Nebraska

Q5 Agricultural practices such as cover cropping and crop and livestock diversification, under appropriate conditions, provide benefits for soil health, water quality, and long-term agricultural resilience. At the same time, the feasibility and potential benefits of these practices can vary substantially. In what ways, if any, would you develop federal agricultural policy that accounts for the practical and economic needs of farmers and ranchers while also incorporating the best available scientific evidence on environmentally and agronomically beneficial practices?

“Federal agricultural policy should use the best available science without assuming one practice will work the same way on every farm or ranch. Soil, rainfall, water availability, crop type, livestock operations, and local economics all matter. Practices like cover cropping can provide real benefits, but they need to make sense for the operation and the region.

I support voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs that help producers adopt practices that improve soil health, water quality, drought resilience, and long-term productivity without putting the full financial risk on the farmer or rancher. Technical assistance and research should also be locally informed so recommendations reflect Nebraska conditions rather than a one-size-fits-all national standard. USDA already allows state-specific adaptation of conservation standards because conditions vary significantly by region.

Farmers and ranchers should be treated as partners in conservation policy. The goal should be practical stewardship that protects natural resources while keeping operations productive, financially sustainable, and in family hands.”

KEYWORDS: Voluntary conservation, Local flexibility, Farm resilience

Q5 Agricultural practices such as cover cropping and crop and livestock diversification, under appropriate conditions, provide benefits for soil health, water quality, and long-term agricultural resilience. At the same time, the feasibility and potential benefits of these practices can vary substantially. In what ways, if any, would you develop federal agricultural policy that accounts for the practical and economic needs of farmers and ranchers while also incorporating the best available scientific evidence on environmentally and agronomically beneficial practices?

“I earned an advanced degree (LL.M.) in agricultural law. For many years the Dept. of Agriculture provided funding for programs that have proven successful for decades. It has funded valuable research. We should fully fund the Dept. of Agriculture and allow it to develop policies based on scientific evidence. We should also fund grants to universities and others best positioned to decide what works best in a particular area. A “one size fits all” policy on an issue is not always appropriate. Many regulations are burdensome on small operations, and Congress should recognize that and carve out exceptions. Farmers and ranchers should play an important role in developing policy.”

KEYWORDS: Funding, Participation

Q5 Agricultural practices such as cover cropping and crop and livestock diversification, under appropriate conditions, provide benefits for soil health, water quality, and long-term agricultural resilience. At the same time, the feasibility and potential benefits of these practices can vary substantially. In what ways, if any, would you develop federal agricultural policy that accounts for the practical and economic needs of farmers and ranchers while also incorporating the best available scientific evidence on environmentally and agronomically beneficial practices?

“I personally know very little about these practices, so I suggest a forum of farmers and ranchers to discuss best policies and practices. Who better to set standards. Each state should have their own committees and organizations.”

KEYWORDS: Standards Can Vary

Q5 Agricultural practices such as cover cropping and crop and livestock diversification, under appropriate conditions, provide benefits for soil health, water quality, and long-term agricultural resilience. At the same time, the feasibility and potential benefits of these practices can vary substantially. In what ways, if any, would you develop federal agricultural policy that accounts for the practical and economic needs of farmers and ranchers while also incorporating the best available scientific evidence on environmentally and agronomically beneficial practices?

“Keep funding cover crops like the Biden administration was doing”

KEYWORDS: We need to control erosion for safer water

Q5 Agricultural practices such as cover cropping and crop and livestock diversification, under appropriate conditions, provide benefits for soil health, water quality, and long-term agricultural resilience. At the same time, the feasibility and potential benefits of these practices can vary substantially. In what ways, if any, would you develop federal agricultural policy that accounts for the practical and economic needs of farmers and ranchers while also incorporating the best available scientific evidence on environmentally and agronomically beneficial practices?

“Farmers know their own ground better than Washington does. The same goes for ranchers. Grazing rotation and diversified pasture can build soil, but the prescription has to fit the land. I’d rather invest in the people growing our food than the programs managing them. If a farmer or rancher volunteers to participate and receive federal dollars, they only need to submit the data from their field and get paid for the information. Not for planting a specific crop or following a prescribed plan. That data has real value for our region, and it lands in the hands of the people doing the work, not the bureaucracy skimming off the top. No mandates, no guesswork. The farmer or rancher decides when or if they cover crop or diversify. Let the data decide if the practice is effective enough to continue.”

KEYWORDS: People over programs, Voluntary, Pay for data, not practices, Farmer decides, No mandates

Q5 Agricultural practices such as cover cropping and crop and livestock diversification, under appropriate conditions, provide benefits for soil health, water quality, and long-term agricultural resilience. At the same time, the feasibility and potential benefits of these practices can vary substantially. In what ways, if any, would you develop federal agricultural policy that accounts for the practical and economic needs of farmers and ranchers while also incorporating the best available scientific evidence on environmentally and agronomically beneficial practices?

“Farmers and farming have gotten exponentially better over the years at being sustainable, and we should continue to incentivize that trend. The best federal policies for agriculture’s success still remain opening new demand markets: expanding ethanol use, increasing foreign ag trade, and investing in research for new markets for crops here at home. Farmers are innovative, and good federal policies will reward them for the sustainable practices they’re already utilizing. The best land steward is always going to be the farmer themselves, and the government should create policies that recognize those achievements and spur new ones.”

KEYWORDS: Land stewardship, conservation, demand

Q5 Agricultural practices such as cover cropping and crop and livestock diversification, under appropriate conditions, provide benefits for soil health, water quality, and long-term agricultural resilience. At the same time, the feasibility and potential benefits of these practices can vary substantially. In what ways, if any, would you develop federal agricultural policy that accounts for the practical and economic needs of farmers and ranchers while also incorporating the best available scientific evidence on environmentally and agronomically beneficial practices?

