
Curiosity in the Cosmos
How does a rare celestial event connect to UNO’s mission on Earth?
FALL 2025 / VOLUME 16 / ISSUE 3
Questions spark ideas that lead to research, creativity and real-world impact. They drive Mavericks to look beyond what is known and imagine what could be.

How does a rare celestial event connect to UNO’s mission on Earth?

What happens when a university makes artificial intelligence approachable for everyone?

Can a college experience where curiosity and collaboration thrive shape a lifetime of innovation?


At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, curiosity is the fuel that drives discovery, innovation and leadership.
Every day, our students, staff and faculty ask bold questions and seek solutions that change lives. Whether advancing artificial intelligence, exploring in STEM or creating entrepreneurial ventures, Mavericks are guided by a desire to understand more and achieve more for our community.

The UNO Aviation Institute uses immersive VR and cognitive tools to help pilots hone their skills for the cockpit.

Celebrating a half a century of honoring athletes and coaches for their lasting contributions to Omaha Athletics.

A team of UNO researchers help Theo Brewer walk without falling or tripping for the first time.

Now a professor and civic leader, UNO alumna Racquel Henderson empowers others to thrive through education and service.

What does it take to respond to a crisis? UNO grad Mark Schaffer spent his senior year at OPPD learning just that.

UNO researchers are reinventing combat footwear with the “FlyBand ExoBoot” designed to prevent ankle injuries and speed recovery.

Simmons completed his second UNO degree — a master of arts in Critical and Creative Thinking — from his home in Florida.

UNO researchers are shining a light on labor trafficking in Nebraska, revealing how victims are exploited and how communities can fight back.

The program aims to provide students with a 360º view of the sports industry.


Backed by new legislation and community voices, the Omaha City Council recently adopted a groundbreaking action plan drafted by UNO experts.

Wear Black, Give Back raises over $1.4 million to support UNO.

From UNO classrooms to Omaha’s top newsroom, alumna Sam Pastorino shares how her education prepared her to tell the city’s stories every day.

Chancellor Li surprises UNO graduate student Loni Mickles with a $1,000 scholarship to continue her dream of mentoring and supporting local youth.
Share a Class Note about a new job, promotion, award, wedding or other fantastic life event to be featured here and in an upcoming issue of UNO Magazine.
Abner Rodriguez, BS 24, was offered a position with the Department of Defense as a logistics management specialist, focusing on foreign trade with international partners. He has worked with countries in the Centcom and Indo-Pacom regions, including Jordan, Kuwait, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Mongolia.
Samantha Mosser, MBA 02, has been named president of Bankers Trust, Iowa’s largest independently owned bank, effective Aug. 1. She previously served as Nebraska president and played a key role in expanding the bank’s presence in the region.
VOICES & VIEWS
Share your voice and view to be featured in the Spring 2026 issue of UNO Magazine.