Barbara Gaskins’ career sits at a powerful intersection: criminal justice, community violence intervention, reentry, public policy, technology, and community-based advocacy.

It is a space few people occupy—and one urgently in need of her perspective.

Based in Greenville, North Carolina, Gaskins works to improve the systems serving people affected by incarceration and community violence. She has created two reentry manuals for North Carolina, adapted a U.S. Department of Justice reentry simulation specifically for the state and pursued public office, running for the U.S. House of Representatives and mayor.

Now, she is exploring how data science and artificial intelligence can support violence-prevention professionals while protecting the humanity of the people they serve.

Her path to this work began long before AI became part of everyday conversation. It was strengthened by an education at Bellevue University that helped validate the professional-level work she was already doing—and gave her the confidence to take that work further.

Doing Degree-Level Work Without the Degree

Before attending Bellevue University, Gaskins worked in mental health, substance use, and criminal justice. She knew she was capable and experienced. She was already performing work that required significant knowledge and responsibility.

The problem was that she did not yet have the degree to prove it.

Gaskins understood that earning a degree would help align her credentials with her abilities. Yet, as a working mother who had welcomed her first child at 18, she needed a university designed for the realities of adult life.

Bellevue University provided that opportunity.

Gaskins earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Science in 2010 while balancing work, motherhood, and the responsibilities of maintaining a home. She found the coursework relevant to her experience in mental health and substance use—and immediately applicable to the communities she served.

“Bellevue was that University for me,” she said.

'A Stepping Stone to Everything Else'

She also remembers the accessibility and encouragement she received. Her university coach, Tamara, was available by phone or text, offering praise, accountability, and reminders to keep moving forward.

That support mattered. So did the sense of validation that came from completing her degree.

Gaskins describes her Bellevue University education as “a stepping stone to everything else” she has accomplished. Without it, she believes she might still be doing high-level work without receiving appropriate recognition or compensation.

After earning her bachelor’s degree, she went on to earn her Master of Science degree in Data Science from Bellevue University in 2010. Her last course was called Generative AI.

When Data Does Not Tell One Story

Gaskins’ interest in data science grew directly from her re-entry work.

In North Carolina, she found that three different sources could provide three significantly different statistics about the same issue, including recidivism. When information is outdated, inconsistent, or influenced by funding priorities, it becomes difficult to understand what is actually happening—and even harder to design effective solutions.

“How can we actually help people if we’re getting three different reports for the exact same people?” she asked.

Her advanced studies in data science helped her connect her knowledge of communities with a more formal understanding of technology and responsible data use. Her goal is not simply to collect more information. It is to ensure that data and AI are used accurately, equitably, and in ways that genuinely help people.

One of her greatest concerns is the way AI can misunderstand African American Vernacular English, particularly when people express grief, anger, or trauma.

Working on Technology That Supports Rather Than Interrupts

Language that reflects pain following the death of a friend, for example, could be interpreted by an automated system as a threat. Without cultural understanding or human context, AI could misidentify someone as dangerous when that person is actually grieving.

The implications extend well beyond community violence intervention. Similar biases could affect hiring, criminal justice, education, and other settings where automated systems review people’s words, histories, or online activity.

Gaskins is working to bring those risks into the conversation—and to help create something better in the world of Community Violence Intervention (CVI) that is built on trust, lived experience, emotional intelligence, credibility, and local knowledge. Violence interrupters and other trusted community messengers develop relationships no algorithm can reproduce.

“I am not trying to replace our credible messengers or our violence interrupters with AI,” Gaskins said. Instead, she envisions technology that supports practitioners while leaving intervention and decision-making in human hands.

Unique Work That Has Earned a Kaggle Research Grant

That distinction captures what makes Gaskins’ work so important. She is not approaching AI only as a technologist. She understands the people, language, histories, and communities behind the data, and her unique work has earned Gaskins a Google/Kaggle Benchmark Research grant. Her AI Assistant is the first artificial intelligence evaluation framework for CVI that measures whether AI models can safely support violence interrupters and credible messengers in their life-saving work.

Kaggle (owned by Google) Benchmark grants are given to builders of novel Large Language Model (LLM) evaluations, access to major models (OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, DeepSeek, etc.), and managed engineering infrastructure via Kaggle Benchmark.

Her Bellevue University education helped give her the credentials, knowledge, and confidence to step forward. Since then, she has continued learning, questioning systems, and turning her experience into resources that can help others.

Technology will continue to advance. Barbara Gaskins is working to ensure that humanity, fairness, and community advance with it.

• Bellevue University's Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program earns No. 1 in Learn.org’s 10 Most Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degrees for 2026.
• The program prepares students with hands-on experience in cybersecurity tools and techniques.
• The Curriculum emphasizes technical skills and a risk-based approach to security.
• Students can align learning with three in-demand workforce roles: Protect and Defend, Oversee and Govern, Securely Provision.
• The Ranking based on factors including affordability, academic quality, accreditation, and student outcomes.

Program Features Hands-On Experience

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program gives students hands-on experience with the tools and techniques today’s organizations rely on to protect critical data. The curriculum emphasizes building technical skills and a risk-based approach to security, preparing graduates to safeguard complex systems in a wide range of industries.

A signature feature of the program is enabling students to choose a program path, which aligns to one of three in-demand cybersecurity workforce roles: Protect and Defend, Oversee and Govern, and Securely Provision.

For More Information

Learn.org’s rankings evaluate programs based on affordability, academic reputation, tuition rates, accreditation, student outcomes, and support services, offering prospective students a clear measure of value in online cybersecurity education.

More information about Bellevue's Cybersecurity program is available here.

About Doug Rausch

Doug Rausch serves as the Maenner Endowed Chair and as an associate professor and program director for the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Cybersecurity programs at Bellevue University’s College of Science and Technology. He teaches courses in security architecture and controls, network security, risk management, penetration testing, and digital forensics.

Rausch brings more than 30 years of professional experience to the classroom, including 25 years as an Air Force communications and cyber operations officer and eight years as a cybersecurity consultant. He has taught at Bellevue University since 2014. Rausch holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from North Dakota State University, a Master of Science in Computer Science from Texas State University–San Marcos, and a Master of Military, Operational Art and Science from Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a recipient of the John R. Maenner Professorship Award and Bellevue University’s Excellence in Service Award.

• Bellevue University ranked No. 3 in TechGuide’s 2026 Best Online Bachelor’s in Data Science Programs.
• The program ranking improved from No. 11 in the previous year.
• The ranking reflects continued program development and academic performance.
• The program is delivered fully online, designed for working adults and flexible learning.
• The focus of the program is on career-ready skills in data science, analytics, and technology.

Preparing Students for High-Demand Careers in Data Science

Bellevue University’s recognition in TechGuide’s 2026 rankings underscores its growing leadership in preparing students for careers in one of today’s fastest-growing fields. Data science continues to play a critical role across industries, from business and healthcare to cybersecurity and public service. This is creating strong demand for professionals with the skills to analyze data and drive decision-making.

The University’s online Bachelor of Science in Data Science program is designed to support working adults and nontraditional learners. The program combines flexible online delivery with a curriculum focused on practical, real-world applications. The program’s rise in national rankings reflects Bellevue’s continued investment in academic quality, student support, and alignment with workforce needs, ensuring students not only earn degrees, but gain skills that translate directly into career opportunities. 

“When I was in the industry, customers would call after not getting what they needed from the others involved,” he said. “Something was missing and I wanted to be part of the solution. I needed to go teach.”

Fresh Opportunity at Bellevue University

After teaching at another institution for six years, Ferguson learned about Bellevue University. “I wasn’t looking for a new job,” he said. He relocated to Bellevue, Nebraska, for the position 10 years ago and hasn’t looked back. “I thought they seemed really innovative and forward looking and my intuition paid off.”

Maintaining that innovative approach is key to Ferguson’s role as Program Director. “I’m always trying to provide fresh content and reevaluate the curriculum every two to three years, sometimes more often,” he said. Ferguson also focuses on current events and trends, encouraging his students to look at what’s happening in various industries.

Embracing Technology to Benefit Students

With new technologies emerging every day, Ferguson helps guide his students on what they’ll need to know and use in the workforce. “I help them understand which tools are developing quickly that they need to know now, and which ones can wait until later,” he said.

