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NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS for the NCESR 2025 Summer Undergraduate Internships
The Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research (NCESR) is taking applications for the Energy Sciences Research – Summer Internships for Undergraduates. Up to eight internships are made possible through NCESR with support from the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). The Darrell J. Nelson Summer Undergraduate Internship in Energy Sciences Research is being offered for the twelfth year in the amount up to $6,000 per recipient for the summer of 2025. Theapplication deadline is Friday, February 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., CT.
For additional information about the 2025 application requirements, click on the Instructions & Testimonials link below.
2025 NCESR Summer Internships Instructions & Testimonials
For a copy of the application form, click on the link below. It is a DocuSign form so you will need to sign in with your UNL ID and password.
2025 summer undergrad internship application
Application Requirements:
The applicant is responsible to submit all required information in one package in the above DocuSign link. An application that does not follow the requirements will not be considered. The application requirements are as follows:
1. Application Form. Complete this form and attach the required information, sign and date.
2. Applicant Letter. Attach a one-page letter that: (a) describes you, your major and your interest in energy issues and energy sciences research; and (b) describes the research project and the tasks you will complete as part of the energy sciences research summer internship.
3. Faculty Letter. Attach a one-page letter from the faculty who agreed to sponsor your application for the energy sciences research summer internship, if selected. The faculty sponsor needs to explain why they think you should be selected for the internship.
4. Transcript. Attach an unofficial transcript.
To learn more about previous NCESR summer undergraduate internship projects, go to Undergraduate Summer Internship Posters
If you have any questions, please contact Sue Wesely at swesely4@unl.edu.
NEW NCESR Cycle 19 Funding Awarded to Excellent UNL Researchers
Five new research projects have been selected for funding by the Energy Center in its nineteenth annual grant competition. The funding started on January 1, 2025. The overall goal of the Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research (NCESR) is to foster research and education in energy sciences by providing funding to support innovative research and collaboration among UNL faculty and other public and private-sector organizations and businesses.
NCESR provides major funding for two-year research projects to UNL faculty through collaboration with the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). The NCESR funds enable UNL faculty to conduct innovative research to develop or enhance energy science and technologies and educate undergraduate and graduate students on various energy-related aspects. Faculty are required to use NCESR’s funding as a seed to pursue major external funding. NPPD provides several letters of support for UNL faculty each year as they bid on federal grants (e.g., Department of Energy, Department of Defense, etc.). NCESR also awards annual summer internships for UNL undergraduates to conduct research with a professor as advisor.
Title: Enhanced CO2 transport for high-efficiency biological carbon capture and biofuel fermentation
Principal Investigator (PI) – Dr. Nicole Buan, Professor of Biochemistry, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) – Dr. Siamak Nejati, Associate Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering
Abstract – The transition to a sustainable bioeconomy requires converting up to one billion tons of captured and waste carbon in the form of CO2, biomass, and biosyngas to biogas (methane) and other transportation fuels annually. Methanoarchaea, a promising platform to generate renewable methane and bioisoprene fuels from CO2 and waste carbon, can further enhance yield and efficiencies through metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. Here, we propose to design novel enzymes, bioreactors, and Methanosarcina cells to optimize CO2 conversion selectivity to biogas and bioisoprene. We will use computational modeling and a high-throughput enzyme engineering screen to design and select for novel enzyme variants to enhance the capabilities of microbial cells to produce isoprene, which can be used as fuel or chemical precursor. We will also explore embedding biocatalysts in soft materials for the design and development of robust gas-liquid contactors. If successful, the project’s enzymes, materials, and engineered cells are expected to improve carbon capture technologies and enable sustainable biofuel and biomanufacturing in various applications, including for (ethanol) fermentation and biomedical uses. When combined, the novel bioreactors, strains, and enzymes produced have the potential to make a significant impact on converting captured and waste carbon for sustainable aviation and transportation fuel, decarbonizing heavy industry, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Title: Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture: Greening Ammonium Sulfate Production
