Dr. F. Fred Choobineh, P.E., Director, Nebraska EPSCoR
Dr. Choobineh is a professor of Electrical Engineering and Blackman Distinguished Professor of Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he also holds a courtesy appointment as a professor of Management. His research interests include design and control of manufacturing systems and the use of approximate reasoning techniques such as fuzzy sets and evidence theory in modeling decision situations and risk analysis. His research has been funded by NSF and industry. He is a recipient of the Nebraska Legislator Award for Distinguished Teaching in the College of Engineering and is a four-time recipient of the Nebraska Parents Association and Teaching Council Recognition Award for Contributions to Students. Dr. Choobineh received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Masters of Engineering and Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Industrial Engineers and a member of IEEE and IIE. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Nebraska and serves on the state Board of Engineers and Architects.

Ms. Sarah Zulkoski-Benson, Outreach Coordinator
Ms. Zulkoski-Benson received a bachelor's degree of science in Biochemistry from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UN-L) in 1999. After graduating, she continued working for MDS PharmaServices as a manager in the bioanalytical department where she had done data analysis and laboratory work as an undergraduate. In 2003 Ms. Zulkoski-Benson began coursework at UN-L to receive a Masters of Secondary Teaching in science and a Nebraska teaching certificate. She began working for UN-L's Center for Biotechnology in 2004, under the direction of Dr. Michael Fromm where she developed and administrates the Molecular Biology for Secondary Classrooms (MBSC) program. MBSC serves more than 1,000 high school students in eastern Nebraska each year and is funded by Nebraska EPSCoR and the Center for Biotechnology. In September 2007, Nebraska EPSCoR presented the opportunity for Ms. Zulkoski-Benson to manage the program's outreach components. She is eager to enhance and expand the opportunities for Nebraska EPSCoR to positively impact Nebraska students, teachers and researchers.

Ms. Nancy Simnitt, Administrative Technician
Ms. Simnitt received her Associates of Applied Science degree in Administrative Secretarial from Southeast Community College-Lincoln in 1986. She began her career at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UN-L) as Secretary to the Director of the School of Biological Sciences. The position provided many opportunities for increased job responsibilities and advancement. After 11 years, she took advantage of an opportunity to work in a private company in Lincoln. In 2001, Nebraska EPSCoR needed additional staff to support the increased funding and programs that had been added over the last few years. Ms. Simnitt was excited to be able to return to the research/academic setting and support the continued success of Nebraska EPSCoR.

Ms. Hanna Day-Woodruff, M.Sc., Communications Specialist
Ms. Day-Woodruff received her bachelor's degree in Political Science from Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts, in 2000, and a master's degree in Environmental Change and Management from Oxford University, Oxford, England, in 2003. Originally from Texas, she has worked in politics, law and the non-profit sector. Nebraska EPSCoR offered a unique opportunity to communicate its mission, projects and accomplishments to those directly and indirectly affected by its many programs.

Mr. Fred Gartner, Accounting Technician
Mr. Gartner joined Nebraska EPSCoR in 2010 following a nearly 10 year career in the Budget and Fiscal Division of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. His resume also includes extensive budgetary and accounting experience working in the banking, financial services and insurance fields. Mr. Gartner received his Associates of Business Administration degree in 1980 while employed in the banking industry. The opportunity to contribute to enhancing the strength of Nebraska's research and innovation growth through the efforts of Nebraska EPSCoR is an exciting challenge for Mr. Gartner.