His classes study the Internet of Things, networks of physical devices that share information like home virtual assistants and vehicle computer systems. They also dive into AI, with one of his freshman classes creating a short storybook using several AI tools.

“They have to include a human impact story, create images, and engage critical thinking to leverage the potential of AI,” he said.

Research That Impacts Professionals, Students

With his background building information systems infrastructure for a global workforce, Ferguson developed a passion for researching human/computer interaction and VPNs. In the past, his work and research helped improve remote work long before it was common. “I wanted to make systems more usable for everyone,” he said.

Today, he’s conducting research that will benefit his students. In particular, he’s looking into how typeface design impacts student engagement online in the classroom. ”Human computer interaction crosses over to almost every area,” he said. This research could play an important role in enhancing Bellevue University’s online experience.

When he’s not teaching or researching, Ferguson enjoys spending time with his wife and two teenage children.

“When I was in the industry, business customers would call after not getting what they needed from IT and others involved,” he said. “Something was missing and I wanted to be part of the solution. I needed to go teach.”

Fresh Opportunity at Bellevue University

After teaching at another institution for six years, Ferguson learned about Bellevue University. “I wasn’t looking for a new job,” he said. He relocated to Bellevue, Nebraska, for the position 10 years ago and hasn’t looked back. “I thought they seemed really innovative and forward looking and my intuition paid off.”

Maintaining that innovative approach is key to Ferguson’s role as Program Director. “I’m always trying to provide fresh content and reevaluate the curriculum every two to three years, sometimes more often,” he said. Ferguson also focuses on current events and trends, encouraging his students to look at what’s happening in various industries and across the business technology enablement landscape.

Embracing Technology to Benefit Students

With new technologies emerging every day, Ferguson helps guide his students on what they’ll need to know and use in the workforce. “I help them understand which tools are developing quickly that they need to know now, and which ones can wait until later,” he said.

His classes study the Internet of Things, networks of physical devices that share information like home virtual assistants and vehicle computer systems. They also dive into AI, with one of his freshman classes creating a short storybook using several AI tools.

“They have to include a human impact story, create images, and engage critical thinking to leverage the potential of AI,” he said.

Research That Impacts Professionals, Students

With his background building  information systems infrastructure for a global workforce, Ferguson developed a passion for researching human/computer interaction and VPNs. In the past, his work and research helped improve remote work long before it was common. “I wanted to make systems more usable for everyone,” he said.

Today, he’s conducting research that will benefit his students. In particular, he’s looking into

how typeface design impacts student engagement online in the classroom. ”Human computer interaction crosses over to almost every area,” he said. This research could play an important role in enhancing Bellevue University’s online experience.

When he’s not teaching or researching, Ferguson enjoys spending time with his wife and two teenage children.

Have you ever tried growing native plants or setting up a native garden and found that some plants grow slow or not at all? The issue may not be your lack of a green thumb, but rather that the microbes and fungi in the soil may not have been established well.

In a recent publication, the BU science team found that the establishment of a healthy soil microbiome and mycobiome in the first four to seven weeks after planting seeds is important for the initial germination and growth of the native grass Bouteloua (commonly known as sideoats grama). If there is an early disruption of the microbiome (called dysbiosis), this will lead to slower growth of the grass and allows for potential plant pathogens to establish themselves. This is similar to your need for a healthy gut or skin microbiome to keep you healthy. The study was just published this week in PLOS One:

Both bacteria and fungi are important in setting up the right plant environment, but it appears from the study that bacteria are involved in the initial establishment of beneficial conditions, which sets the stage for a robust fungal and plant seedling development. The study compared both planted and not planted soil and sterile (autoclaved) versus non-sterile soil and their impact on the growth of the native grass. The soil metagenome and its impact on the Bouteluoa growth was monitored for 7 weeks under controlled greenhouse conditions.

The impact of soil bacteria and fungi on agricultural crop plants is currently of great research interest, as soil quality is critical to food production for a growing global population. An estimated one-third of the world’s topsoil is already gone, and the rest could erode away within 60 years, according to a 2014 report by the United Nations. Reversing this trend is a daunting task, which will take a significant amount of time, so sustainable soil practices to maintain good soil health is imperative.

Microorganisms play a crucial role in the soil nutrient cycling process, and the loss of a diverse microbiome leads to problems with soil depletion and nutrient loss. Sustainable, natural soil management needs to include a better understanding and management of the soil microbes that help to improve the soil chemistry. A growing amount of research is becoming available on the soil microbiome impact on crops, however very little has been studied on native plants and non-food crops. Nevertheless, native plant areas provide important ecosystem services and biodiversity.

Our newest publication in PLOS One presents the work of BU science graduates Alisiara Hobbs and Daisy Ochoa-Rojas, together with Christine E. Humphrey, who was a visiting summer student, under the guidance of Drs. John Kyndt and Tyler Moore.

_{^{Bouteloua curtipendula (Sideoats grama) is commonly found in Midwestern native areas.}}

Obtaining and analyzing a large amount of sequencing data and performing comparative analysis of the hundreds of bacterial and fungal species can be a tedious and challenging endeavor. The students spend many hours of their student research work optimizing the DNA extraction and analyzing sequencing data. In the end, under­standing these microbiome-plant relationships in native Bouteluoa curtipentula opens up possibilities for incorporating target strains that help the colonization and growth of this native grass in restored native habitats. Soil microbial health is important for native plant establishment in urban or prairie settings, and microbial optimization in the case of Bouteloua or other native plants could help their long-term establishment.

The sequencing of microbiomes of native plants and fungi is an ongoing project and there are more student opportunities to join in this research. For more information contact Dr. John Kyndt (jkyndt@bellevue.edu).

Read the original post on Science on Display here.

Dala Alphonso is a prime example of an Incredible leader with an extraordinary background. The Bellevue University Master of Science in Management alumnus overcame obstacles including surviving a plane crash and defeating cancer on his journey toward mastering technology and leadership, and was recently named CEO of the Omaha, Nebraska-based tech pioneer, the AIM Institute.

“Those experiences made me who I am, knowing that I had a second chance at life,” Alphonso said. “Each life has a purpose,” he continued, explaining that he has found his purpose as a transformative leader. In his current role, he’s able to put this passion to work by focusing on organizational strategy, human capital development and digital evolution.

Initiative, Open Mind Led to New Life in U.S.

Lack of opportunity in Alphonso’s native country of Nigeria pushed him to develop an entrepreneurial mindset early on. He put himself through college with a soccer scholarship, then played professional soccer and ran multiple businesses. “There were no jobs. You had to create your own opportunities,” he said.

His life took a different turn when he visited the U.S. in the late 1990s. “I wanted to live here,” Alphonso said. “Something was drawing me this way.”

Alphonso began looking at legal options for moving to America, recognizing the potential of the tech boom. “There was a high demand for tech skills and computers made sense,” he said.

After completing a 14-week Oracle training, Alphonso was hooked. He began his career as a software consultant, and later traveled to Omaha to work on a project. “It ended up being home,” he said.

Building on Leadership at Bellevue University

As Alphonso progressed in his career, a supervisor who believed in him promoted him to a leadership role. “I went into management without preparation,” he said. It inspired me to get more formal education because  learning is a very important part of who I am.”

He said choosing Bellevue University for his graduate program made sense. “They offered the program I needed and truly supported work-life balance. The program was designed in a way that it applied to real-world experience and the offering aligned with who I wanted to be.”

He earned his degree online, and said he benefited greatly from studying with a cohort of students. “Going on the journey with a group of people who I could trade ideas and share experiences with was a huge part of the program,” he said.

Alphonso also said that the structure of the program, incorporating comments and replies, set the stage for authentic engagement. With social media still being quite new and undeveloped when he completed his degree in 2013, this was unique. “Bellevue University was ahead of the curve at that time,” he said.

Upon graduating, Alphonso was chosen as the Commencement Student Speaker for the January 2014 Commencement Ceremony.