“Federal agricultural policy should use the best available science without assuming that the same practice will work on every farm or ranch. Nebraska producers understand their land, weather, water, and financial risks, so they must be involved in designing the programs intended to help them.

I support voluntary, locally flexible conservation programs that help cover the cost and risk of practices such as cover crops, crop rotation, improved grazing, and more efficient use of water and fertilizer. Farmers should have access to technical assistance through agricultural extension and USDA programs, along with reliable local research showing what works under Nebraska conditions. Conservation practices should also work with crop insurance rather than putting a producer’s coverage at risk.

Federal programs should measure actual results, including soil health, water quality, productivity, and long-term savings, and then adjust when the evidence shows something is not working. Farmers and ranchers should not be expected to carry the full financial risk of testing practices that benefit the broader public. Good agricultural policy should protect natural resources while keeping family farms and ranches economically strong.”

KEYWORDS: Local flexibility, soil health, farm resilience

Q2 The United States has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What are your reasons for supporting these policies?

“AI is a powerful tool, but the speed at which it is being adopted has outpaced the rules governing it. I support stronger safeguards around privacy, data collection, deepfakes, fraud, cybersecurity, and the use of AI in decisions that can seriously affect someone’s life. Companies developing and deploying these systems should be accountable when their products cause harm, and people should know when they are interacting with or being evaluated by AI.

I am also concerned about the rapid expansion of data centers. They can place enormous demands on electricity, water, land, and local infrastructure while communities may see relatively little long-term employment in return. I support strict reporting requirements, meaningful local review, protection of water and energy resources, and requiring developers to pay the infrastructure and decommissioning costs their projects create rather than shifting those costs onto residents and other ratepayers.

AI may provide real benefits, but “innovation” should not be used as an excuse to ignore predictable harms or allow private companies to push the costs and risks onto the public.”

KEYWORDS: Accountability, Resource protection, Responsible AI

Q2 The United States has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What are your reasons for supporting these policies?

“Data centers and AI are two different, but related, topics. Data centers generate constant noise. They consume precious water and huge amounts of electricity. I believe we must free state and local governments to regulate data centers. It’s odd that many who once preached the benefits of federalism and local control now threaten local governments that dare to attempt regulating data centers or AI. AI can be a useful tool in some areas, such as in medical diagnosis, but I’m concerned about the loss of jobs and its impact on America as a nation. I am very concerned about the use of AI in building a global surveillance state. I believe every American has a right to privacy, and I will push for legislation to protect that right and to impose tough penalties on those who violate that right. Tech billionaires are tracking everything we do, putting cameras on every corner, and getting rich while the rest of us work harder for less. We can’t let them turn the United States in a nation that has a social credit system like China.”

KEYWORDS: Regulate, Caution, Privacy

Q2 The United States has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What are your reasons for supporting these policies?

“The Chinese have the right idea-build Data Centers in the ocean and large bodies of water. This solves a lot of the problems. Land and water are precious resources, and should not be wasted on technology.

My other concern is the enormous amount of electricity these data centers use. The owners of these centers should be required to either build their own power supplies, or pony up the money to expand current facilities.”

KEYWORDS: Plan your future.

Q2 The United States has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What are your reasons for supporting these policies?

“I am against AI and think it has gone too far.”

KEYWORDS: It is bad for all humans

Q2 The United States has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What are your reasons for supporting these policies?

“AI is a genuine advancement and useful tool to help in what we can achieve, but we must remain vigilant and skeptical of how deep we let it run our society. Data centers can impose real costs on communities through water use, land use, utility rates, noise, and pollution. My policy is to support the people’s decision on whether to allow a data center in their community. If corporations want to use public resources, citizens should be compensated, much like the Alaska Permanent Fund, where companies pay into a fund that is invested locally or paid out as a dividend. I would also seek to end most tax incentives and subsidies for these projects. I suspect we are in an artificial data center bubble. Companies are building far more capacity than real demand justifies, or the true demand is not visible to the public. If that bubble bursts, communities will feel the harm more than the corporations. I would also require regular independent audits to ensure data centers comply with agreed terms on noise, decibel levels, and pollution.”

KEYWORDS: Vigilant, Subsidies, bubble, dividend, audit

Q2 The United States has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What are your reasons for supporting these policies?

“If AI were only being used to cure cancer or solve other longstanding real-world problems, I’d be hugely pro-AI. However, our current AI landscape has some clear problems that invite a conversation around guardrails. Many people have unwittingly used AI to such an extent that their reasoning ability suffers. The heads of these companies don’t have the public’s best interest in mind. The AI industry needs strong regulation on its development and use, and it needs it immediately. Furthermore, data centers need regulations to ensure they don’t use more than their share of power and water. They should only be built with a significant amount of public input, and each community should have the power of denial. While there is a national security imperative to ensure we keep up with countries like China around this technology, we must also exercise caution.”

KEYWORDS: Threat, Resources, Workforce

Q2 The United States has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What are your reasons for supporting these policies?

“AI can be a valuable tool, but innovation cannot come at any cost. I support clear rules protecting personal information, intellectual property, workers, and consumers. People should know when AI is being used to make important decisions about them, and companies should be held accountable for fraud, discrimination, security failures, and the misuse of someone’s work or identity.

Data centers should be required to publicly report their energy and water use, undergo meaningful environmental and community review, and use the most efficient available technology. The companies profiting from these facilities—not local families and small businesses—should pay for the additional infrastructure and energy demands they create. They must also change their practices when those practices threaten water supplies, raise utility costs, or damage natural resources.

I support continued AI innovation, but companies must prove that they can grow responsibly. New technology should strengthen our economy and improve people’s lives without draining community resources, eliminating accountability, or leaving workers and taxpayers to absorb the costs.”

