UNK Student Research Day Showcases Hands-On Learning

Annual event highlights scholarly and creative work of undergraduate and graduate students

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:38pm

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A vibrant, pop art-inspired illustration featuring a repeating grid of scientific equipment and laboratory tools, conceptually representing the diverse array of student research projects highlighted at the University of Nebraska at Kearney's annual event.UNK's annual Student Research and Creative Activity Day celebrates the scholarly accomplishments of undergraduate and graduate students across a wide range of academic disciplines.Kearney Today

The University of Nebraska at Kearney hosted its 28th annual Student Research and Creative Activity Day, showcasing research projects from 180 students across 23 academic departments. The event celebrates the scholarly accomplishments of Lopers and the faculty mentors who guide their work, reflecting UNK's emphasis on providing experiential learning opportunities for all students.

Why it matters

UNK is known for its commitment to student-engaged research and creative activity, which is seen as a key strength of the university's learning environment. The annual event highlights how hands-on projects allow students to build real-world skills, expand classroom lessons, and prepare for future careers.

The details

Student presentations covered a wide range of topics, from farming practices and lizard habitats to antibiotic resistance, aircraft maintenance, and name, image and likeness licensing in college athletics. Freshman Lydia Mekelburg is studying chronic wasting disease in deer, while graduate student Logan Osmera is researching the role of higher education and student culture at Kearney State College from 1970-1995.

  • The 28th annual Student Research and Creative Activity Day was held on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
  • Mekelburg began her research project on chronic wasting disease during high school and continues to expand the study at UNK.

The players

Lydia Mekelburg

A freshman studying wildlife biology at UNK, Mekelburg is investigating chronic wasting disease in deer populations and has already worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and secured grant funding to analyze deer samples.

Logan Osmera

A UNK graduate student pursuing a master's degree in public history, Osmera is researching the role of higher education and student culture at Kearney State College from 1970-1995 for his thesis project.

Kim Carlson

The associate vice chancellor for research and creative activity at UNK, Carlson says the university is known for its student-engaged research and that it is a key strength of the learning environment.

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What they’re saying

“UNK is known for its student-engaged research and creative activity. In fact, it is a strength of our learning environment.”

— Kim Carlson, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Creative Activity

“Seeing so many deer with visible symptoms in my own backyard led me to ask what managers can do to reduce those rates and protect the population numbers.”

— Lydia Mekelburg

“Getting practical research experience is huge in public history. Being able to apply what you learn in class to real-world projects is what prepares you for the profession.”

— Logan Osmera, Graduate Student

What’s next

Mekelburg plans to add data from Nebraska deer to her chronic wasting disease study, and Osmera will continue his research for his public history thesis.

The takeaway

UNK's emphasis on student-engaged research and creative activity provides valuable hands-on learning opportunities that help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and other transferable skills needed for success in any career.