Applying to Leadership Lessons to Build Tomorrow’s Tech Leaders

After earning his master’s degree, Alphonso led technology efforts at several Omaha companies with steadily increasing scopes of responsibility. “I began to learn that being a leader is more about coaching than authority,” he said. “In my program, I learned a lot of the things that formed who I’ve become as a leader today.”

Throughout the years, Alphonso has approached his leadership journey as a discovery of self. “As you get older, the more aware you become of your passion and purpose,” he said. “I’ve realized tech is where I can impact knowledge and leave a legacy. At AIM, I’m able to hone in on that.”

The AIM Institute is dedicated to building and retaining the tech talent pipeline in the Omaha area. Alphonso is taking the helm in doubling its impact, reach and resources over the next five years. “We must be intentional in expanding our footprint,” Alphonso said. “Tech is an important component of every business and by bridging the gap of unfilled jobs, we are adding exponentially to the future of our city.”

When Alphonso has a free moment from transforming the Midwest tech landscape, he enjoys traveling, reading, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his four kids. “They are my world,” he said.

Finding a World-Class Program

Parr began her career at Mutual of Omaha nearly 13 years ago in marketing, putting her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications to good use. Over the years, she moved into creative project management then agile project management. She’s now worked professionally as a project manager for five years.

Graduate school was not something Parr was seriously considering. However, as fate would have it, she ran across a Bellevue University table at the ICAN Conference in Omaha and they told her about the University’s partnership with Mutual of Omaha. She and the two coworkers she was exploring the conference with enrolled in different master’s degree programs, with the Master of Project Management being the right fit for Parr.

“Not everyone knows about Bellevue University and I felt proud to be at the school with a project management program in the top five in the nation,” she said. The program is also accredited by the prestigious PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management.

Growing Knowledge, Career Simultaneously

Parr completed her degree online. She said that though there was a learning curve from in-person studies, she enjoyed the flexibility. “I liked that I could work at my own pace,” she said. “For example, I could get my homework done ahead of time when I knew I’d be going on vacation.”

Though she was already skilled in project management, the program allowed Parr to dive deeper and master more industry terminology. “I could relate what I was learning to the work I was doing,” she said. “My manager could tell what I was learning by the questions I was asking.”

The program also armed Parr with specific processes to implement, like gap analysis and risk management assessment. “I’ve been able to apply these directly to my work, and these processes have made a big difference,” she said.

The married mom of two teenagers said it was tough to juggle everything, but they made it work. “For example, on Sundays we’d all be watching football together and I’d be on the computer. Everyone knew ‘mom is going to school now’ and they stood by me.”

Overall, however, Parr said she had a great experience. “I had a really good support system. The professors were great and I had peace of mind knowing Mutual of Omaha would support me with tuition,” she said. “My manager was awesome really and told me to do what I needed to because it was only going to help the company. Then other people in my area decided to pursue more education. It really opened the door.”

During most of Mike Butera’s career in law enforcement, detective work meant knocking on doors and conducting in-person interviews. Today, detectives can learn a lot about suspects simply by scrolling through social media. This evolution in investigative techniques is just one of the many changes Butera has witnessed — and it’s part of what makes teaching at Bellevue University so rewarding for him.

As an associate professor in the College of Science and Technology, Butera shares more than 25 years of in-the-field criminal justice experience with his students. Teaching also enables him to stay current with new strategies, technologies and approaches to community relations that have emerged over the course of his career in criminal justice.

Butera’s journey with Bellevue University began in January 2001 when he joined as an adjunct professor in the criminal justice degree programs. After retiring from law enforcement in 2007, he transitioned to a full-time role as a professor and the Program Director — positions he still holds today.

Prior to his time at Bellevue, Butera taught part-time as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and University of Nebraska-Lincoln for over 25 years. There, he discovered a passion for mentoring aspiring criminal justice professionals.

He served nearly 25 years with the Omaha Police Department, retiring as a Captain and Commander of the Criminal Investigation Bureau. In this role, he oversaw units such as Homicide, Special Victims, Gangs, Narcotics, and Firearms. Because of this, criminal justice majors have greatly benefited from Butera’s leadership and firsthand experience throughout his teaching career.

One of Butera’s proudest achievements in law enforcement was being one of the original Omaha police supervisors at Project Harmony, an organization dedicated to ending child abuse and neglect. He also played significant roles in high-profile cases, including the Amber Harris and Kenyatta Bush cases. As a father of four daughters, these cases hit home and continue to motivate him to share his insights with students.

Initially, Butera was hesitant to join Bellevue University’s criminal justice faculty as he had never taught online before. However, knowing the university’s reputation as a leader in online education, he decided to give it a try.

“After a few meetings, I decided to accept the position and ended up really enjoying it and seeing the advantages of online,” Butera says.

He continues to see those benefits day after day. Online learning allows students from diverse geographic areas and backgrounds to participate in the same classroom. Butera feels this diversity of thought enriches discussions and creates a vibrant learning environment.

For instance, one student might be a police officer in Louisiana, while another works in New York City. Their vastly different experiences provide unique perspectives on law enforcement challenges and solutions. Additionally, many of Butera’s criminal justice students are active-duty military members or veterans, some of whom take courses while deployed around the world.

Butera is also proud that every faculty member in criminal justice is a current or former criminal justice professional, whether as a parole officer, detective, attorney, or another role. This real-world experience is a significant selling point for the program. Butera himself has developed much of the curriculum of the criminal justice degrees, including a Master of Science degree.

For Butera, what’s most fulfilling about teaching is not only passing along his knowledge but also hearing new ideas every day.

“The whole idea of being a lifelong learner really resonates with me,” he says.

At Bellevue University, he appreciates the flexibility to adapt his curriculum to meet the evolving needs of criminal justice education. As the field continues to change, Butera ensures that his students receive an up-to-date education that prepares them to be both informed citizens and effective practitioners.

“It’s a tremendous advantage that Bellevue University has,” he says.

During the showcase, Rachael and Sarah presented information to attendees, who circulated to different tables, on the work to streamline the online students’ experience in accessing support. Their showcase presentation focused on “Operationalizing Cognitive Kindness.” It highlighted how the University team mapped the user experience to engage with each type of support online and then simplified the student experience with:

• Single sign-on to access academic supports
• Embedded descriptions and links to academic support inside courses
• Cross-functional team collaboration to increase University-wide information sharing and awareness of academic supports

Since the first changes were made two years ago, academic support usage across all types has steadily increased from just under 1,000 users per week in November 2022 to nearly 6,000 users per week in November 2024.

Dr. Emad Rahim, Kotouc Family Endowed Professor and Chair at Bellevue University and Program Director of Project Management, has been awarded the 2025 Dr. Curt Reimann Baldrige Scholarship and Quality Award. This scholarship recognizes individuals who demonstrate a commitment to quality management and leadership. 

As one of two recipients, Dr. Rahim will participate in the Baldrige Examiner training program, which focuses on applying the principles of the Baldrige Excellence Framework in organizational improvement.

Dr. Rahim plans to use the Baldrige Excellence Framework to enhance academic and professional success for faculty and students within Bellevue University’s College of Science and Technology.

“By incorporating the core values of the Baldrige Framework, I aim to ensure our programs remain aligned with industry standards and are adaptable to the evolving demands of the marketplace,” said Dr. Rahim.

Dr. Rahim has outlined a strategy to integrate Baldrige principles into Bellevue University’s curriculum and faculty development processes. This includes regular assessments to measure program effectiveness, aligning faculty performance reviews with the framework’s criteria, and maintaining a focus on adaptability to meet marketplace demands.

“As we continue to enhance our programs, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and continuous improvement, ensuring that our students and faculty are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world,” Dr. Rahim added.

For more information about Bellevue University’s Project Management Center of Excellence, visit https://www.bellevue.edu/degrees/center-for-project-management/.

Bellevue University is one of America's top online colleges and universities, according to Newsweek. 

Bellevue University is one of 125 higher education institutions to receive a five-star rating - the recognition list's highest honor. 

The Newsweek ranking is split into two groups:

• America's Top Online Colleges - the top 250 colleges and universities that offer online undergraduate or graduate degree programs, including hybrid programs with online and offline courses and exams.
• America's Top Online Learning Providers - the top 100 institutions other than a university or college, and platforms, which provide access to their own or third-party online courses.