Co-PI – Dr. Yașar Demirel, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering
Co-PI – Dr. Javed Iqbal, Assistant Professor of Agronomy and Horticulture, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Abstract – Ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4 is a fertilizer and soil conditioner crucial in agriculture. However, traditional production of this compound often involves energy-intensive processes and raises environmental concerns. This proposal focuses on advancing the electrified production of green (NH4)2SO4 and assessing it as a fertilizer in Nebraska’s agriculture, with a specific emphasis on the process modeling and design of an integrated process to valorize sulfur impurities captured in the desulfurization units of coal-fired power plants. By evaluating the proposed approach’s scalability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact, we aim to demonstrate the potency of the proposed approach in valorizing sulfur removed from the flue gas and supplying green fertilizers. This path is of primary interest as it integrates renewable energy with fossil fuel-powered generation schemes and produces (NH4)2SO4. Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) using ammonia can achieve an effective SO2 removal by producing ammonium sulfate. Ultimately, this research aims to advance sustainable agriculture by providing a green and efficient solution for (NH4)2SO4 production while desulfurizing flue gas efficiently. We rely on life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) to identify sustainable materials for electrocatalysis. Our LCCA will be updated with information on our catalysts’ performances, including thermodynamics and kinetics data. The goal of this project will be materialized by following our specific objectives: a) developing a model for green ammonia production, b) optimizing the ammonia-based FGD process, c) assessing ammonium sulfate as a fertilizer and the health and economic effects of ammonia release, and d) conducting LCCA analysis to assess the sustainability of utilizing ammonia in FGD and production of ammonium sulfate as green fertilizer in moderate condition. The findings from this research will support the advancement of green ammonia and (NH4)2SO4 synthesis, promoting more environmentally friendly and economically viable approaches to meeting the increasing demand in agriculture and other areas.
Title: Enhanced Hydrogen Generation and Utilization using Femtosecond Laser-Nanostructured NiCo2O4 Electrocatalysts
PI – Dr. Yongfeng Lu, Lott Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
Co-PI – Dr. Bai Cui, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering
Co-PI – Dr. Vitaly Alexandrov, Associate Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering
Abstract – To date, low-temperature unified electrochemical energy conversion devices, known as unified regenerative fuel cells (URFCs), have been the focus of intensive research and development. In these devices, the same pair of electrodes is used for both electrolysis and electricity generation, with oxygen evolution reaction (OER)/oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) occurring at one electrode and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)/ hydrogen reduction reaction (HOR) occurring at the other one. URFCs offer significant advantages in terms of construction costs, mobility, and cost-effectiveness in energy production and storage, especially for applications in the hydrogen energy/economy. However, the biggest challenge is to find and design efficient OER/ORR catalysts. Due to kinetic hindrances, OER/ORR reactions present a much greater technological challenge than their hydrogen electrode counterparts.
In this proposal, we aim to significantly enhance OER/ORR performances by increasing the electrocatalytically active areas and enhancing local electric fields using femtosecond (fs) laser-nanostructured NiCo2O4/Ni. Fs laser surface nanostructuring precisely alters Nickel (Ni) surfaces at nanoscale, creating unique and repeatable nanostructures, such as nanospikes. When combined with NiCo2O4 electrocatalyst, which has been identified by our team as a promising electrocatalyst for enhancing hydrogen-involved reactions, we expect significant improvements. Specifically, for OER, the overpotential of nanostructured NiCo2O4/Ni will be lowered to approximately 240 mV at 100 mA/cm², which is only 55% and 27% of the overpotential of untreated NiCo2O4 and platinum (Pt), respectively.
Co-Ni oxides have been identified as a potential electrocatalyst for H2 utilization in fuel cells. Its good catalytic performance can also be attributed to its porous structure, high specific surface area, and abundant Co3+ active sites. Therefore, this project will also explore and extend the evaluation of the proposed nanostructured NiCo2O4/Ni for ORR. If successful, our proposed electrocatalyst system will be an efficient and cost-effective bifunctional OER/ORR electrocatalyst for both H2 production and utilization.
