Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Investigating Terrorist Use Of Improvised Explosive Devices In The United States: Evidence From Us Federal Court Cases, 2009 – 2024, Angie Benda, Austin C. Doctor

Political Science Faculty Publications

Terrorist use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) remains a persistent and evolving threat within the United States. Until now, few data collection and analysis efforts have focused on the systematic capture of terrorist bombing plots and attacks. Filling this evidence gap, this research note presents and analyses an original dataset of US federal charges associated with terrorism-related IED incidents in the United States observed from 2009 through 2024. The data features 110 related cases, the analysis of which indicates a sample peak in the use of IEDs in terrorist incidents occurred in 2024. Incidents are not siloed to a specific …

Poverty Elimination Action Plan, University Of Nebraska At Omaha, City Of Omaha

Reports

This document fulfills the legislative requirements of LB 840, the Poverty Elimination Action Plan, aimed at reporting on Omaha efforts to eliminate poverty and developing a comprehensive strategy to eliminate poverty in Omaha, NE. It reviews research and policy interventions addressing poverty, incorporates community-driven and secondary data for a needs assessment, and offers actionable recommendations for poverty alleviation. The report also provides guidance on implementation, sustainability, and progress tracking. A brief conclusion at the end of this report is followed by appendices detailing supplementary data and analysis.

Access To The Archives Of The Great Plains Black History Museum, Lori Schwartz, Jessica Oosting

Criss Library Faculty Proceedings & Presentations

Presentation about the Great Plains Black History Museum's archival collections being processed by Criss Library's Archives and Special Collections under a grant. Covered a brief history of the museum, the Archival community partnerships, background of the project, challenges for processing a large collection for access, and highlights from the collection.

Strategic Construction Of Anomalies: A Quantum International Relations Framework For Uap, Nate Ostdiek

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), commonly known as UFOs, are notoriously tricky to understand and analyze. The persistent ambiguity surrounding UAPs is not accidental but strategic; by keeping them in a liminal state of explanation, actors construct a geopolitical anomaly that blurs the boundaries between threat, curiosity, and control. Utilizing a Quantum International Relations (QIR) framework pioneered by Alexander Wendt, James Der Derian, and others enables new analytical tools to explain the creation and impact of these strategic anomalies. The social ontological status of UAP (extraterrestrial, fake, interdimensional, secret technology, natural phenomena, etc.) is determined by an entangled network of epistemological …

Despair Against Boredom: Hyperstitional Narrativization In The International Relations Of Populist States, Rayna Summerfield

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Academic scholarship on populism in the digital age, thus far, has focused heavily on radicalization, social reorganization, and other ways the internet and social media facilitate the rise of populist movements, rather than the impacts of the internet on the actual desires of the citizenry. In this theoretical piece, I argue that modern populists engage in a contract with their supporters to create an “entertaining” political environment closely mimicking online dynamics. Next, I use the lens of hyperstition, a concept devised by the Cybernetic Culture Research Unit, to explain the means by which the patterns of human interaction found more …

Examining The Perceptions Of Restorative Practices In A Non-Profit Organization: A Comparative Analysis Of Staff And Youth Attitudes, Autumn N. Alicea, Anne Hobbs Dr

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This study examines the attitudes toward restorative justice (RJ) among staff and youth at a non-profit residential organization. Using the Restorative Justice Attitude Scale, data was collected from 14 staff members and 14 youth participants (N=28). Results indicated that staff members reported significantly higher mean scores (M = 84.50, SD = 8.38) on the Total Restorative Justice Attitude Scale than youth participants (M = 67.93, SD = 15.81). ANOVA results revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups on attitudes toward restorative justice, F (1, 26) = 12.007, p = .002. Effect size analysis (η² = .316) indicates that approximately …