Bellevue University ranked #36 overall among public and private universities in Newsweek's ranking of online colleges and universities. The magazine worked with marketing and consumer data firm Statista to rank the institutions and released the list in November 2024.

"This ranking highlights Bellevue University's commitment to and ongoing investment into providing learners with the access and flexibility they need to pursue a high-quality education and successfully earn their degree or enhance their career," said President Dr. Mary Hawkins. 

The rankings are based on an online survey of U.S. residents who have used online learning services to obtain an academic degree or acquire knowledge and skills for their jobs (professional development) or hobbies (personal development).

User reviews and additional institutional indicators were transformed into score values and aggregated toward a final score. The ranking's evaluation criteria include:

• Institutional indicators (enrollment, graduation statistics, research activity): 20%
• Rating of experience: 50%
• Overall satisfaction: 20%
• Recommendation: 10%

Native plants don’t get nearly enough research attention and the representation of genome information for native plants is substantially lower than the database information available for crop plants or popular ornamental plants.

New student-led research at Bellevue University is trying to change some of that paradigm, and students from our research classes, visiting student programs and student worker positions have been sequencing a variety of plants from our native plant garden on campus to gain more insight into the genetic wonders these plants might contain.

The newest publication in the International Journal of Plant Biology presents the work of Bellevue University students Maddy Vasquez, Emma Stock and Kaziah Terrell, and our greenhouse manager Julian Ramirez and Professor Dr. John Kyndt. 

The work was focused on sequencing the chloroplast genome of the native plant Cleomella serrulata (also known as Rocky Mountain bee plant or stinking clover). The chloroplast was sequenced in-house and the genome was analyzed to determine the evolutionary origin of this plant and compare its genetic differences with other plant families. This is a first step to determine how native plants have evolved and adapted to certain environments over many years.

Cleomella can adapt to harsh environmental conditions and is of ecological importance in maintaining biodiversity within an arid ecosystem. Historically, Native American tribes utilized various parts of the plant for medicinal purposes, from treating skin ailments to alleviating respiratory issues. 

Obtaining plant genomic data is still a challenging endeavor. Both Emma and Kaziah spend many hours of their student research work trying to optimize the DNA extraction and sequencing methods for Cleomella and other plants. Maddy took the lead on writing the article for publication as part of her Biological Investigations class. Under the guidance of Dr. John Kyndt and Julian Ramirez, the team uncovered some interesting features of the evolution of this native plant within its family. This now opens the doors for future evolutionary studies of these plant families. 

Cleomella serrulata was also one of the plants highlighted last year in our Art + Science presentation at the Benson Theatre for its unique color pigmentation. 

The sequencing of native plants, soil and mushrooms is an ongoing project, and there are more student opportunities to join in this research. For more information, contact Dr. John Kyndt.

• Paul Banks, College of Arts and Sciences, was honored with the Lou Soukup Adjunct Faculty Award at the undergraduate level. Banks teaches in the Bellevue University Kirkpatrick Signature Series. 
• Inna Goldman, College of Business, was honored with the Lou Soukup Adjunct Faculty Award at the graduate level.  Goldman teaches in the MBA program, as well as Accounting and Business areas.
• Sue McDaniel, Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, was honored with the Excellence in Teaching Award. As part of the University's faculty since 2007, McDaniel has taught 92 different courses, and more than 540 classes to more than 11,500 students.
• Dr. Stephen Linenberger, Professor in the College of Business, was honored with the Excellence in Service Award. In addition to his teaching role, Dr. Linenberger leads the Faculty Senate and provides leadership and support to the Yeshiva Initiatives Educational Program (YIEP). 
• Monica McElhaney, Professor in the College of Business, was honored with the Excellence in Service Award. She teaches and direct numerous Accounting-related courses and also serves the community – she has organized campus blood drives since 2014. 
• Brian Kear, User Experience Designer and Adjunct Faculty, was honored with the President's Service Award. Kear has represented the University in several initiatives, ranging from developing technology to support the state academic decathlon to design and development of a website and online storytelling capabilities for the new Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Kear has also played a key role in the University's education partnership with Opportunity education, including working with Dr. Jodee Goracke to implement a design thinking course that benefits students in Nebraska and at the Opportunity Education campus in Tanzania.

Several employees reaching milestone service anniversaries were also recognized, including:

• Anthony Clarke, Associate Professor, College of Business, 25 years of service
• Sue McDaniel, Professor, College of Science and Technology, 25 years of service
• John Watson, AVP, Corporate Marketing & Business Intelligence, 25 years of service
• Tony Jasnowski, Professor Emeritus, College of Arts and Sciences, 30 years of service
• Ani Shrestha, Vice President, Information Technology Services, 30 years of service
• Roxanne Sullivan, Professor, College of Arts and Sciences, 40 years of service
• Robin Bernstein, Sr. Director, Library Services, 45 years of service

The all-campus meeting was held in-person and via Zoom and brought together more than 500 employees from campus and multiple remote locations for an update on university operations.

Among the graduates is Maddy Vasquez, student speaker, who has earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology degree. Vasquez, an Omaha Central graduate, worked as a lab technician in the university science lab and played soccer for the Bruins before an injury sidelined her in 2019.

“It’s inspiring to see our students realize they can do more and achieve their educational dreams,” said Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins. “Maddy’s story shows that the pathway to a college degree isn’t easy, but it’s always worthwhile.”

The commencement ceremony, which begins at 9:10 a.m. with the procession of graduates and the program starting at 9:30 a.m., will also feature comments from Michael Horn, a widely recognized thought leader.

10 students will also receive their doctoral degrees in a separate hooding ceremony held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 31, at the John B. Muller Administrative Services Building - Symposium Room located on the campus of Bellevue University. Dr. Cherisse Navarro, who has earned her Doctorate in Business Administration, will be the student speaker at the doctoral hooding ceremony.

According to University Registrar Colette Lewis, the University conferred 784 degrees from Jan. 1 through March 1, 2024. This includes 517 undergraduate degrees, 255 graduate degrees and 12 doctoral degrees. Bellevue University now has more than 60,000 graduates worldwide.

Bellevue University will also host a Commencement Open House event on its main campus on Friday, May 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.bellevue.edu/student-support/graduation/before-ceremony#gradopenhouse.

The University streams the commencement ceremony live so those who cannot attend have an opportunity to see students receive their diplomas. Click here to watch the spring commencement ceremony.

This week we highlight our senior science student Emma Stock, who’s about to graduate this Spring with her Biology bachelor’s degree with a minor in chemistry!

Emma is currently finishing up her thesis with research on the genetics and genomics of endangered Shoal Chub (Macrhybopsis). She has been sequencing DNA from environmentally collected fish samples that have been preserved, with the purpose of performing a detailed phylogenetic and ecological study of these species. Since these samples have been preserved for several years, it is certainly a challenging task to obtain sufficient intact genomic DNA for Illumina high-throughput sequencing, but according to Emma, taking on these challenging subjects “helps build character”.

After many lengthy hours of DNA extraction from preserved native fish samples and library preps for genome sequencing, she successfully sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes for three endangered Nebraska fish species. This will help with further preservation efforts and provide a better understanding of the evolution of these species. Besides her thesis project, Emma has also been working this past year as a lab research assistant on various soil and plant sequencing projects in the Bellevue University science labs. Emma is planning to present the results from her research at the Nebraska Academy of Sciences conference in April. 

In addition to her academic efforts, Emma also has had four successful years playing for the BU Women’s soccer team, where she functioned as team captain for the last year two years. Balancing academics and athletics can be challenging, but Emma has done a fantastic job of excelling in both!

Emma is continuing her education and passion for environmental science and has been accepted to the master's program in Environmental Studies at Evergreen State College. 

Robert Flowers, Ph.D., Sc.D., recently started working as the Director and Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Bellevue University. We recently caught up with Dr. Flowers to get to know him a little better.

What College do you teach in?

I teach for the College of Science and Technology.

What programs/classes do you teach?

I teach for and head the Computer Science program. Prior to that, I taught graduate Cybersecurity courses here at Bellevue University for the last 10 years.

Degrees/awards/certifications?

