Biology
College of Arts and Sciences

Paul W Denton’s primary research goals are to develop immunotherapy strategies that improve human natural killer cell killing capacities as well as understand the molecular mechanisms that underly the effects of tested immunotherapies on these cells. He emphasizes training student researchers in his group to perform original research in a team science environment and to effectively communicate about their research in presentations and publications. In addition to his immunology research efforts, Dr. Denton is involved in education-related research related to his leadership roles in UNO’s NSF-funded S-STEM Scholar program and UNO’s community facing NE STEM 4U after-school mentoring program. 

English
College of Arts and Sciences

Jody Keisner is an Associate Professor in the English Department specializing in creative nonfiction. She has contributed curriculum to the English Department, Medical Humanities, Master of Arts in Critical and Creative Thinking, and Women’s and Gender Studies. Her research and teaching reflect her interests in women’s issues and intersections of gender, health, and society, among other areas of study. She is the editor-in-chief of UNO’s journal of health humanities and creative nonfiction, The Linden Review.

Physics
College of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Riskowski’s academic work in and out of the classroom focuses on the physics of biomolecules at the nanoscale. Developing new applications for nanoscale physics to develop sensors and molecular actuators requires the bringing together of multiple disciplinary specialties, and this is reflected in the broad range of students Dr. Riskowski has trained in formal research projects from across Physics, Math, Engineering, Chemistry, and Biology at UNO. Dr. Riskowski’s classroom activities also seek to synthesize new approaches from combining evidence-based teaching practices and novel student-directed research activities that transition student-designed projects from the classroom to the lab.

Accounting
College of Business Administration

Xiaoyan Cheng is a professor in the School of Accounting. Since joining UNO in 2009, Xiaoyan has taught Principles of Financial Accounting, Intermediate Financial Accounting, Advanced Financial Accounting, and Graduate Seminar in Financial Statement Analysis.  Her research can be found  in Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, Advances in Accounting, Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, and Research in Accounting Regulation, and Global Finance Journal. As the faculty advisor of Gamma Kappa Chapter of UNO Beta Alpha Psi, Xiaoyan connects students with peers and industry leaders, while developing their business skillset.

Writer’s Workshop
College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media

Dr. Robinson’s primary academic focus is creative writing practice and pedagogy. He has published two collections of poetry and numerous book reviews. He teaches in the Thompson Learning Community and in the UNO Writer’s Workshop, where he serves as the unit’s academic advisor and coordinates the Spring reading series. He has conducted community writing workshops for KANEKO, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, Nebraska Warrior Writers, 7 Doctors Project, the Samuel Bak Museum, Nebraska Writers Guild, and the international CÚRAM Conference of medical device researchers.

Gerontology
College of Public Affairs and Community Service

Dr. Hanson teaches several aging courses for both undergraduate and graduate students, including Introduction to Gerontology, Programs and Services for Older Adults, Psychology of Adult Development and Baby Boomers & the 21^st century.  Many of her courses include service learning and field experiences and she has been awarded several teaching grants, including a grant focused on student engagement with older adults in the Omaha community.   She has partnered with other departments on campus to bring gerontological education to a broader range of students including honors students, exploratory studies and medical humanities.

Her primary teaching and research interests include baby boomers, retirement and volunteerism, and older adults within faith communities.  Dr. Hanson is the author of the book, Baby Boomers and Beyond: Tapping the Ministry Talents and Passions of Adults over 50, and she is frequently asked to speak, write, and consult with local, national, and international organizations on a variety of aging issues.

Computer Science
College of Information Science & Technology

Dr. Huang, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science, specializes in Cyber-Physical Systems. Her research enhances system intelligence and efficiency by integrating Machine Learning techniques. She focuses on developing advanced Scheduling Algorithms for Real-time Computing, ensuring reliable system responses. Additionally, her work in Wireless Communication/Networking Systems aims to improve connectivity and protocols for more robust networks. Dr. Huang’s research contributes to theoretical advancements and practical solutions in smart infrastructure, autonomous systems, and IoT applications. Her teaching emphasizes hands-on experiences, equipping students with the fundamental knowledge and skills for real-life applications.

Special Education & Communication Disorders
College of College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

Dr. Nordness is a Peter Kiewit Distinguished Professor of special education. His primary focus has been on interdisciplinary collaboration to meet the emotional and behavioral needs of children with disabilities and those who might be at-risk of school failure. Dr. Nordness coordinates the online Master’s degree in Behavior Intervention Specialist and teaches courses related to behavior modification, emotional and behavioral disorders, and research methods.

Architectural Engineering
College of Engineering

Dr. Waters’ focus is on Architectural Engineering (AE). Dr. Waters’ scholarly activities and teaching are in lighting and power distribution systems for buildings. He teaches a significant two semester Capstone course, Interdisciplinary Team Design Project, required in the AE Master of AE degree with significant industry involvement. The course has won the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Survey (NCEES) Engineering Education Award Grand prize three times and secondary awards four times since 2015.