Human Trafficking Prevention Methods In Nebraska, Allison E. Munderloh

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Human Trafficking has been a concern in Nebraska for a long period of time, but there is a lack of publicly available information regarding the prevention methods being employed and their effectiveness. This study aimed to identify the human trafficking prevention methods in use in Nebraska and their effectiveness based on the opinions of human trafficking professionals in the state. The human trafficking professionals were interviewed, and the information gathered was organized into seven different themes. The themes that arose from the information gathered included educational efforts, victim intervention and resources, addressing demand, labor trafficking, measuring success, resources and funding, …

A Future For The U.S. Department Of Education, Keith V. Allen

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This thesis examines the persistent inequities within the U.S. public education system, particularly affecting low-income and underserved communities. Despite the founding mission of the U.S. Department of Education to ensure equitable access to quality education, systemic disparities continue to prevent millions of students from realizing their full potential. By exploring the Department’s historical evolution, this research highlights three critical areas undermining educational equity: unequal funding, an overreliance on standardized testing, and the lack of universal access to preschool and higher education. The thesis argues that equitable funding is not merely a financial issue, but a moral imperative—an investment in the …

Soft Substance Usage And Productivity In The Patrol Officer Population, Patrick Brady

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Consumable substances have long been used to enhance performance and ease nerves in first-responder populations. Among these substances, caffeine and nicotine products are some of the most frequently used by law enforcement. For the purposes of this study, these substances will be coded as “soft substances” (SSs). As opposed to hard substances (heroin, methamphetamines, crack-cocaine, etc.) SSs are non-criminalized substances that do not significantly change one’s state of consciousness; these substances are also commonly used during the workday (e.g. nicotine used on smoke breaks, caffeinated drinks consumed during the day). Usage rates of SSs in the law enforcement population surpass …

Bathrooms As Borders: Moms For Liberty And The Policing Of Women’S Spaces, Eva Burklund

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

As debates about transgender identity and inclusion influence discussions and policy across the United States, it is important to understand the rhetoric and manifestations of transphobia and trans exclusion. One organization advocating for the exclusion of transgender individuals is Moms for Liberty which is dedicated to preserving parental rights. On their official X (formerly Twitter) account Moms for Liberty often voices their opposition to the inclusion of transgender women in women’s sports and women’s private spaces, justifying their exclusive stance by denying transgender women’s womanhood. They additionally cast themselves as the authorities on who is a woman and who is …

The Effectiveness Of International Courts In Contributing To Rebuilding And Resolving Conflicts In Societies Post-Genocide, Garrett Connely

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

In the aftermath of mass atrocities, international courts have emerged as key mechanisms for delivering justice and fostering post-conflict reconciliation. Rooted in the precedent set by the Nuremberg Trials after World War II, these institutions aim to prosecute crimes that often go beyond national legal systems. However, their effectiveness remains contested, largely due to their dependence on state cooperation and the complexity of post-conflict environments. This project examines the societal impact of international courts in two significant cases – Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. Through a comparative analysis of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Tribunal …

A Comparative Analysis Of The Intersection Between Sex Trafficking And Domestic Violence: A Cross-Cultural Study Of The United States And India, Rachel A. Napier

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Domestic violence survivors are affected by long-term trauma from abuse, which can lead to them being more vulnerable and susceptible to sex trafficking tactics. Sex trafficking survivors are also at risk of becoming involved in an abusive relationship because they may have been previously exposed or due to a normalization of abuse. Both domestic violence and sex trafficking are prevalent issues within the world that continue to be ongoing due to their hidden nature. This study highlights the connections between domestic violence and sex trafficking and how each can be portrayed differently based on the environment and cultural norms within …

Investigating The Effects Of Sod1 Knockout On Oxidative Stress And Stress Coping Styles In Zebrafish Using Crispr Technology, Tai Prauner, Ryan Wong

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Reactive oxygen species are byproducts of cellular metabolism that, when not efficiently neutralized, can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids. Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is an antioxidant enzyme that converts superoxide radicals into less harmful molecules. While its molecular function is well documented, the role of SOD1 in shaping stress-related behavior remains underexplored. This project aimed to establish foundational tools for studying the behavioral impact of SOD1 knockout across proactive and reactive stress-coping styles in zebrafish.