I earned my BS and MS in Information Technology from American Military University in Charleston, West Virginia. I received a Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) in Cybersecurity in 2016 and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Cyber Leadership in 2023: both from Capitol Technology University in Laurel, Maryland.

What career did you dream of when you were a child?

My childhood dream was to become a police officer. Fortunately, I was able to realize that dream. I served as a police cadet for the Howard County, Maryland Police Department and as a sworn police officer for the Fort Lauderdale, Florida Police Department.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. I could hear the sounds from the Pimlico Preakness horse races from my bedroom window.

Tell us about your previous work/schools?

I worked for 26 years at Navy Federal Credit Union. I started as a TCP/IP Network Engineer, and I retired on February 1, 2024 as a risk management Assistant Vice President. Since 2014, I have been an adjunct here at Bellevue University teaching in the Cybersecurity graduate program under Doug Rausch.

What experiences or people had the most influence on you?

One of the most influential people in my professional growth has been Dr. Mary Dobransky, Dean of the College of Science and Technology. Mary took a chance on me while I was still studying for my first doctorate. I had a fair amount of experience creating university courses at the time, but not as much teaching them. Since then, she has been an amazing supporter of my education as well as my research. Without that, I would not have been able to obtain my Ph.D. or publish two articles in the journal of the world’s largest technical professional engineering society: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Most importantly, with her sponsorship, I was able to achieve my dream job as Assistant Professor of Computer Science. The experience that had the biggest impact on me was actually a failure. I was asked to write a program that could determine whether a member of our military was logging in from an active war zone (i.e., Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.). Due to many gigabytes of input data, the program I wrote was taking too long to run, so I studied the Art of Computer Programming: Sorting and Searching by Dr. Donald Knuth, Professor Emeritus at Stanford University. As a result, my program went from taking more than two days to execute to less than 30 minutes. That experience taught me the power of computer science and how it can have a huge impact if we know when to apply it.

What do you love most about working at Bellevue University?

I have taught at a wide variety of universities and professional development institutions. I can say with absolute certainty that Bellevue University is the most collegial organization for which I have ever worked. I have yet to meet anyone who places anything above ensuring our students have the best learning experience possible. Everyone tries to achieve that goal collaboratively.

What motivates or inspires you?

I am motivated and inspired when I can transform complexity into simplicity. I enjoy making hard things easy whether it is designing a graphical user interface for the software that I write or taking an arcane but seminal textbook and turning it into course material that any student can understand.

What interests you outside of work? What are you passionate about?

Outside of work I am a geek, so I like to code. I also like to spend time with my family hanging out and cooking Indian and soul food. Most of the time, however, my wife and I are sitting on the side of a volleyball court watching our youngest daughter play. My eldest played Division 1 volleyball at Delaware State, so we have lots of courtside experience! As far as passion goes, I am committed to reducing poverty. For the last 15 years, I have been providing microloans to entrepreneurs in developing nations. According to the World Bank, half of the world lives on less than $5.50 a day, so a cup of gourmet coffee for us is a day’s wages for a lot of people around the world.

What is the most important piece of advice you can give to someone

The advice I give my students is to do hands-on learning as much as possible. I encourage them to acquire good books, used hardware, and free software to apply the concepts they learn in class. Applying knowledge transforms it into skill which can help with landing a job or getting a promotion. The formula worked for me, so I now pass that advice on to them.

Goals moving forward that you would like to share.

My goal is to continue my research into preventing data theft. In addition to my 2017 data theft assessment patent (US9626522B1), I hope to generate new patents for future inventions.

Bob is program director for the Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, one of Bellevue University’s largest online undergraduate programs with over 300 students each term. Its popularity signifies student desire to develop creative skills while learning technology tools that bring ideas to life. 

According to Bob, the graphic design field has broadened over the past 10 years. “Graphic design was always an attractive job,” he said. “But now there are roles in branding, website design, social media, publishing, print media, employee communications and more. Designers can work as ‘creator’ entrepreneurs, or seek jobs with design studios, marketing agencies and corporations.” The Bellevue University Graphic Design courses are intentionally developed for a variety of design career paths.

Bob indicated people often ask if artificial intelligence (AI) will replace graphic designers. “The way I see it is AI is a tool just like all of the other technology,” he described. The key is to teach students how to use AI effectively and ethically. It still takes smart people to pull together creative solutions for whatever business problem is at hand.” One example of the importance of the human factor is in logo design where solutions must be timeless and memorable. “Our students learn to explain every design which pushes them to always think things through,” Bob added.

Even in the digital age, some wonder if it’s possible to learn graphic design in a 100% online program. “Bellevue University has been offering online learning for nearly 30 years — longer than I’ve been around here,” Bob laughed. “Today, there are more tools than ever for effective learning online. Feedback from our graduates indicates mastering graphic design skills is not only possible, but preferred.”

Bob says his job is to listen to student feedback and continuously create new learning resources. Two of the most effective are weekly video summaries of coursework and “how to: videos. “In the online environment, students need resources at their fingertips when they have a question — day or night,” Bob described. “I always remind students I am here for them, too, via email or Zoom.”

At Bellevue University, professors are fortunate to have the freedom to design and deliver learning in the ways we think are most effective,” Bob emphasized. Not every student is the same so we need the flexibility to try different approaches and ultimately, do what works.”

As an experienced professor, Bob sometimes finds he has to remind students that learning does take time and effort. “In today’s world, we all expect everything to happen lightning fast but you can’t ‘Door Dash’ learning to you,” he said.  The really successful students understand the path includes hard work, persistence and keeping their priorities straight.”

Bob’s tips for students actually apply to any degree program: Show you want to be here and you care about your work. Be excited and engage with your professors, as well as other students.  Ask good questions and lots of them. Also, realize that mistakes are just part of the learning process.”

“I’m here to set a high bar and help students get to where they want to go,” Bob described.  “When I see light bulbs have gone off in the learning process, it’s magical!”

Omahan Braxton Crowder, a young professional who participated in after-school programs when he was growing up and today is actively involved in directing multiple after-school programs for youth, has been named the recipient of the Ethical Leadership and Service Award by Bellevue University’s Ethical Insights Committee. The award was presented to Crowder in a ceremony at Monroe Middle School on Feb. 5, 2024. 

The son of a single, hard-working mom, Crowder was involved in the Monroe Middle School’s Activity Center and credits the center for playing a pivotal role in shaping his character and career path. Crowder is currently employed as Experience Manager at the Kiewit Luminarium and previously has worked as a YMCA Camp Counselor and as Site Director for after-school programs at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo, Kids Can, Jackson Elementary, and as a consultant for MENTOR Nebraska.

Through these roles, Crowder has impacted youth across all parts of the Omaha metropolitan area. “His efforts show how one person can make a positive contribution that benefits many,” said Bellevue University President Mary Hawkins when presenting Crowder with the award. 

“Ethical leadership is all about doing the right thing even when you don’t think anyone is watching,” said Crowder. 

“Being able to see the impact of your actions is important,” Crowder said. “I remember being in after-school programs and the programs changing my life and changing my outlook. As I got older, I remembered those key skills I learned and they’ve helped me become the person I am today.”

Ethical Insights is a faculty-driven initiative which fosters the teaching and learning of ethics across the colleges at Bellevue University. The current members of the Ethical Insights Committee include Committee Chair Karla Carter, Associate Professor; Pat Artz, Associate Professor; Leo Mayhan, Assistant Professor; and Dr. Carlos Del Rio, Associate Professor. 

The Ethical Leadership Award is presented annually to a community member or student for outstanding leadership in ethics as demonstrated by professional and community service.

Previous winners of the Ethical Leadership and Service Award include:

2022 - Debra Parsow

2021 - JR Richardson

2020 — Beth Riley

2019 — Katherine (KC) Noble

2018 — Pete Heineman

2017 — Gina Ponce

2016 — Mike Livergood

2015 — Dr. Jon Kayne

2014 — Rabbi Pesach Lerner

2013 – Frank Kumar

2012 – Dr. Robert Saniuk

2011 – Prof. Del Stites

Web exploitation, cryptography, log analysis, password cracking, Open-Source Intelligence, reverse engineering, forensics — all are critical skills if you are a cybersecurity professional. 