KEYWORDS: Accountability, resource stewardship, responsible innovation

Q33 Please discuss your professional views on different energy sources (ex. nuclear, solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, biofuel, coal, natural gas, oil/petroleum) and what policies you will support related to the potential use of these energy sources, if at all?

“Energy policy, to me, is about giving ratepayers a reliable grid without locking them into one narrow path. I’ve always believed a broad energy portfolio is the smartest way to keep costs stable and protect the long‑term health of public power. Renewables like wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, and even emerging biofuels are becoming more affordable and more dependable every year, and the research backs that up — especially from places like the Department of Energy and NREL. At the same time, nuclear remains a steady, zero‑carbon baseload resource, and natural gas still plays a role in meeting peak demand as we transition. My view is simple: no single source can do everything, and ratepayers are better off when we balance proven baseload with cost‑effective green energy.

The policies I support reflect that balance. I’m for expanding renewables, modernizing the grid so it can handle new technologies, and using evidence‑based planning to decide when and how different resources fit into the mix. I’m also for keeping reliability front and center, because sustainability doesn’t mean much if the power isn’t there when people need it. Public power works best when we stay practical, stay transparent, and keep ratepayers first.

I look at energy policy through evidence‑based decision‑making, resource diversification, cost‑effective sustainability, resilience planning, and ratepayer affordability so we can build a reliable, modern grid that uses a broad mix of green and traditional resources without losing sight of what people actually need.”

Q34 National discussion on data centers and their energy sources range from their potential to support cutting edge innovation to concerns on resource use, ownership, and raising utility costs. Nebraska’s energy infrastructure provides affordable and reliable energy, however projected significant increases in electricity demand, from data centers and other industries, will require more power than NE currently generates (NE Chamber Foundation). Do you think your Public Power District is prepared to address the growing demand for electricity and changes to water and land quality? What scientific evidence, if any, would you consider when making policy for your Public Power District related to data centers?

“When I think about data centers, I start with the same things I always do: keeping the grid reliable, keeping rates fair, and protecting the land and water we all depend on. Nebraska’s energy system is strong, but the demand coming from data centers and other big industries is going to push it hard. I believe OPPD can handle that growth, but only if we plan honestly and use solid evidence to guide every decision. Research from DOE and NREL shows that meeting large new loads takes real investment in transmission, grid modernization, and a diversified energy portfolio, especially cost‑effective green energy.

And I’ll say this plainly: I’m not interested in socializing the costs while privatizing the benefits. Residential customers shouldn’t be subsidizing massive corporate expansion. If data centers want to be here, they need to pay their fair share for the infrastructure they require and be transparent about their impacts on water, land, and emissions.

My approach is practical ,build resilience, expand clean energy, require fair cost‑sharing, and use scientific evidence to understand the true impacts. Growth can be good, but only if it protects ratepayers and the environment at the same time.

I look at data‑center growth through evidence‑based decision‑making, resource diversification, grid resilience, environmental impact analysis, and ratepayer affordability so we can meet rising demand without socializing costs or compromising water, land, or long‑term reliability.”

Q33 Please discuss your professional views on different energy sources (ex. nuclear, solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, biofuel, coal, natural gas, oil/petroleum) and what policies you will support related to the potential use of these energy sources, if at all?

“Nuclear: promising technology although the 2026 Lazard cost study indicated the cost to be over $200 per megawatt hour. It is an excellent source of energy for reliability as it is dispatchable. The timeline for development could be 10 years or longer to really make an impact. Storage of spent fuel needs to be addressed.

Solar: low cost. Lazard has the cost of utility scale at about $40 per megawatt hour. Requires other types of generation to take care of the intermittency. Solar can be developed relatively quickly.

Wind: low cost as the 2026 Lazard study indicates a cost of as low as $39 per megawatt hour. Intermittency is the challenge and must be addressed with dispatchable generation likely natural gas or nuclear. Wind energy can be developed rather quickly.

Hydropower: I have not heard of much talk of large scale but maybe small scale is a possibility for distributed generation applications.

Geothermal: I am open to exploring this technology.

Biofuel: this is an excellent resource and can be a factor in economic development through value added agriculture.

Coal: existing resources provide cheap energy from fully depreciated aging plants. Emissions are a concern. The cost for state of the art clean burning plants needs to be explored to see if this resource is viable in the future.

Natural gas: Nebraska utilities are planning for new gas plants to complement intermittent renewables and are a solid option. Lazard indicates a high price per megawatt hour for peaking plants.

Oil - petroleum: I have not studied this generation in any detail.”

Q34 National discussion on data centers and their energy sources range from their potential to support cutting edge innovation to concerns on resource use, ownership, and raising utility costs. Nebraska’s energy infrastructure provides affordable and reliable energy, however projected significant increases in electricity demand, from data centers and other industries, will require more power than NE currently generates (NE Chamber Foundation). Do you think your Public Power District is prepared to address the growing demand for electricity and changes to water and land quality? What scientific evidence, if any, would you consider when making policy for your Public Power District related to data centers?

“I think we need to proceed with extreme caution on all of this. While there may be opportunity there needs to be the proper guardrails that protect public power and its customers and the effect on natural resources including water. LB 1261 enacted by the 2026 Nebraska Legislature was intended to meet this demand and at the same time shift the risk to private business while maintaining control and protecting ratepayers. We need to make the rules that have guardrails to protect natural resources and the rate structure needs to be segregated so that Nebraskans are not paying higher rates driven by high growth industries.”

Q33 Please discuss your professional views on different energy sources (ex. nuclear, solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, biofuel, coal, natural gas, oil/petroleum) and what policies you will support related to the potential use of these energy sources, if at all?

