NE-INBRE Program Welcomes New Cohort of Undergraduate Biomedical Research Scholars Across Nebraska
Key Insights
The Nebraska INBRE program, supported by a $2.75 million annual NIH grant, has selected a new cohort of undergraduate scholars for a 10-week summer biomedical research experience.
Scholars from 11 undergraduate institutions across Nebraska will conduct mentored research primarily at UNMC, with additional placements at UNL and Creighton University.
The program, led by principal investigator Paul Sorgen (search), PhD, aims to open doors for students to engage in research that contributes to human health breakthroughs.
The Nebraska Institutional Development Award Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (NE-INBRE) program has welcomed a new cohort of undergraduate students from across Nebraska for its annual summer research experience. Following orientation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in late May, the NE-INBRE Scholars began a 10-week immersive research program under the guidance of faculty mentors.
The program is overseen by Paul Sorgen (search), PhD, a professor in the UNMC Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and principal investigator of the annual $2.75 million National Institutes of Health grant that supports the initiative.
"We're excited to welcome a new cohort of NE-INBRE scholars this year to UNMC and the INBRE program," Dr. Sorgen said. "You never know where or when the next breakthrough will come from to help human health, and INBRE opens doors for students across 11 different undergraduate institutions to engage in research and science that makes a difference."
Program Structure and Participating Institutions
Most NE-INBRE Scholars remain at UNMC for their summer research, while others conduct research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and Creighton University. Upon completion of the summer experience, scholars return to their home campuses in the fall to continue their laboratory work.
The 2026 cohort draws students from 11 undergraduate institutions, including Bryan College of Health Sciences, Chadron State College, College of Saint Mary, Creighton University, Doane University, Nebraska Indian Community College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), UNL, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Wayne State College.
UNK Scholars Represented in the Cohort
Six students from the University of Nebraska at Kearney were selected for this year's competitive program: Samantha Bursaw of Ravenna, Carly Chandler of Pleasanton, Carter Moss of Plattsmouth, Anamel Olegario of Kearney, Joseph Roeder of North Platte, and Nikolus Schrock of Kearney.
Building the Biomedical Workforce
The NE-INBRE program is designed to provide hands-on laboratory experience and mentorship from leading scientists, helping students develop the skills and experience needed for careers in biomedical research, health care, and other STEM fields. By supporting undergraduate research experiences at institutions across Nebraska, the program aims to strengthen the biomedical research pipeline and foster scientific discovery that may lead to advances in human health.