To build and maintain these skills, students from Bellevue University participate in the National Cyber League (NCL). The NCL is a “capture-the-flag” competition more commonly known as a “CTF.” CTF players solve challenges in various categories and are awarded flags. The team with the most flags at the end of the competition wins.  

Nationwide, 8,580 students from 510 colleges and universities participated in this most recent season. The 26 students who competed with Bellevue University’s NCL team finished the season ranked 26th in the country, up from its number 50 ranking the previous season. The team received congratulatory letters from both Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Congressman Mike Flood for their efforts. 

According to Professor Doug Rausch, Cybersecurity Program Director and Maenner Endowed Chair, the Bellevue University team is currently gearing up for the spring season of NCL and is seeking students in cybersecurity and related programs who want to grow their skills. No prior CTF experience is required, and training sessions are held throughout the season. For more information about the league, visit https://www.nationalcyberleague.org.                                                                                            

In addition to the practice sessions players will compete in preseason, individual, and team games. The season runs through April 21. If interested contact Professor Rausch at drausch@bellevue.edu.

Bellevue University, a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, has been recognized as one of the Best Open Enrollment Colleges Online 2024. 

The recognition comes from EdSmart, a leading educational resource, which compiles an annual ranking that highlights institutions that offer open admissions. Open admissions make higher education accessible to a wide range of students.

“Bellevue University has been fiercely open access since we opened our doors in 1966,” said Dr. Mary Hawkins, Bellevue University President. “What this means is that we’re committed to making sure all learners have the skills and support needed to achieve their goals.”

Bellevue University, which ranked sixth in the EdSmart list, offers more than 80 degree programs from the associate to the doctoral level, and many are offered fully online. The University also offers a number of skill-based certificates, including several where students can earn college credits that can later be applied to other degrees and credentials.

Dr. Emad Rahim, the Kotouc Family Endowed Professor and Chair of Project Management at Bellevue University, will receive the 2024 Emerging Scholar Award at the 25th International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities and Nations in Cyprus, Greece, June 11-13, 2024. 

The Emerging Scholar Award program provides a robust professional development opportunity for award recipients to meet experts in the field, interact with colleagues from other parts of the world, and create networks and lasting connections. Across all formats, Emerging Scholars play a critical role in the conference by leading discussions and chairing parallel sessions and are offered a publication pathway for their research.

Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins said “We’re proud to see Emad recognized for the positive impact he has on the project management profession and the many communities and networks in which he engages. His inclusive approach to education benefits our learners and the world at large.” 

Founded in 2000, the Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations Research Network is brought together by a common concern for the science of, and social responses to, climate change. The focus for the 25th conference is “Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity: Navigating Intercultural Leadership.”

In addition to holding the Kotouc Endowed Chair, Dr. Rahim serves as program director for Bellevue University’s Master of Project Management and Bachelor of Science in Project Management degrees. Both degree programs are accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education (GAC). 

Bellevue University’s Dr. Emad Rahim has published five peer-reviewed articles in the last several months on topics closely related to sustainable business practices. 

Dr. Rahim, who serves as the Kotouc Family Endowed Professor and Chair of Project Management at Bellevue University, authored or co-authored and published the following articles:

• "Diversity Interventions and Healthcare Management- A Real World Case Study,” in the International Journal of Reliable and Quality E-Healthcare. This work was co-authored by Darrell Burrell. 
• “Application and Analysis for Sustainability Strategy Development: Research, Process, Models, Leadership, Management, and Technology” in the book Transformational Interventions for Business, Technology, and Healthcare. 
• “Applying the Triple Bottom Line for Corporate Sustainability Toward Zero Environmental, Social, and Economic Footprints in Corporate Practice,” in the book Applied Research Approaches to Technology, Healthcare, and Business. 
• “Shifting Trends in Corporate Social Responsibility for Sustainable Business Practices,” in the book Real-World Solutions for Diversity, Strategic Change, and Organizational Development: Perspectives in Healthcare, Education, Business, and Technology. 
• “Understanding Green Human Resources in Healthcare,” in a Research Anthology on Human Resource Practices for the Modern Workforce. This work was co-authored by Dr. Terrence Duncan, Darrell Burrell and Brian Hurd. 

Dr. Rahim holds three doctoral degrees; he earned his most recent Ph.D. in 2023 in Organizational Sustainability. 

In addition to holding the Kotouc Endowed Chair, Dr. Rahim serves as program director for Bellevue University’s Master of Project Management and Bachelor of Science in Project Management degrees. Both degree programs are accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education (GAC). 

Air Force veteran and career teacher Sue McDaniel, Ph.D.,  brought her daughter, Shawnee, into her classroom when Shawnee was just 5 years old.  Shawnee absorbed her mom’s teaching approach and enthusiasm for learning. Today, mother and daughter – who is also a professor - share teaching styles, a deep love of constant learning, and the excitement of seeing their students achieve big dreams.

Sue is a beloved professor in the College of Science and Technology, having taught over 11,000 students— more than any other Bellevue University faculty member. She is Program Director for the Business Analytics graduate and undergraduate degree programs, as well as the Management Information Systems undergraduate degree program.  Also, Sue designed an information technology program for a special group of students from China.

It’s no wonder Sue has set a Bellevue University teaching record as hundreds of comments from student evaluations tell individual stories of a life-changing professor-student relationship:

“Professor McDaniel is encouraging, helpful, and patient! I started this class fearful and with no knowledge on coding. I feel I have learned a great deal, and felt very comfortable asking questions to either the professor or my fellow classmates. This was probably one of the most inviting classes I've been in. Thank you, Sue, for helping to set that tone!”

“I have really enjoyed having Professor McDaniel as an instructor. This is the third class I have had with her and it gets better with each one.”

“By far one of my best teachers. She has a gift and gives you the tools to succeed. I am glad I took her class because that challenged me and made me discover what I can do.”

“I've had Professor McDaniel for multiple courses and have enjoyed every single one of them. She is so kind and supportive in her feedback, which motivates me in these pretty difficult courses. She responds to emails in a timely manner and helps us work through difficult queries. Tech or conceptual-heavy classes can be really difficult to be motivated in, but she's an incredible professor that makes me want to continue to challenge myself.”

What’s equally remarkable about Sue is the daughter she raised. Shawnee McDaniel was recently named Bellevue University’s Assistant Professor of Data Science and Business Analytics. Shawnee has worked in industry and has taught as an adjunct professor at the University. She holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Business Analytics and is close to completing her doctorate in Business Administration and Data Analytics.

“My Mom and I live to work because we thoroughly love what we do!” Shawnee said.  “For me, the biggest thrill is seeing students apply their newly found skills to achieve goals that are greater than they ever believed possible. Knowing I helped gives me great satisfaction.”

Sue and Shawnee share a walk and morning coffee every single day. And, they share great enthusiasm for the future of artificial intelligence (AI). “AI is the biggest shift since the internet became mainstream,” Sue said. “It’s exciting to teach our students how to effectively use AI to bring extensive amounts of information into an easily digestible format.”

Sue added that she believes AI is here to stay. “The key for our students is to figure out how to use it to help their company while at the same time, making themselves a more valuable asset.”

When asked why they choose Bellevue University, both Sue and Shawnee are quick to answer.  “Across all of our colleges, faculty believe in positive reinforcement,” they emphasized. “Plus, students learn the skills to get the job they want — not just to fit into a box.”

One student who took classes from both Sue and Shawnee commented:

“Sue McDaniel is - in my opinion - a perfect instructor. She has a laid-back attitude while also being professional - which is inherently hard to attain - and she truly cares about her students and career. Her daughter - Shawnee McDaniel - emulates the exact traits. I truly wish I can continue taking classes under both of them, and thank them for everything.”

Sue raised not only an accomplished daughter but one who might someday step into her shoes at Bellevue University. Students will be thrilled either way.

Art + Science will welcome the community, educators and world-class artists to its first-of-its-kind incubator event at the Benson Theater on Thursday, Nov. 9, 6 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased for $5 on EventBrite before the event. 

The event is the culmination of nearly two years of collaboration and creative development born out of cutting-edge natural science research conducted at Bellevue University. 