“The challenge at hand is twofold: we need to phase out the use of coal immediately and fossil fuels quickly while maintaining a balanced grid. To do this, the addition of more solar and wind must be bolstered with a readiness to add SMR’s (nuclear power) as quickly as possible. I would propose leaving natural gas plants operational for the foreseeable future while developing a plan for replacing “base load” power with nuclear in the next ten to fifteen years.”

KEYWORDS: Renewable energy, balance, sustainability

Q34 National discussion on data centers and their energy sources range from their potential to support cutting edge innovation to concerns on resource use, ownership, and raising utility costs. Nebraska’s energy infrastructure provides affordable and reliable energy, however projected significant increases in electricity demand, from data centers and other industries, will require more power than NE currently generates (NE Chamber Foundation). Do you think your Public Power District is prepared to address the growing demand for electricity and changes to water and land quality? What scientific evidence, if any, would you consider when making policy for your Public Power District related to data centers?

“Our district is woefully unprepared to address these changes. While many suggest OPPD “pass a moratorium” on data centers, that’s not within our ability. What we can do is regulate and increase oversight, determine rates and availability and, I hope, utilize the bully pulpit to increase the visibility of the conversation. My position on data centers is that they must be prohibited from passing any costs along to consumers, and that if they come with a plan to build renewable energy, lower the cost of power, and use recycled water then I’m all ears.”

KEYWORDS: Environmental sustainability, renewable energy, responsibility

Q33 Please discuss your professional views on different energy sources (ex. nuclear, solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, biofuel, coal, natural gas, oil/petroleum) and what policies you will support related to the potential use of these energy sources, if at all?

“Affordability, reliability, speed to build, and health and environmental impacts are all important factors that should be considered when looking at the energy mix. I support adding more affordable, reliable, and clean electricity. We now have more options than ever before to do this. For example, utility-scale solar power is now the cheapest and fastest way to get new energy on the grid. This is important at a time when we’re experiencing enormous growth in demand for electricity, coupled with long delays in the equipment needed to run fossil fuel power plants. Of course we still need baseload power—power that’s available all the time, even when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing. The right mix of power generation balances these needs.

In an emergency situation, the priority has to be on meeting people’s immediate power needs. In general, though, the right approach is a balanced one that considers all important priorities and looks toward the future. We need to keep an open mind about the mix of power generation, take advantage of advances in technology, and look to form new partnerships to help OPPD be the best possible utility for its customers.”

KEYWORDS: Affordable, reliable, balanced

Q34 National discussion on data centers and their energy sources range from their potential to support cutting edge innovation to concerns on resource use, ownership, and raising utility costs. Nebraska’s energy infrastructure provides affordable and reliable energy, however projected significant increases in electricity demand, from data centers and other industries, will require more power than NE currently generates (NE Chamber Foundation). Do you think your Public Power District is prepared to address the growing demand for electricity and changes to water and land quality? What scientific evidence, if any, would you consider when making policy for your Public Power District related to data centers?

“Data centers can use enormous amounts of electricity and other resources. I will work to increase transparency and accountability and protect regular Nebraskans. The first step is to make sure that OPPD is transparent about how much electricity data centers are using and how the cost of providing this electricity is allocated. I will demand that data center companies pay their fair share and not cause rates to go up for other customers. I also will work within OPPD and with partners in state and local governments to push for a comprehensive approach that protects households and small businesses from potential negative effects related to electricity demand, utility bills, water usage, public health, noise and air pollution, and more.”

KEYWORDS: Transparency, accountability, fairness

Q7 In what ways, if any, will you consult with scientists and experts to prevent/ mitigate the risk and damage from natural disasters and in the response to natural disasters?

“I plan to create an advisory committee of scientists, experts, first responders, community volunteers, and previously affected victims of natural disasters. Through these people we will find the ways and means to mitigate and prevent future disasters. Learning from other states and nations can show us the causes and potential solutions to these dangerous situations. We also need state and federal resources to combat disasters. Having the funds on hand to match with federal money is key to succeeding. Through cannabis revenue and corporate tax reform we will start creating a safer environment for our citizens by supplying the funds needed to improve our emergency response systems. We must not rely on others to come save us. I will incentivize volunteer training programs and completion of FIMA independent study courses that prepare our citizens to activate in times of emergency.”

KEYWORDS: Safety, training, prevention, education, volunteers, funding

Q8 The governor represents Nebraska in formal dealings with other states (such as water management agreements affecting the Republican River Basin with Kansas and Colorado). What policies would you implement to keep water from the Ogallala Aquifer and rivers passing through the state clean, and how would you balance maintaining necessary water levels in Nebraska with sharing water resources with other states?

“We must clean our soil and reduce the amount of nitrates in our water. I’ll give Nebraska farmers profitable alternatives to continuous corn and other high-input cropping systems, particularly on acres where excessive nitrogen and irrigation are contributing to groundwater contamination. 1,000,000 acres is about 6.5% of Nebraska’s corn and soybean acreage. If we can incorporate a million acres of industrial hemp into rotation with crops that use more nitrogen, we will start using roughly 35,000 fewer tons of nitrogen every year while pulling contaminates from the soil and eventually lowering nitrates in our water. When we shut down 100 Pillen pig farms for exploiting undocumented workers, the amount of nitrogen released into our water will definitely be reduced. We will balance water levels by banning data centers from Nebraska and rotating corn acreage with crops that use less water.”

KEYWORDS: Public health, responsible farming, science

Q32 Energy and its management play a role in local economic and environmental sustainability through creating jobs, incorporating sources considered sustainable, and updating infrastructure. Which of these, or others, are your priorities for your Public Power District? And what scientific evidence informed your priorities?

“Energy policy, to me, is really about taking care of people, keeping bills stable, keeping the lights on, and making sure our communities stay strong for the long haul. In my public‑service work, I’ve always leaned on clear evidence and practical decision‑making, and that’s how I look at public power too.