To support future gene-editing experiments, microinjection and breeding protocols were refined across wildtype AB, proactive, and reactive zebrafish lines. No embryos were injected with CRISPR-Cas9 …

The Impact Of Social Media On Fan Engagement In College Sports: A Focus On Student Fan Interaction, Lindzy K. Cortés

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

In the digital age, social media has become an essential tool for shaping how college students interact with their university sports teams. This study explores the role of social media in influencing student fan engagement at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), with a focus on perceptions, behaviors, and platform preferences. Using a mixed-methods approach, data was collected through a campus-wide survey (n=122) and ten in-depth interviews with student fans and athletes. Results indicate that Instagram and TikTok are the most effective platforms for capturing student attention, particularly when content includes behind-the-scenes access, humor, and player-led storytelling. Students who …

An Examination Of The Impact Of A Six-Week Summer Enrichment Program On Anxiety Among Underrepresented Health Profession Students, Rolando Martinez-Rico

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Healthcare pipeline programs aim to enhance diversity in the health professions by supporting undergraduate students interested in pursuing a healthcare career, particularly those from underrepresented and historically excluded backgrounds. Despite these initiatives, significant disparities persist in the healthcare workforce, amplified by structural racism and systemic barriers to entry. These challenges contribute to heightened anxiety, which can hinder the success of students pursuing healthcare careers.

The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) seeks to mitigate these barriers by fostering an inclusive environment where students gain academic skills and mentorship. Among the many challenges underrepresented students face, anxiety is a significant and …

Bibliotech, May 2025, Dr. C.C. And Mable L. Criss Library, University Of Nebraska At Omaha Criss Library

BiblioTech

Criss Libraries' Digital Newsletter, BiblioTech, May 2025 Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library, University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Listen To My Story: An Autoethnographic Account Of A Manic Episode, Allison Whitmire

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Bipolar disorder is a very complicated disease. It's first complexity is that it is a mental illness, so it is "invisible" and there is much stigma attached to seeking treatment. The second complexity is that there are both the highs of mania which contain hallucination and delusions for many as well as the lows of depression. These moods cycle throughout one's life. The third complexity is that because bipolar is both genetic and environmental in origin it steeps itself into the roots of family trees and causes generational trauma. Through examining how bipolar disorder has affected my life, these complexities …

The Value Of An Academic Library As Told By Its Users, Gabbi Anzalone

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Academic libraries serve many purposes and many users, and no one library is exactly alike. This project seeks to begin pinpointing the value of UNO’s own academic library, Criss Library, through the voices of students, faculty, and staff. These primary users will be the focal point, and their responses will aid in analyzing the common concerns, appreciations, and themes surrounding a library’s value. There will be an analysis and synthesis of insights that is based on both user perspectives of the individuals who have offered responses and broader trends in the perception of academic libraries. It is evident that academic …

Inside Out 2, Bertha A. Manninen Ph.D.

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of Inside Out 2 (2024), directed by Kelsey Mann.

Vocational & Life Skills: Quarterly Report - Grant Cycle Five, Quarter Five July-September 2024, Nebraska Center For Justice Research, Janee Pannkuk, Abby Hayes, Katelynn Towne

Reports

The Vocational and Life Skills (VLS) program was created by Nebraska Legislative Bill 907 in 2014 with the purpose of easing the transition for individuals who reenter the community after incarceration. The VLS initiative is evaluated by the Nebraska Center for Justice Research (NCJR) to identify the impact service providers and programming have in increasing meaningful employment and prosocial lifestyle improvements among the justice-involved population. As part of the evaluation, NCJR provides trainings to support grantees as needed and provides feedback and information to the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) regarding the implementation process and data updates on a …

My Omaha, John C. Lyden

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of My Omaha (2025), directed by Nick Beaulieu.