The science research, led by Drs. John Kyndt and Tyler Moore, involves algae and native plant biology; the artistic projects, led by Professor David Thomas, Professor JoDee Goracke and world-renowned artists Petra Bachmaier and Sean Gallero of Luftwerk, highlight how nature’s colors and design thinking can shape the human experience in an age fraught with climate change and environmental concerns.

Spencer Goracke, one of the event organizers, said the Thursday evening event is intended to introduce the Benson and Omaha creative community to the world-class collaboration that began in 2022 when Chicago-based Luftwerk founders Bachmaier and Gallero conducted Art + Science workshops for students and faculty at Bellevue University as part of an immersive residency. 

The event will feature a short film, a multidisciplinary art + science discussion from the stage and an opportunity for attendees to sample algae-based beer from Back of the Yards Algae Sciences. 

“Art + Science is a partnership that changes what we think art is and what we believe science is,” explained Professor Thomas, one of the incubator group founders. “It’s a collaboration that enables science to inspire art and vice versa. That ultimately benefits students, researchers, creators and anyone who cares about the interconnected world we live in.”

For more information about Art + Science, please visit the EventBrite page. 

It was all possible thanks to Bellevue University's participation in DELFIN, a network of academic institutions in five Latin American countries that is designed to enhance undergraduate research, expand students’ international perspectives and open the door to faculty collaborations.  

The students and their research projects included:

• Delgado Ortega Jazmín Azucena - “Unveiling the secrets of Mono Lake's extreme environment through characterization and genomic analysis of extremophilic bacterial species”
• Ibarra Zamudio Jose Saul - “Metagenomic analysis of soil microbial health after glyphosate (Roundup) treatment” 
• Martinez Yesenia - “Genomic analysis of new bacterial species from extreme environments”
• Peña Durán Emiliano - “Poly I:C-induced cell death following CRISPR Cas9 knockout of IRF3 in B16 melanoma cells”
• Ramirez Oxte Hannia Nahomi - “Using sound to detect machine damage: Impact of observer experience”
• Vieyra Vega Montserrat - “Unveiling the secrets of Mono Lake's extreme environment through characterization and genomic analysis of extremophilic bacterial species"

Bellevue University is one of just a handful of American universities that is a member of DELFIN, which stands for the Inter-Institutional Program for Strengthening of Research and Graduate Studies in the Pacific. The University of Nebraska at Kearney was the first U.S. member of the DELFIN program and houses the United States DELFIN chapter. 

DELFIN includes more than 200 academic institutions and research centers across Mexico, has been established with chapters in Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Peru, and students travel to countries such as Germany, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Cuba, Spain, United States, England, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Uruguay. Since DELFIN began in 1995, more than 55,000 students have participated alongside faculty in research projects.

“We’re energized by the opportunities that DELFIN represents,” said Julie Verebely, Director, Global Partnerships at Bellevue University. “We have strong relationships with educational partners in a variety of different countries and our joining DELFIN builds on those connections and creates even more opportunities for our students and our faculty to have wonderful experiences.”

As a Bellevue University alumnus and cybersecurity professional, Professor David Petty provides the perfect balance of expertise and relevancy for his students in the College of Science and Technology. In fact, the University recently recognized him with the Lou Soukup award as an outstanding adjunct professor for his efforts.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the University and my fellow faculty,” he said. “I very much appreciate the opportunity to be part of the Bellevue University family.”

Applying Lifelong Learning to a Successful Career

Petty has dedicated his career to various areas of technology, growing and learning along the way. He spent 20 years in the military as an Intelligence Analyst focused on defense against cyber attacks. He then devoted 14 years to the Defense Intelligence Agency as a Cyber Intelligence Officer and IT Project Manager. He now works as a Geospatial Systems Analyst/Engineer for the U.S. Forest Service .

Building on this expertise, he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bellevue University in 2004 and 2007. During this time, a faculty member suggested he apply to become an adjunct faculty member. He’s been serving in that role since 2009.

Sharing a Love for Technology

Over the past 14 years, Petty has taught both online and in-person courses in cybersecurity, project management, and information and systems management.

“I have always been a technology nerd and love to share that passion with students,” he said.

Petty tries to give his students a valuable learning experience by sharing his knowledge and encouraging them to share perspectives based on their own backgrounds. “I believe that Bellevue University’s greatest strengths are its faculty and students, and how their individual life experiences contribute to the active learning environment,” he said. “I have tried to do the same, where I can. This helps to reinforce the curriculum and applies not just what you can learn out of a textbook, but provides those real-life examples.”

Petty’s background helps him provide real-world context for his students, whether it’s how important a role cybersecurity plays in the national and global arena, or how information technology is being actively used to counter wildland fire and the results of climate change. Petty adds that the University has established a system that sets students up for success. “They provide a very good professor-to-student ratio, which translates to more hands-on interactions between faculty and students,” he said. “Couple this with the wide experiences that the faculty brings and you have a very eclectic environment that builds on relationships and authentic interest in seeing our students succeed.”

One example of this is the recent work by Tim Parsons and Jess Charlesworth, who are a Chicago-based artist couple (Parsons & Charlesworth), that designed and build the ‘Algae Kin-Gatherer’ which was on display at DEMO23 on Pier17 in New York this past month.

DEMO23 is a new festival created by NEW INC, the New Museum’s incubator for art, design, and technology.   Tim and Jess are design artists that care deeply about, and are inspired by, broad science topics related to climate change and the ongoing extinctions of species. Since earlier this year, they have been discussing various topics of art and science overlap with Professors David Thomas and John Kyndt at Bellevue University, particularly related to understanding the concept of algae cultivation and algal biology. These discussions challenged both artists and scientists to understand more about how algae sense and interact with their environment. This gave rise to the artists design of a device that is intended to enhance the sensory-based interaction with algae in their natural environment.

“The Algae Kin-Gatherer, is the inaugural sculptural piece from our ongoing climate fiction project, Multispecies Inc. This artwork is an example of a new object typology we are exploring – the kin-gatherer – which we see as a tool for extreme empathy that goes beyond data-collection to attempt a more visceral connection with the “umwelt” of other species.”-explain Tim and Jess.  

The Algae Kin-Gatherer comprises a raft and accessories that allow users to “make kin with algae” and gain a profound understanding of their world. It involves floating face-down on water, attracting and observing algae, feeding them with exhaled CO2, and breathing in the oxygen they produce. The artwork is accompanied by an audio story, accessible here.

To learn more about the Algae Kin-Gatherer, you can:

• Watch Tim and Jess 7-minute talk from the Creative Science day at the NEW INC DEMO2023 Festival.
• Listen to The Algae Kin-Gatherer. audio story here.
• Explore Multispecies Inc: Volume 1 for a deeper understanding of the overall project’s concept and vision.  

Besides the resulting art work, algal samples that were collected from the NY East River are now forming the basis for further student research and DNA sequencing at the BU science labs. “By doing genome sequencing on the samples from the NY East River we can get a better understanding of what species are present and how these interact with each other, and whether or not they can give rise to algal blooms”, says Dr. John Kyndt.

Tim and Jess are looking forward to continuing their collaborations with BU scientist and artist as part of next years ART+SCIENCE incubator project at Bellevue University.

- by John Kyndt

This story was originally published on Science on Display, a blog published by the Bellevue University Natural Science Center of Excellence. 

• David Petty, adjunct faculty member, College of Science and Technology, was honored with the Lou Soukup Adjunct Faculty Award; 
• Megan Berry Barlow, adjunct faculty member, College of Business, was honored with the Lou Soukup Adjunct Faculty Award; 
• Dr. Cynthia Nye, Professor, College of Business, was honored with the Excellence in Teaching Award (not pictured);
• Karla Carter, Associate Professor, College of Science and Technology, was honored with the Excellence in Service Award; 
• David Joel Thomas,  Assistant Professor and Program Director, College of Arts and Sciences, was honored with the Innovation in Teaching Award; 
• Marshall Peterson, Sr. Instructional Designer, was honored with the Excellence in Innovation Award;
• Caitlin Petty, Instructional Designer, was honored with the Excellence in Innovation Award (not pictured);
• Alexis Perea, Sr. Director, Enrollment Management, was honored with the President's Service Award.