Research from places like the Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows that when utilities modernize their infrastructure, outages drop and efficiency goes up. Studies from the Electric Power Research Institute back this up: a mix of reliable resources, including sustainable ones, makes the grid stronger without driving costs out of reach.

So my priorities are pretty straightforward. Keep the grid resilient. Invest in upgrades that actually improve reliability. Use data, not trends, to guide resource choices. And make sure we’re supporting the local workforce so the jobs tied to energy stay in our community.

I’ve always believed public power works best when decisions are transparent, evidence‑based, and centered on the people who pay the bills. That’s the approach I’ve taken throughout my career, and it’s the approach I bring to energy policy.

Policy making in public power, to me, starts with evidence‑based decision‑making and transparent governance so people can see how and why choices are made. It’s about smart risk mitigation, solid regulatory compliance, and practical long‑term resource planning that keeps the grid reliable. Good policy also leans on load forecasting and asset management to stay ahead of future needs. And because public power is tied directly to community well‑being, it includes workforce development, local economic resilience, ratepayer affordability, and community impact analysis so decisions support both stability and trust.”

Q34 National discussion on data centers and their energy sources range from their potential to support cutting edge innovation to concerns on resource use, ownership, and raising utility costs. Nebraska’s energy infrastructure provides affordable and reliable energy, however projected significant increases in electricity demand, from data centers and other industries, will require more power than NE currently generates (NE Chamber Foundation). Do you think your Public Power District is prepared to address the growing demand for electricity and changes to water and land quality? What scientific evidence, if any, would you consider when making policy for your Public Power District related to data centers?

“When I think about data centers, I start with the same things I always do: keeping the grid reliable, keeping rates fair, and protecting the land and water we all depend on. Nebraska’s energy system is strong, but the demand coming from data centers and other big industries is going to push it hard. I believe OPPD can handle that growth, but only if we plan honestly and use solid evidence to guide every decision. Research from DOE and NREL shows that meeting large new loads takes real investment in transmission, grid modernization, and a diversified energy portfolio, especially cost‑effective green energy.

And I’ll say this plainly: I’m not interested in socializing the costs while privatizing the benefits. Residential customers shouldn’t be subsidizing massive corporate expansion. If data centers want to be here, they need to pay their fair share for the infrastructure they require and be transparent about their impacts on water, land, and emissions.

My approach is practical ,build resilience, expand clean energy, require fair cost‑sharing, and use scientific evidence to understand the true impacts. Growth can be good, but only if it protects ratepayers and the environment at the same time.

I look at data‑center growth through evidence‑based decision‑making, resource diversification, grid resilience, environmental impact analysis, and ratepayer affordability so we can meet rising demand without socializing costs or compromising water, land, or long‑term reliability.”

Q6 In your opinion, what is the role of the federal government in environmental protection? What policies, if any, do you support that could contribute to natural resource stewardship, environmental research, or environmental protections in Nebraska and nationally?

“The federal government has a responsibility to protect shared resources like clean air, clean water, soil, and public lands, especially when pollution or environmental damage crosses state lines or cannot reasonably be addressed by one community alone.

I support strong environmental research, enforcement of existing protections, cleanup of contaminated sites, and continued investment in conservation programs that help communities and producers protect natural resources. In Nebraska, water deserves particular attention. Federal policy should support groundwater and surface-water monitoring, drought resilience, efficient irrigation, soil conservation, and locally led projects that protect water supplies without imposing one-size-fits-all requirements. Current Nebraska conservation programs already show how federal funding can support voluntary, locally tailored improvements in soil and water management.

Environmental policy also has to address long-term climate risks and changing weather patterns using the best available science. The goal should be protecting resources people depend on while giving communities, farmers, ranchers, and businesses practical ways to adapt and participate in solutions.”

KEYWORDS: Water protection, Conservation, Climate resilience

Q6 In your opinion, what is the role of the federal government in environmental protection? What policies, if any, do you support that could contribute to natural resource stewardship, environmental research, or environmental protections in Nebraska and nationally?

“My answer largely incorporates what I have written in response to other questions. The federal government must play a strong role in protecting Americans and America’s natural resources. A Republican, Theodore Roosevelt, recognized the importance of conservation. Another Republican, President Nixon, created the EPA and said, “Restoring nature to its natural state is a cause beyond party and beyond factions.” We are the stewards of this Earth. It should not be a partisan issue. I would protect funding for agencies such as NOAA and the National Center For Atmospheric Research.”

KEYWORDS: Stewardship

Q6 In your opinion, what is the role of the federal government in environmental protection? What policies, if any, do you support that could contribute to natural resource stewardship, environmental research, or environmental protections in Nebraska and nationally?

“Our government should put the Citizens of our country ahead of the needs of Big Business and Industry. I support the development of agencies(existing and future) to oversee the future of our environment. DATA CNTERS are a perfect example of the danger technology can present to our resources.”

KEYWORDS: People are priorities

Q32 Energy and its management play a role in local economic and environmental sustainability through creating jobs, incorporating sources considered sustainable, and updating infrastructure. Which of these, or others, are your priorities for your Public Power District? And what scientific evidence informed your priorities?

“Public power’s major objectives are affordability and reliability. No single source of energy production meets both of these objectives consistently. We need diverse sources of generation including renewable energy, natural gas, and likely nuclear as well. We have seen locally substantial property tax relief through the nameplate capacity tax along with job creation and new sources of revenue to landowners through leasing. It is a key driver of economic development in rural areas.

In regard to the levelized cost of each type of generation, wind and solar generation are the lowest cost according to the annual Lazard Levelized Cost of Energy Report. The Nebraska Energy Report referenced the NDEE information documenting that 23% of Nebraska’s energy came from renewables in 2023.”