Title: Innovative Solutions for Data Center Thermal Management: Oxide-Free Femtosecond Laser Processed Copper Surfaces
Co-PI – Dr. Craig Zuhlke, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
Co-PI – Dr. Jeffrey Shield, Department Chair, Robert W. Brightfelt Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering
Abstract – Rapid advances in the power density of processors used in data centers have led to a growing need for innovative thermal management solutions. Agencies like the Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E) are supporting ongoing research efforts to more efficiently manage large heat fluxes produced by high-performance computers to reduce power consumption associated with cooling. With the advent of widespread artificial intelligence (AI) based computing, the annual worldwide power consumption of AI data centers has been predicted to be as high as 134 TWh by 2027 [2]. The proposed work will focus on enhancing the two-phase heat transfer performance of copper (Cu) surfaces functionalized using femtosecond laser surface processing (FLSP) for mitigating large heat fluxes more efficiently than air-cooled solutions currently implemented in data centers. FLSP is a technology that can be utilized to produce finely-tuned, highly-permanent, micro- and nano-scale surface features that increase the boiling performance of surfaces. The two-phase heat transfer enhancements observed when applying FLSP to materials like aluminum and stainless steel are not observed for Cu processed by FLSP due to a laser-induced oxide layer. However, due to its superior thermal properties, Cu is a key material used in thermal management of electronics. Recently, the PI, working in the Center for Electro-optics and Functionalized Surfaces (CEFS), developed a novel technique to reduce the oxide state of surface and subsurface Cu atoms while maintaining the important micro- and nano-scale porosity of the laser processed surfaces. In preliminary studies, Cu FLSP surfaces fabricated with this post-laser-processing technique exhibited breakthrough improvement in two-phase heat transfer performance when compared to as-FLSP-processed and unprocessed Cu. The proposed research will take advantage of the flexibility and fine control of features achievable by FLSP and the environmental conditions of the post-laser process to improve the performance of Cu surfaces for two-phase heat transfer.
Title: Advanced manufacturing of high-temperature alloy components for small modular reactors
PI – Dr. Bai Cui, Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering
Co-PI – Dr. Yongfeng Lu, Lott Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
Abstract – Compared to the traditional full-scale nuclear energy plants, small modular reactors (SMRs) have advantages such as smaller physical footprints, reduced capital investment, and ability to be sited in locations inappropriate for larger nuclear plants. In addition to generation of electricity for Nebraskans, SMRs may create new economic opportunities for Nebraska such as the nuclear-powered data centers and agricultural wastewater treatment plants.
This project aims to enable advanced manufacturing of high-temperature alloy components in Nebraska for SMRs. It will develop novel additive manufacturing (AM) technologies for advanced austenitic steels, which are candidate materials for components of high-temperature SMRs. AM can produce small, high value components, which has the potential to reduce the deployment time and component fabrication costs of SMRs.
The scientific hypothesis is that mechanical properties of additive manufactured structural alloys, particularly the ductility and creep deformation, are controlled by defects. The key innovations include: 1) understanding the relationship between processing and defects; 2) interpreting the relation between microstructures and high-temperature mechanical properties; and 3) scaling-up the AM process to produce the specific components for SMR. We will collaborate with external partners in national laboratories and nuclear industry to understand the scientific mechanisms, evaluate the performance of additive manufactured materials, and scale up the manufacturing process.
Great Plains Biochar Conference engaged diverse sectors about the growing relevance of biochar
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, the Nebraska Forest Service and the Nebraska Biochar Initiative were hosting folks passionate about the future of biochar at the first Great Plains Biochar Conference, which was held from Sep 24 to Sep 26 in Lincoln, NE. The Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research (NCESR) was also a sponsor of the conference and provides funding through the collaboration with the Nebraska Public Power District to Michael Kaiser’s UNL project titled, “Co-application of biochar and biosolids for carbon sequestration and sustainable soil management in urban-agricultural landscapes.”
Over two days, more than 70 attendees from across the Midwest and beyond took the opportunity to engage and discuss the growing environmental and socio-economic relevance of biochar as a promising multi-purpose material. The conference brought together professionals working with biochar in sectors such as research, education, governmental programs, policy support, agricultural and urban applications, material characterization, organics recycling, soil and water remediation, carbon sequestration, and biochar economics. The broad spectrum of attendees working with biochar was reflected in 29 oral and poster presentations and one panel discussion throughout the conference. The conference team, which includes Kim Slezak, Frank Uhlarik, Nash Leef, and Michael Kaiser, is now looking forward to establishing the conference as a biochar discussion and innovation hub to support the growing relevance of biochar in the Great Plains.