Employees reaching milestone service anniversaries were also recognized. 

The annual awards were announced at a University all-campus meeting held June 16. The meeting was held in-person and via Zoom and brought together more than 500 employees from campus and multiple remote locations for an update on university operations.

In fact, when facing a barrier, she takes matters into her own hands.

That’s exactly why she enrolled in Bellevue University’s Human Capital Management doctoral program.

Carrie previously earned a Master of Business Administration from the University in 2013, followed by a Master of Science in Acquisition and Contract Management in 2017. During this period, she also worked for the government and faced having her accommodations taken away.

“I am deaf, but I don’t see myself as deaf as I don’t know sign language and use my voice to speak,” she explained. “I have a cochlear implant and a hearing aid, allowing me to hear sounds and communicate with others. However, the workplace can be challenging for those with disabilities, such as hearing loss. After working for a federal agency, having my accommodations taken away after five years, and then going to another government agency to sit at a desk for seven months with no training and no accommodations, I decided a change was needed.”

This decision was reaffirmed when Carrie heard Dr. Rebecca Murdock, Dean of the College of Business, speak at the 2017 Bellevue University commencement ceremony.

“She said, ‘No matter where we go, we are all unique, and the opportunities are endless. If we want to change the world, to make it better, then it is up to us as individuals to make the greatest change to humanity,’” Carrie recalled. “This struck a chord within me so deeply that I decided it was up to me to change how society sees people with disabilities, especially hearing loss.”

Carrie determined that to do so, she needed to either become a lawyer or get her doctorate. She looked into Bellevue University’s Human Capital Management doctoral program and realized it would be the perfect fit for her, as it focuses on how employers can use practices such as optimizing employee engagement and productivity through managing and producing needed skill sets in the workforce.

In March 2018, she was accepted into the program.

“The rigorous challenges of the program later enabled me to produce my best work successfully,” Carrie said.

In December 2022, she defended her dissertation, titled “Why Are You Not Asking for Workplace Accommodations? Exploring the Attitudes and Behaviors of Individuals with Hearing Loss Requesting Workplace Accommodations: A Phenomenological Study.”

Carrie was then set to graduate in January 2023 alongside her husband, Daniel, who earned a master’s degree in data science.

“I was very excited for both of us,” Carrie said. “However, Daniel had to have back surgery right before graduation due to a car accident. Therefore, we had to cancel all of our plans and put our focus on Daniel’s recovery and rehabilitation. We both needed him to be able to walk, and thus, we focused on graduating on June 2 (doctoral hooding) and June 3, respectively.”

Today, the couple lives in Fairfield, California. Daniel is employed by a company that works on lunar technology on behalf of NASA and other classified projects. His Master of Science Degree in Data Science from Bellevue University directly impacts that work and boosts his skillset as a digital signal processing engineer.

“As a DSP engineer, having a data science background is essential because technology is advancing and turning into machine learning and adaptive systems, primarily related to data science,” he explained. “Nowadays, organizations are collecting large data sets, and knowing how to use this data is beneficial in many engineering applications.”

Daniel added that he’s currently enrolled in Bellevue University’s cybersecurity master’s program.

“Before attending Bellevue University, my future goal was to go into business with my wife, as she has over 10 years of government contracting experience,” he said. “We would make a great team with her skill set. I realized I needed government-related skills since we would be working with the government. A cybersecurity degree will allow me to achieve that goal.”

Carrie’s plans for herself include writing a book about hearing loss and accommodations in the workplace, as well as advancing some of the research she found in her dissertation.

As for the company the couple hopes to establish, Daniel feels it will combine the best of their skills.

“From engineering, data science and cybersecurity to federal contracting and human capital management, we can provide services that best optimize our talents and what we have learned from Bellevue University,” he said.

Carrie shared that attending college alongside her husband was both a surreal and fun experience.

“I never expected Daniel to want or find a program that he wanted to take at Bellevue University, but he knew that my experience since getting my two master’s degrees was nothing but positive,” she said. “I am so lucky we have this journey of great memories to reflect on and share in each other’s accomplishments more personally. Of course, we couldn’t have done it without the support of Bellevue University’s faculty and staff.”

Carrie also shared a quote from Professor of Leadership Stephen Linenberger, who was part of her dissertation committee, that she carries with her today.

“He would say, ‘Leadership can be an innate skill, and it is a learned skill. Life experiences shape who we are, and sometimes these experiences can create a desire to lead,’” she said. “I now choose to lead, and thus Bellevue University has had a profound impact on how I see myself in the world today.”

The Bellevue University Cyber League team recently completed the 2023 National Cyber League (NCL) spring season and scored a top 50 national ranking.

The Bruins ranked number 45 out of 451 competing colleges and universities to land in the top 10% of teams nationally. This is the highest ranking the Bellevue University team has achieved out of 10 seasons of play.

NCL virtual competitions consist of pre-season games where students practice skills; individual games where students compete by themselves; and team games where students are placed on teams of up to seven individuals and compete as a group. 

“Joining Cyber League and being a part of the NCL was one of the best choices I made besides going back to school,” said Bellevue University student Natasha Jeter. “The knowledge and experience you gain on your own and with a team is invaluable. Not to mention it’s fun!”

NCL “Capture the Flag” style competitions award students flags, or points, for solving various cybersecurity challenges. Challenges fall into categories such as Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), Cryptography, Password Cracking, Log Analysis, Network Traffic Analysis, Wireless Access Exploitation, Forensics, Scanning, Web Application Exploitation, and Enumeration & Exploitation.           

“My experience with NCL was amazing,” said Lisa Hubka, another member of the Bellevue University team. “I loved password cracking and OSINT! I set up my first virtual machine and learned to use so many of the tools that came with it.”                                                                                         

Each NCL season, every student’s progress and strengths are validated through individual scouting reports and team rankings, enabling employers and recruiters to easily determine the students’ fit for open positions.

According to Associate Professor Doug Rausch, Bellevue University’s team will compete in the Fall 2023 NCL and is looking for students interested in improving their cybersecurity skills in a hands-on, competitive environment. 

“We’re seeking both undergraduate and graduate students,” said Rausch, “and not just those pursuing a cybersecurity degree. This is a great way for students to develop and improve their cybersecurity skills and prepare for a future career.”

About Bellevue University

Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 60,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 80 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).

How long have you been at Bellevue University? I believe this will be my 15th year at BU.

What programs/ classes do you teach? I am the program director for the Graphic Design program - I teach/have taught all of the graphic design classes.

Tell us about your previous work/schools? I joke that I’m a non-academic academic since I don’t have a traditional academic background. I’ve been a graphic designer since 1994.

Degrees/awards: AA from Metro, BS from UNO, MA from BU and I’m looking to finish my MFA at UNL.

What do you love most about teaching at Bellevue University? The flexibility I’m allowed in developing and teaching my courses. Smaller class sizes allows me to know my students and for them to know me.

What motivates or inspires you? Everything. I’m inspired by art, design, music, photography, lettering, graffiti, woodworking, food, sewing, skate culture, etc., etc.

What experiences or people had the most influence on you? I have had a few teachers that have really influenced me in how I teach and how I look at the world. But I think I’m influenced mostly by everyday things and events. Being aware of life can be a big influence if you allow it.

What is your favorite teaching experience or memory? When I can see the glow of understanding brighten in a student’s eyes. Or when a student ends up someplace completely different because they took an idea and ran with it.

What career did you dream of when you were a child? When I was very young, I wanted to fly jets. But my first pair of glasses doused that dream. In high school, I wanted to be an architect. I loved it, and still do. But I struggled horribly in math, so that dream became graphic design.

Where did you grow up? New Jersey, Fremont, and Omaha.

What is your favorite book? Just one? On the Road by Jack Kerouac, Ruling your World by Sakyong Mipham, and Yertle the Turtle by Dr. Seuss are a few of my favorites.

What is the most important piece of advice you give to your students? Make your education a priority in life. Work. Work. Work. Ask as many questions as you need and never give up. There is always a way.

What do you think distinguishes the BU experience/education? Professors know their students and students know their professors. We really push learning, and apply a good dose of reality to what and how we teach. Doors are always open.