Q34 National discussion on data centers and their energy sources range from their potential to support cutting edge innovation to concerns on resource use, ownership, and raising utility costs. Nebraska’s energy infrastructure provides affordable and reliable energy, however projected significant increases in electricity demand, from data centers and other industries, will require more power than NE currently generates (NE Chamber Foundation). Do you think your Public Power District is prepared to address the growing demand for electricity and changes to water and land quality? What scientific evidence, if any, would you consider when making policy for your Public Power District related to data centers?

“I think we need to proceed with extreme caution on all of this. While there may be opportunity there needs to be the proper guardrails that protect public power and its customers and the effect on natural resources including water. LB 1261 enacted by the 2026 Nebraska Legislature was intended to meet this demand and at the same time shift the risk to private business while maintaining control and protecting ratepayers. We need to make the rules that have guardrails to protect natural resources and the rate structure needs to be segregated so that Nebraskans are not paying higher rates driven by high growth industries.”

Q6 In your opinion, what is the role of the federal government in environmental protection? What policies, if any, do you support that could contribute to natural resource stewardship, environmental research, or environmental protections in Nebraska and nationally?

“Keep the policies that the Biden administration put out there”

KEYWORDS: To protect our drinking water

Q6 In your opinion, what is the role of the federal government in environmental protection? What policies, if any, do you support that could contribute to natural resource stewardship, environmental research, or environmental protections in Nebraska and nationally?

“The federal government has a real but limited job. To keep interstate waters clean, clean up genuine contamination, and fund honest research, to prevent fraud and misuse of funding. It does not have a license to manage every ditch, draw, and acre from Washington. It should not federalize Nebraska’s groundwater.

The Ogallala is our lifeline. That aquifer is what keeps this state productive. Water rights belong with the land and the people who work it. Quantity and quality on that aquifer should stay with Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts who are locally elected, basin-based, and already writing the rules that fit their ground. One-size federal water plan would treat the Panhandle like the Platte Valley and get both wrong.

What I would support nationally is the same principle we used on cover crops: invest in people growing our food, not the programs managing them. Fund land-grant research so producers get usable science for our soils and our aquifer. Keep the federal government on real rivers and lakes, not on dry ditches that only run after a storm. Farmers should not need a federal permit to irrigate, drain a field, or maintain a ditch. Stewardship starts with the people who live on the land, not with a permit from Washington.”

KEYWORDS: Limited federal role, Ogallala, Water rights, Local control, People over programs

Q32 Energy and its management play a role in local economic and environmental sustainability through creating jobs, incorporating sources considered sustainable, and updating infrastructure. Which of these, or others, are your priorities for your Public Power District? And what scientific evidence informed your priorities?

“In the short term, the cost of power is far outpacing any wage increases that the fortunate may be seeing, while those on a fixed income suffer. In the long term, global climate change is an existential threat to the very existence of our species. I view it as good fortunate that clean, renewable sources of energy can help serve as a solution to both of these issues by providing lower cost, lower carbon sources of power.”

KEYWORDS: Economics, equity, long-term planning

Q34 National discussion on data centers and their energy sources range from their potential to support cutting edge innovation to concerns on resource use, ownership, and raising utility costs. Nebraska’s energy infrastructure provides affordable and reliable energy, however projected significant increases in electricity demand, from data centers and other industries, will require more power than NE currently generates (NE Chamber Foundation). Do you think your Public Power District is prepared to address the growing demand for electricity and changes to water and land quality? What scientific evidence, if any, would you consider when making policy for your Public Power District related to data centers?

“Our district is woefully unprepared to address these changes. While many suggest OPPD “pass a moratorium” on data centers, that’s not within our ability. What we can do is regulate and increase oversight, determine rates and availability and, I hope, utilize the bully pulpit to increase the visibility of the conversation. My position on data centers is that they must be prohibited from passing any costs along to consumers, and that if they come with a plan to build renewable energy, lower the cost of power, and use recycled water then I’m all ears.”

KEYWORDS: Environmental sustainability, renewable energy, responsibility

Q32 Energy and its management play a role in local economic and environmental sustainability through creating jobs, incorporating sources considered sustainable, and updating infrastructure. Which of these, or others, are your priorities for your Public Power District? And what scientific evidence informed your priorities?

“I’m running for OPPD’s Board of Directors to provide affordable and reliable electricity and make sure that OPPD puts people first. The right approach balances both immediate and long-term needs so that OPPD can protect the best interests of the people it serves.

The cost of living has increased faster than people’s paychecks. Politicians in Washington have enacted policies that have raised the cost of just about everything, squeezing Nebraska families and making it difficult to make ends meet. I’ll work to keep rates as low as possible while protecting reliability and planning for our future.

As a mom, I care deeply about the world that my kids are growing up in and that they’ll inherit from us. Meeting environmental goals will help protect our community’s long-term health, safety, and economic vitality and reduce risks posed by climate disruption. These risks affect OPPD’s ability to provide affordable and reliable power, such as through storms that take out power lines and extreme heat that strains the electric grid’s capacity.

Fortunately, we now have more options than ever for clean, affordable, and reliable electricity. I support a balanced approach that considers all important priorities and looks toward the future.”

KEYWORDS: Affordable, reliable, balanced

Q34 National discussion on data centers and their energy sources range from their potential to support cutting edge innovation to concerns on resource use, ownership, and raising utility costs. Nebraska’s energy infrastructure provides affordable and reliable energy, however projected significant increases in electricity demand, from data centers and other industries, will require more power than NE currently generates (NE Chamber Foundation). Do you think your Public Power District is prepared to address the growing demand for electricity and changes to water and land quality? What scientific evidence, if any, would you consider when making policy for your Public Power District related to data centers?

