Become an Advocate View More Stories

Up Next

Gina Ligon

Gina Ligon

Counterterrorism Data

HOMEGINA LIGON

How a UNO Professor Is Applying Business World Know-How to National Defense

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) maintains data on the world’s most dangerous individuals, including those involved in ISIS, Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and the Haqqani network. And now with support from a competitively won $200,000 contract from the DoD, students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) will collect and update that data for our nation’s defense efforts.

The person heading up this research may not be who you might expect, either. But Dr. Gina Ligon, associate professor of management in the College of Business Administration, said UNO’s approach makes them unique.

“We know leadership and organizational structure are linked to performance, so why not draw on those ideas to help inform strategic national security decisions?”

“The methods we use are similar to how you might look at a conventional, for-profit company’s senior leadership.” Dr. Ligon said. “It’s a Maverick approach to researching violent groups. We know leadership and organizational structure are linked to performance, so why not draw on those ideas to help inform strategic national security decisions?”

The federal contract for the project was competitively won, and the talent UNO is bringing to the project was no small factor in gaining the DoD’s support. Though she operates out of UNO’s College of Business Administration, Dr. Ligon has a Ph.D in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and she’s published over 60 peer-reviewed pieces on innovation and leadership.

students gathered around a digital medical learning device
UNO students Garrett Uecker, left and Chris Winchester work alongside others in the Jack & Stephanie Koraleski Commerce and Applied Behavioral Laboratory.

Like a corporation, terrorism group leadership and organizational sophistication changes over time. This project will reveal the structural characteristics of how terrorists organize themselves, in relation to their innovation, lethality, and organizational behavior in general. The dataset, titled The Leadership of the Extreme and Dangerous for Innovative Results (LEADIR), draws on a variety of records to create actionable data on a leader’s decision-making style, influence, education, and other “job-related” information.

Grant funding will pay for student work hours as they pull data from sources varying from terrorist autobiographies to government watchdog reports. LEADIR will be accessible to all DoD employees to aid in our nation’s counterterrorism efforts.

Work at the University of Nebraska has far-reaching impact, helping us here at home while also supporting the protection of our country. As long as our University system has the support to continue hiring talent like Dr. Ligon and winning prestigious grants for federal work, its position in the state will continue to be secure for years to come.

Contact Your State Senator Now

Your story is just as personal and powerful as the ones above. Take a moment to tell it to your senator, and share why it's critical to invest in the University of Nebraska. It only takes a few minutes to send a personal email or make a phone call. Here's how to do it.

Contact Your State Senator

Become an NU Advocate

Join us in growing a strong future for Nebraska. When you become an NU Advocate, you'll be among the first to hear about important issues, key legislative bills and upcoming advocacy events. With knowledge and resources, it's easy to help make a difference.

Join Now

Find Your Nebraska State Senator

Get started by entering your address below. Next, you'll receive information on who your senator is—and how to reach him or her.

SEARCH
Back

Your Senator Is:

Senator Photo
District
Phone:
HOW TO CALL SEND AN EMAIL
Back

Call Senator

Making a call only takes a few minutes and sends a strong message to your state senator. Your senator may not be able to take the call, but you can speak to the legislative aide who works for the senator. They will log your call, take a message and pass it on. Keep your conversation brief, and be sure to cover these essential points:

  • Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district and provide your name.
  • Be clear that you're calling about the University's portion of the state appropriation.
  • Ask if your senator will support funding the University. Thank them if they already do.
  • Share your story about how the University has impacted you or your family. A personal story is hard to ignore. Explain why it's important to you that your senator invests in the University of Nebraska. Again, keep it brief and to-the-point.
  • Ask for your opinion to be noted. Politely finish the call by thanking the senator or legislative aide for their time.
DONE Send an Email
Back

Email Senator

Sending a written message to your state senator is generally more effective than making a call. They're more concise and easier to respond to, and they're more likely to be viewed by the senator. If you can, send a personalized message with these essential points. Keep your message brief (a paragraph or so).

  • Write a personal, attention-getting subject line that lets the senator know your topic— "Investing in the University of Nebraska" or "University of Nebraska State Funding."
  • Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district; provide your name.
  • Be clear that you're writing about the University's portion of the state appropriation.
  • Share your personal story about how the University has impacted you or your family. Explain why it's important to you that your senator invests in the University of Nebraska. Again, keep it brief and to-the-point.
  • Ask if your senator will support funding the University.
  • Indicate that you'd appreciate a reply and thank your senator for their time.
See More Tips +
How to Call
Back

You Just Made a Difference

Keep making a difference by becoming an NU Advocate. As an Advocate, you'll receive communications about important issues and legislative bills concerning the University of Nebraska—and you'll be the first to hear about upcoming advocacy events. And, we'll let you know when you need to raise your voice again.

BECOME AN NU ADVOCATE