Overcoming Challenges And Unlocking Potential In Police Training Programs: The Case Of Blue Courage, Ryan E. Spohn

Reports

The Blue Courage website provides the mission of their agency: “The Blue Courage mission is to illuminate a path forward so that we ignite transformation in the individuals and organizations that we engage through our ground-breaking educational and consulting services. Transformation occurs with the small, consistent, incremental changes that amplify and reset current benchmarks of performance. Capacity continuously grows by enhancing our ability to execute, experience, and understand practical applications and tools that can be effectively used to ritualize capacity building practices — both professionally and personally.”

This noble mission reflects the dominate philosophies behind their law enforcement training program1 …

Bibliotech, March 2025, Dr. C.C. And Mable L. Criss Library, University Of Nebraska At Omaha Criss Library

BiblioTech

Criss Libraries' Digital Newsletter, BiblioTech, March 2025 Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library, University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Disposable Humanity, William L. Blizek, Monica Blizek

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a review of Disposable Humanity (2025), directed by Cameron S. Mitchell and David T. Mitchell.

Life After, John C. Lyden

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of Life After (2025), directed by Reid Davenport.

Tolerance Of Homonegativity And Transnegativity Predicts Negative Evaluations Of Lgbt People And Lgbt-Supportive Policies Among Us-Based Heterosexual, Cisgender Participants, Abigail M. Folberg, Jennifer S. Hunt, Ellen D.B. Riggle

Psychology Faculty Publications

Many people in the United States express anti-LGBT attitudes and oppose LGBT rights. These views are perpetuated when others, including allies, tolerate expressions of anti-LGBT bias. In this study, we adapted and validated a measure of tolerance of homonegativity and transnegativity (TOHT), and assessed its associations with evaluations of LGBT people, straight people, support for LGBT rights, and system-justifying ideologies among heterosexual, straight, binary-gendered/non-trans (i.e., cisgender) women and men who identified as liberal, moderate, or conservative (N = 295). Participants completed measures of TOHT, evaluations of LGBT people, support for LGBT rights, authoritarianism, religiosity, and contact with LGBT people. …

Construction Workforce And Business In Nebraska, Josie Gatti Schafer, Tara Grell, Ignacio Ruelas Avila

Publications

A skilled and readily available construction workforce is crucial for Nebraska’s growth and vitality. This workforce not only builds and maintains the infrastructure that supports communities but also creates jobs and addresses essential housing and business needs. This brief provides an overview of Nebraska’s construction workforce, highlighting opportunities and challenges to foster a robust labor force for the construction industry.

Bibliotech, January 2025, Dr. C.C. And Mable L. Criss Library, University Of Nebraska At Omaha Criss Library

BiblioTech

Criss Libraries' Digital Newsletter, BiblioTech, January 2025 Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library, University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Empower Youth Summit 2024: High School Students Shaping Their Community, Darian Draft, Lequisha Turner, Heidi Adams Rueda

Social Work Faculty Publications

Young people’s voices are underrepresented in research, policy, and program development. Stereotypes about youth (e.g., immature, lazy, undisciplined) often lead to their exclusion from conversations about issues that impact their lives. Despite common stereotypes, youth can, and do, produce trustworthy, valid and easy to understand research (Ozer et al., 2020). And, when included, young people contribute innovative ideas that assist in generating meaningful change in their environments. Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) is one framework that provides young people with an opportunity to be change agents by participating in the research process. It is designed to empower youth by allowing …

The National And Metropolitan Economy: Recent Trends And Outlook, Dustin R. White

CPAR Presents: A Data and Research Series for Community Impact

What are the key indicators of economic activity both nationally and here in Omaha? This presentation will identify several of these indicators and explore what they suggest about the next few years.