“Data centers can use enormous amounts of electricity and other resources. I will work to increase transparency and accountability and protect regular Nebraskans. The first step is to make sure that OPPD is transparent about how much electricity data centers are using and how the cost of providing this electricity is allocated. I will demand that data center companies pay their fair share and not cause rates to go up for other customers. I also will work within OPPD and with partners in state and local governments to push for a comprehensive approach that protects households and small businesses from potential negative effects related to electricity demand, utility bills, water usage, public health, noise and air pollution, and more.”

KEYWORDS: Transparency, accountability, fairness

Q6 In your opinion, what is the role of the federal government in environmental protection? What policies, if any, do you support that could contribute to natural resource stewardship, environmental research, or environmental protections in Nebraska and nationally?

“Nebraska relies on its natural resources, such as the soil quality and Ogallala aquifer, to power agriculture in the state. We need to ensure these resources are protected while allowing farmers and ranchers the ability to do what they need to in order to stay profitable.”

KEYWORDS: Resources, conservation, proactive stewardship

Q6 In your opinion, what is the role of the federal government in environmental protection? What policies, if any, do you support that could contribute to natural resource stewardship, environmental research, or environmental protections in Nebraska and nationally?

“The federal government has a responsibility to protect clean air, safe water, public lands, and natural resources that cross state lines. It should set clear national standards, enforce them consistently, and make sure taxpayers are not left paying to clean up pollution caused by private companies.

In Nebraska, protecting our groundwater, rivers, and soil is essential to public health, agriculture, and our long-term economy. I support continued federal research and monitoring of water quality, groundwater levels, soil health, extreme weather, and emerging contaminants. That information should be public and used to guide policy.

I would also support investments in safe drinking-water infrastructure, voluntary conservation programs for farmers and ranchers, and partnerships with states, local governments, tribes, universities, and Natural Resources Districts. Federal programs should reward practices that produce measurable environmental benefits while remaining practical for the people who work the land.

Environmental protection and economic growth should not be treated as opposites. Businesses and agriculture both depend on reliable water, healthy soil, and stable communities. Responsible stewardship means protecting those resources now so they remain available to the next generation.”

KEYWORDS: Clean water, stewardship, accountability

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Over the next decade I want Nebraska to be known as a state that turns research into results for the people who live here. Our strengths are clear: agriculture and water, biomedical research at UNMC, and national security research through the National Strategic Research Institute, which the University of Nebraska hosts for U.S. Strategic Command. Having served at STRATCOM, I understand what that partnership means for the mission and for Nebraska. Few states have anything like it. I would prioritize state programs that produce measurable, usable evidence for Nebraska decisions, especially groundwater and water quality monitoring and agricultural research that helps producers conserve water and manage nitrogen. I would also ask state agencies and the university what is working before deciding where new dollars go, so funding follows results rather than habit.”

KEYWORDS: Results, Measurable, Listening

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“Nebraska already shows what works. The University’s partnership with STRATCOM, UNMC’s research and clinical enterprise, and agricultural extension all connect research to real needs. In 15 years on the industry side of defense technology, I learned that the best partnerships start with a clearly defined problem and a customer who will use the answer. State government should say plainly what it needs solved, whether that is water quality, health data, or workforce shortages. Universities supply the research, industry supplies scale and commercialization, and nonprofits supply reach and community trust. I would pair these partnerships with paid internships and apprenticeships so students gain experience in Nebraska, and I would protect academic independence by requiring that research results be published. I would also connect them to K-12 schools, so students in every part of the state can see a path from the classroom to a research career. I went through public schools myself, and I know how much that early exposure matters.”

KEYWORDS: Nonprofits, Public/Private, Community

Q15 Legislative appropriations for Nebraska’s public universities have not kept pace with inflation, and state universities are now being asked to further reduce their budgets (Peal, 2026). What role should the Legislature play in providing funding for higher education? What policies, if any, would you support to balance the state budget while also supporting Nebraska’s research capacity and student opportunities?

“The Legislature has a core responsibility to fund the University of Nebraska, which drives the state’s research, its health care workforce, and its agricultural science. I am concerned that appropriations have not kept pace with inflation and that departments such as statistics and earth and atmospheric sciences have been eliminated. Those fields underpin crop forecasting, severe weather preparedness, and data-driven policy, and capacity once lost is slow and expensive to rebuild. I would support stable, multi-year funding so the university can plan, paired with accountability: clear measures of research output, workforce results, and efficiency, and close scrutiny of administrative overhead before core academic and research programs. Balancing the state budget requires tradeoffs. I would approach it the way I approached large programs in the Air Force: protect the capabilities the mission depends on, question everything else, and measure the return.”

KEYWORDS: Balance, Accountability, Predictable

Q11 Within the last year, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents eliminated four academic departments at University of Nebraska - Lincoln, including statistics and earth and atmospheric sciences. All four U Nebraska campuses are now facing additional budget reductions. Constituents and university leaders have raised concerns about how this will impact education and workforce readiness along with economic and social value from research (Wendling, 2025). NU President Gold stated: “We cannot cut our way to extraordinary, nor can we fully realize our mission of exceptional teaching, research and statewide engagement if we are operating in a constant cycle of cuts and related restrictions, without the ability to predict even a single year of stability” (Peal, 2026). In your opinion, what (if any) are the immediate and long-term effects of cuts to research and science education? Does state funding to the university system fit into your suggestions for balancing the state budget? And if so, what are your specific suggestions for doing this?

“That’s great. Gold wants $160 million more this year. That’s $160 from every taxpayer. I’ll incentivize our universities to have industrial hemp curriculum, grow industrial hemp, process it, manufacture green building products, sell them, and put the revenue towards funding the University instead of demanding the taxpayers foot the bill every year. Supporting outdated and conservative farm policy while ignoring financial solutions staring them in the face doesn’t bode well for their economic and agricultural departments. The short and long term effects of program cuts to the UN system make it less diverse and not as attractive to the world’s top students. It’s like compromised athletic recruitment to a college that hasn’t won a championship in a few decades. University funding does fall into my budget plans. My suggestion: grow, manufacture, and sell industrial hemp products. All the profits go back to the Universities to mitigate financial gaps and department closures.”

