulas could help bridge the gap.

UNO Biomechanics Director Nick Stergiou Named AAAS Fellow

Nikolaos Stergiou, Ph.D., has received one of the top honors in science for shaping how the world understands human movement and biomechanics.

UNO and Princeton Researchers Develop AI Tool to Advance Cancer Immunotherapy

The new computational tool “MHCGlobe” and its companion process “MHCPerf” uses machine learning to make cancer immunotherapies more precise and effective.

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