Outstanding Progress from Cycle 18 Projects
Nine new research projects funded by the Energy Center started on January 1, 2024. NCESR’s overall goal is to foster research and education in energy sciences by providing funding to support innovative research and collaboration among UNL faculty and other public and private-sector organizations and businesses.
- Low Cost and Clean Energy Storage Based on Molecular Ferroelectrics and Antiferroelectrics
Principal Investigator (PI) – Dr. Xiaoshan Xu, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy, College of Arts and Sciences
Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) – Dr. Xia Hong, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, College of Arts and Sciences
Co-PI – Dr. Takashi Komesu, Research Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy, College of Arts and Sciences
This project aims to explore molecular organic thin films for low-cost and clean energy storage with high energy density and high-power density to cope with the fluctuating energy consumption and increase the resilience of energy infrastructure. In the work completed so far, we have managed to control the microstructure of the thin films of molecular ferroelectrics by controlling the growth condition, i.e., the temperature during deposition. Furthermore, we have demonstrated in-situ electrical measurements on the thin films using inter-digital electrodes patterned on the substrates, allowing for real-time monitoring of the electrical properties. These understandings will be critical for optimizing the preparation of organic thin films for capacitor-based energy storage.
- Cure-in-Place Phase Change Thermal Interface Material for Superior Thermal Management in High-Power Energy Systems
PI – Dr. Eric Markvicka, Assistant Professor of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, College of Engineering
Co-PI – Dr. Lucia Fernandez-Ballester, Assistant Professor of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, College of Engineering
Our research project aims to address critical heat dissipation challenges in high-power energy systems by developing a soft and tailorable phase change thermal interface material. This material will be engineered to overcome the traditional trade-off between heat storage capacity and thermal conductivity, enabling passive regulation of device temperature while achieving high heat dissipation under significant thermal fluctuations caused by rapid changes in power consumption. During the initial eight months of our research project, our team successfully identified and characterized a family of phase change materials (PCMs) with melting and crystallization temperatures ranging from 40°C to 125°C, which fall within the operational requirements of common microelectronic components. These temperature thresholds are crucial in determining when the PCM absorbs and emits heat, effectively defining its usable temperature range. To address the inherent limitations of conventional PCM materials, we developed a manufacturing process that incorporates the PCM into a room temperature liquid metal (LM), resulting in a multiphase mixture that exhibits both high heat storage capacity and thermal conductivity. We have started to analyze these mixtures using steady-state thermal finite element analysis and characterize their thermal properties using a transient plane source method. Moving forward, our research team will focus on conducting additional experiments in high-power scenarios to evaluate the performance of the PCM and phase change composite and its ability to absorb temperature spikes, ultimately preventing component failure due to thermal runaway.
- Discovery of Multiple Element Alloys for Preventing Hydrogen Embrittlement
PI – Dr. Jian Wang, Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering
Co-PI – Dr. Bai Cui, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering
The degradation of mechanical properties of materials in the presence of hydrogen is known as hydrogen embrittlement (HE). HE failure occurs at low stress levels, causing huge economic losses and even catastrophes. This project focuses on the understanding HE mechanisms of nuclear structural alloys and discovering and designing the chemistries and microstructures of nuclear structural alloys for preventing HE. We have developed methods to characterize hydrogen concentration along grain boundaries and are evaluating the hydrogen effect on the failure of grain boundaries by using in situ micromechanical testing. The methods developed through this project are applicable to other alloys.
- Electrocatalysts for Green Hydrogen: Tailored 2D Materials based on Metal Carbide
PI – Dr. Siamak Nejati, Associate Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering
Co-PI – Dr. Alexander Sinitskii, Professor of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences
In recent years, the push towards greener chemical processes has gained significant momentum, with electrification emerging as a key strategy to reduce emissions. One of the boldest moves has been the growing shift towards utilizing hydrogen as a zero-carbon fuel. Among the various approaches to hydrogen generation, “Green Hydrogen” has taken center stage. Despite the buzz, however, the challenge of achieving cost-effective water splitting and hydrogen production via electrolysis remains substantial. The high energy demand for operating electrolyzers at scale and the associated capital costs present formidable barriers to widespread adoption. While renewable energy holds promise in reducing the carbon footprint of hydrogen production, it’s not enough to solve the problem. A significant portion of the costs lies in the electrolyzer stack itself, particularly in the choice of catalysts. For proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, the most established technology, these catalysts rely heavily on critical metals, like iridium oxide, which are both expensive and scarce. In response to this challenge, this project highlights the potential of two-dimensional transition metal carbides, known as MXenes, as effective catalysts in water splitting. Specifically, these materials have shown promise in improving the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), widely recognized as the bottleneck in water splitting. By tuning the chemical composition of MXenes, we are demonstrating that these materials can outperform traditional transition metal oxide catalysts, offering a more sustainable and efficient solution for green hydrogen production.
- Next Generation Embedded Wireless Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring of Wind Turbines
PI – Dr. Joseph Turner, Robert W. Brightfelt Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering
Co-PI – Dr. Shubhendu Bhardwaj, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
The goal of this project is to design, manufacture, and test a bearing roller that serves as an embedded wireless sensor within a wind turbine gearbox. The initial experiments related to the wireless sensing of temperature change are underway outside of a roller. These experiments will be used to maximize the sensitivity of the measurement for comparison with computational models. Then the sensor design within the roller will be finalized and tested within a load fixture using both mechanical load and heating.
- An Intelligent Adaptive Modular Battery Energy Storage System for the Built Environment
PI – Dr. Moe Alahmad, Associate Professor of Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, College of Engineering
Co-PI – Dr. Xiaoqi Liu, Assistant Professor of Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, College of Engineering
Co-PI – Dr. Hamid Sharif, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
This project aims to develop and demonstrate a framework for integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in buildings. The framework seeks to optimize the design and operation of reconfigurable BESS systems, proposes MEMS sensor technology to improve battery life span and performance, and applies machine learning tools to operate the BESS as a resource for the building, the grid, or both.
We use physics-based models to analyze BESS in multiple scenarios, including cell-level differences in battery health and performance. These models will allow for optimization by utilizing the reconfigurable switching architecture to isolate unhealthy cells or modules and increase the performance and longevity of the BESS.
We’ve developed a cutting-edge model that gives a detailed view of a building’s energy use, breaking it down by category and tracking it in real-time. Our research explores how reinforcement learning—an advanced form of AI—can be applied to manage building energy more efficiently and autonomously. We’ve made the building energy model work with Python-based simulations, making it possible to control energy loads in real-time using AI integrated with the reconfigurable battery system. This innovation could lead to more efficient, self-sustaining buildings.
- Microgrid Mastermind: The Quest for Reliable Electricity
PI – Francis John Hay, Extension Educator (Energy) of Biological Systems Engineering, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and College of Engineering
Co-PI – Dr. Jennifer Keshwani, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist of Biological Systems Engineering, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and College of Engineering
The Microgrid Mastermind energy literacy grant team is developing a cooperative classroom game that provides students an opportunity to explore the electric grid. Over the summer of 2024, three student interns developed the first draft of the game. Students took inspiration from three days of tours to NPPD power plants including coal, natural gas, nuclear, and maintenance and control centers. The students designed a 3-D printed game where players build an electric grid to service their city’s load. To win, players must build a grid which is resilient against weather, climate, economic, policy, and wildlife challenges. The game has been played by the advisory team and a few select groups of students. Initial feedback suggests the game is enjoyable and effectively challenges players to think critically about grid generation, loads, transmission, distribution, and reliability. The next step is game piloting with teachers and students, followed by game refinement based on teacher input.
- Subsurface Hydrogen Migration and Reactions for Geological Hydrogen Production and Engineered Storage
PI – Dr. Seunghee Kim, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering
Co-PI – Dr. Karrie A. Weber, Director of Microbiology Program, Associate Professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
Co-PI – Dr. Hyun-Seob Song, Associate Professor and Computational Biologist of Biological Systems Engineering, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and College of Engineering
The production of geological hydrogen (H2) and engineered storage of H2 has great potential to alter the horizon of clean energy, long-duration energy storage, and decarbonization. Thus, it is necessary to understand the migration and reaction(s) of H2 with other subsurface fluids, solid minerals, and microorganisms to successfully implement geological H2 production and underground hydrogen storage (UHS). Geologic hydrogen generated near the Midcontinent Rift that runs through Nebraska provides the opportunity for local fuel production and economic development. In this background, the overall objective of this research program is to advance our fundamental understanding of the generation, migration, and reactions of H2 for primary lithological, hydrological, and biogeochemical conditions related to Eastern Nebraska near the Midcontinent Rift.
To achieve this overall goal, there are three research objectives as follows: (1) Examine the diffusive and advective flow of H2 for several key lithological conditions, (2) Examine geologic hydrogen production, with a potential of co-CO2 sequestration, in conjunction with field monitoring at the candidate site near the Midcontinent Rift in NE, and (3) Investigate abiotic/biotic H2 reactions with in-situ fluids and solid minerals, as well as H2 loss/consumption by microorganisms. The research team has been conducting laboratory tests to examine the transport/containment of hydrogen gas under high pressure in the rock samples obtained near the study area for Objective 1. In addition, the research team is nearing the completion of geologic mapping to run field monitoring and sampling in the study area for Objective 2. Lastly, the research team has been conducting a fundamental study to investigate the consumption of natural hydrogen gas through the reaction with solid minerals and microorganisms for Objective 3.
- Systems Metabolic Engineering of Pseudomonas Putida for the Bioproduction of C6 Chemicals from Lignin-derived Aromatics
PI – Dr. Wei Niu, Associate Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering
Co-PI – Dr. Chi Zhang, Professor of Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
The gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is emerging as a biotechnological workhorse in bioproduction and bioremediation. The NCESR project focuses on using KT2440 to produce industrially important six-carbon chemicals through systems engineering. The project has enhanced the metabolic traits of KT2440 to utilize syringyl lignin components, which represent 15-30% of the dry weight of lignocellulose and were previously resilient to the native metabolism of wild-type KT2440. Enzyme discovery efforts have also led to the development of new genetically engineered KT2440 with a 30% improvement in the bioproduction of adipic acid, which is primarily used in the production of nylon. This NCESR-supported project is currently also funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) of USDA.
NCESR provides major funding for two-year research projects to UNL faculty through collaboration with NPPD. The NCESR funds enable UNL faculty to conduct innovative research to develop or enhance energy science and technologies and educate undergraduate and graduate students on various energy-related aspects. Faculty are expected to use NCESR’s funding as a seed to pursue major external funding. NPPD provides several letters of support for UNL faculty each year as they bid on federal grants (e.g., Department of Energy, Department of Defense, etc.). NCESR also awards annual summer internships for UNL undergraduates to conduct research under the supervision of UNL faculty.
Workshop Assists Entrepreneurs with their Startup
Transforming budding business ideas into viable startup businesses can be intimidating, even for the most ambitious students, faculty and community members.
NUtech Ventures aims to make that process easier and recently hosted From Idea to Startup: a two-day workshop designed to move ideas out of the lab and into the mainstream. The event, held at the Nebraska Innovation Campus, was co-hosted by NUtech Ventures, the Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research, the Nebraska Public Power District and Innosphere Ventures.
“We designed this workshop not only to train our university entrepreneurs on topics they need to learn in order to create a startup; we also wanted to immerse them in the incredibly supportive entrepreneurship ecosystem that we have here in Nebraska and the broader Midwest. I think we accomplished that,” said Joy Eakin, entrepreneurship program manager for NUtech Ventures.
Others wholeheartedly agree. “This excellent workshop had an engaging set of activities that helped individuals learn the key steps in evolving their cutting-edge research into a business entity,” said Mark Riley, associate dean for research for UNL’s College of Engineering and Associate Director of the Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research. “Most faculty have minimal business experience, but Nebraska offers quite a number of support structures and facilitation which provide a great opportunity to explore entrepreneurship with guidance and safety nets. Now is a great time for researchers to tap into these resources available in Nebraska. And there are a lot of people willing and able to help give entrepreneurs a leg up.”
Before they get that leg up, though, it’s imperative to validate the idea, define its value and interview potential clients to ensure there’s a viable market. “Any company should ask themselves ‘does my solution solve a compelling problem? How big can it be? Does the business model work and scale? Is it innovative and defensible? Why us and why now?’” said Ben Williamson, investment lead for Invest Nebraska and managing director of Grit Road Partners, who also explained various funding models, including venture capital, angel investors, and self-funding.
Those interested in a deeper dive into customer discovery may wish to sign up for the next cohort of Nebraska I-Corps, a free six-week entrepreneurship training program led by NUtech Ventures. To learn more, visit NUtech Ventures’ website here and the Great Lakes I-Corps website here.
Student participants also praised the workshop. “As a researcher interested in entrepreneurship, workshops like From Idea to Startup are invaluable for understanding how to commercialize research and bring it out of the laboratory,” said Patrick McManigal, a Ph.D student in the School of Computing at UNL’s College of Engineering. McManigal won first place in the 2024 Engineering Pitch Competition for Midwest Biometrics, a startup featuring eNose, a wearable device designed to non-invasively screen users for colorectal cancer.
“Going into the workshop, I was looking to learn more about managing intellectual property, creating a business model, and the ins and outs of forming a corporation, all of which were answered,” McManigal continued. “It was also a fantastic networking event where I was able to meet members of the local entrepreneurship community and make valuable connections. I learned about some weekly networking events hosted by the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (LPED) that I’m also looking forward to attending.”
LPED’s Kathy Andersen, Aidan Larsen from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Josh DeMers from the Combine and Invest Nebraska, Josh Nicholl-Caddy from NBDC and Innosphere Ventures’ Tim Jones introduced attendees to the region’s robust startup ecosystem.
“Clearly, the Combine has become a thriving resource for new startup development right in our backyard,” said the College of Engineering’s Riley. “Innosphere has been a great partner over these past years, and I appreciate hearing their wisdom and an outside perspective on all the phases of startup development shared with faculty. I believe that especially the discussions on financing and the various options for working with investors open the eyes of our researchers to how to build those relationships and what to keep in mind when making commitments. And having the perspective of entrepreneurs currently in the development process really helps our researchers to see what efforts to take and how to translate the support into practice.”
In addition, attendees were guided to a wealth of additional resources available to those who aim to start a business. They included NUtech Ventures’ new startup guide; the Combine, which offers commercialization support; the Nebraska Innovation Studio, a maker space that includes 3-D printers; the Biotech Connector, which offers 7,700 square feet of well-equipped wet lab space; the Suite Spot, office space in the Food Innovation Center; and the Innovation Advancement Suites, with shared office space, all located on the Nebraska Innovation Campus.
Summer Interns Present Impressive Research at Symposium
UNL Summer Research Symposium
Seven undergraduate summer interns presented posters at the UNL Summer Research Symposium on August 6, 2024. The posters presented all the hard work completed since their research projects started in May. Their research continued until the end of August. It was a new experience for some interns, who did an excellent job developing and presenting their posters. Roman Estrada, NPPD Generation Research Sr. Program Manager and NCESR Liaison and Mark Riley, Associate Dean for Research in the College of Engineering and NCESR Associate Director, enjoyed viewing the posters and learning about their research during the presentations.
Internship Wrap Up
August 30 concluded the 2024 internships. Each student prepared a Thank you letter to their faculty sponsor, NCESR and NPPD; a summary report describing their summer work experience in energy sciences research, their accomplishments and lessons learned; and a testimonial to promote the excellent experience to other UNL students encouraging them to apply for the opportunity for summer 2025. NCESR is offering for the first time to all the 2024 summer interns the opportunity to request a $1,000 travel fund to present the research conducted during their summer internship at a relevant conference before 5/10/2025. They will submit a brief report about the experience.
The Energy Center is proud to be a part of these bright young individuals’ learning journey and wishes them well in their future endeavors!
These internships are made possible through NCESR with support from the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). The NCESR summer internship program is named after Mr. Darrell J. Nelson, who served 41 years on the Custer County Public Power District and NPPD Boards. He was an advocate of lifelong learning. In 2005, Mr. Nelson proposed a partnership between NPPD and UNL to engage in energy sciences research. The following year, NCESR was created with NPPD’s financial support.
NCESR Projects are amongst Student Research Days Poster Winners
The UNL offices of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, Graduate Studies, and Research and Economic Development hosted poster sessions on March 26-27, 2024, at the Student Research Days. More than 120 graduate and 200 undergraduate students participated.
The poster sessions give students the opportunity to showcase their research or creative work, communicate their results, master their presentation skills, and to learn about other areas of research and creative activities. Among the twenty posters, five were presented by undergraduate students and fifteen by graduate students, representing research projects funded by the NCESR. The competition involved nearly 100 faculty, postdoc and graduate student volunteer judges who evaluated presentations based on their research content and presentation skills.
Congratulations to the Poster Winners relating to NCESR!
Hailey Anderson, an undergraduate student working with Dr. Xia Hong, Dr. Takashi Komesu, and Dr. Xiaoshan Xu in Physics and Astronomy, presented a poster titled, “Integrating 2D Ferroelectric CuInP2S6 with MoS2 Field Effect Transistor.” Hailey received a $250 award from the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts.
Laura Kirshenbaum, an undergraduate student working with Dr. Nicole Buan in Biochemistry, presented a poster titled, “Expanding the Dynamic Range of Methanosarcina acetivorans through Recombinant Expression of the T7 Promoter System.” Laura received a $250 award from the College of Arts and Sciences. Additionally, Laura received a $250 award from the University Honors Program for Best Communication. This award recognizes an honors student researcher with the best communication skills in sharing their research.
Matthew Boeding, a graduate student working with Dr. Hamid Sharif and Dr. Michael Hempel in Electrical and Computer Engineering, presented a poster titled, “A Novel Framework for OT Protocol Vulnerability Discovery: Leveraging Insights from Formal Modeling, Network Simulation and On-Device Testing.” Matthew received $400 for travel grants to present the research at a regional or national conference or to support other research costs.
Bibek Tiwari, a graduate student working with Dr. Xia Hong, Dr. Takashi Komesu, and Dr. Xiaoshan Xu in Physics and Astronomy, presented a poster titled, “Spherulite Enhanced Macroscopic In-Plane Polarization in DC-MBI.” Bibek received $400 for travel grants to present the research at a regional or national conference or to support other research costs.
Dr. George Gogos selected to lead the Nebraska Energy Center
Longstanding College of Engineering faculty member George Gogos, the Wilmer J. and Sally Hergenrader Chair of Mechanical Engineering, has been named director of the Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research, effective August 14, 2023.
Gogos, who will continue his role as professor of mechanical and materials engineering, succeeds interim director Jerry Hudgins, professor and chair of electrical and computer engineering. He also serves as co-director for the Center for Electro-Optics and Functionalized Surfaces and is co-founder of two companies: one developing equipment for certified organic weed control and one focusing on thermal management using functionalized surfaces.
Gogos’ primary research areas include flow and heat transfer using surfaces functionalized with femtosecond lasers and flame weeding. This research is funded by the Office of Naval Research, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Boeing, Honeywell, Textron Aviation and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.
“My vision for NCESR is to grow it into a global leader in energy sciences research. In this effort, it is important to strike a balance between funding research in renewable forms of energy and research in other energy sources targeting increases in energy efficiency and carbon capture, including carbon-neutral sources such as nuclear technologies,” Gogos said. “This approach is extremely important. Approximately 78 percent of our energy currently derives from fossil fuels (coal, petroleum and natural gas) and it will take a few decades and energy storage technical breakthroughs for larger transitions to renewable forms of energy.
“To achieve this vision, I plan to work closely with NPPD leadership to build a community of UNL energy researchers and increase the visibility of NCESR nationally and internationally.”
The NCESR team wants to thank Dr. Hudgins for his excellent leadership, guidance and expertise to ensure the Energy Center continued to be successful during his interim. The NCESR team looks forward to working with Dr. Gogos to assist in helping achieve his vision of growing the Energy Center into a global leader in energy sciences research and increasing the visibility of NCESR.
See the full article from the College of Engineering at https://engineering.unl.edu/news/230823/gogos_ncesr_director/