KEYWORDS: Affordability, access, new revenue & new curriculum

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“I believe science and research can and should play a leading role in Nebraska’s future. We already have tremendous strengths in agriculture and medical research, including the innovative work being done at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. These are areas where Nebraska has an opportunity to continue leading, not only through scientific advancements, but also through economic development.

Investing in research means investing in our state’s future. Leading researchers attract grant funding, bring talented individuals and their families to Nebraska, create jobs, and open the door for new businesses and industries. The economic impact extends well beyond the universities and research facilities themselves.

I would prioritize funding that builds on Nebraska’s strengths in agricultural innovation and medical research. I would like to better understand existing programs, such as the Nebraska Research Initiative, Academic Research and Development Grants, and state funding for biomedical research, including how they are currently funded and opportunities to strengthen them. We should evaluate these investments not only for their scientific contributions, but also for their potential to attract additional funding, support innovation, and create long-term economic opportunities for Nebraska.”

KEYWORDS: Innovation, Investment, Opportunity

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“I believe collaboration between state government, universities, private industry, and nonprofit organizations can help us develop solutions more efficiently and bring innovations to market faster. Each brings different strengths, resources, and perspectives to the table.

Universities and government agencies may lead scientific research, while private industry can help turn discoveries into practical applications. Nonprofit organizations can help identify community needs, connect partners, and ensure research addresses real-world challenges.

From an economic development perspective, these partnerships can attract investment, create jobs, and open doors for new businesses and industries in Nebraska. However, I also believe we must recognize the value of research that doesn’t have an immediate economic benefit. Today’s research may lay the groundwork for discoveries we cannot yet imagine.

By encouraging collaboration and supporting both basic and applied research, Nebraska can strengthen its scientific community, accelerate innovation, and create opportunities for future generations.”

KEYWORDS: Collaboration, Discovery, Progress

Q15 Legislative appropriations for Nebraska’s public universities have not kept pace with inflation, and state universities are now being asked to further reduce their budgets (Peal, 2026). What role should the Legislature play in providing funding for higher education? What policies, if any, would you support to balance the state budget while also supporting Nebraska’s research capacity and student opportunities?

“I believe the Legislature has a responsibility to balance the state budget, but we also have a responsibility to invest in Nebraska’s future. Continued cuts to education, including higher education, come with long-term consequences that we cannot afford to ignore.

Our universities do more than educate students. They attract talented faculty and researchers, bring grant funding into our state, develop our workforce, and drive innovation. Reducing their funding threatens not only educational opportunities but also our ability to grow Nebraska’s economy.

We need to look carefully at our spending priorities, identify efficiencies where possible, and evaluate the long-term economic impact of our budget decisions. I don’t believe across-the-board cuts are the answer. We should also be looking at ways to grow our economy and expand our tax base rather than relying solely on spending reductions.

As someone who works in economic development, I see education and research as investments in our future. We need a balanced budget, but we also need a vision for growing Nebraska, not simply reducing what we spend.”

KEYWORDS: Education, Commitment, Growth

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Science and research at our premier institutions are some of the largest economic drivers in the state. We need to promote and celebrate those programs, not denigrate them or threaten them with funding cuts. I have also done considerable work trying to increase access to maternal and reproductive healthcare across the state which fundamentally requires increasing the availability of doctors and research to implement that access and those programs.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“First and foremost, stop funding cuts to the universities. Rather, we need to promote funding for the whole spectrum of education in our schools and support partnerships across the sectors mentioned so that students can continue to develop their skills in science and we can keep those students here in Nebraska with good opportunities that allow them to utilize their skills and pursue their goals. The state government’s job is to help promote those partnerships with funding, not standing in the way of these programs because they don’t fit a separate morality-based legislative agenda.”

Q15 Legislative appropriations for Nebraska’s public universities have not kept pace with inflation, and state universities are now being asked to further reduce their budgets (Peal, 2026). What role should the Legislature play in providing funding for higher education? What policies, if any, would you support to balance the state budget while also supporting Nebraska’s research capacity and student opportunities?

“There is no silver bullet in our current budget crisis, but I do know that we only undermine our future stability and success if we continue to erode our university funding. At the same time, the university system can do a lot more to support the professors and researchers who inspire students and provide opportunities rather than continuing to spend a disproportionate amount of their funding on administration. There is absolutely a balance to be found, and we can get there by recognizing the critical role the university system plays in our long-term success.”

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Investing in science and research is a huge economic driver for Nebraska. Ensuring we have robust research and development locally ensures Nebraska’s future is vibrant. I have a proud history of supporting research grants and voting against cuts to these investments.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“We see the benefits of these partnerships every day in Nebraska, including through the breakthrough research occurring at UNMC right here in Omaha. Continuing to build on and expand these opportunities helps our communities thrive.”

Q15 Legislative appropriations for Nebraska’s public universities have not kept pace with inflation, and state universities are now being asked to further reduce their budgets (Peal, 2026). What role should the Legislature play in providing funding for higher education? What policies, if any, would you support to balance the state budget while also supporting Nebraska’s research capacity and student opportunities?

“Nebraska’s public universities are some of our strongest and most compelling economic development programs in our state. The return on investment is second to none, and I will continue to support ensuring our universities are funded appropriately.”

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Scientific research often stimulates the economy and provides a significant return on state investments. Budget cuts to the University System and to areas like biomedical research are terrible and short-sighted. These cuts may help balance the budget in the short term, but they hurt the state’s economy in the long run. It is important for Nebraska to be a leader in research and innovation. Leading in these areas helps the economy grow and helps fight brain drain.

I don’t know much about state programs connected to Nebraska’s science strengths, but I am eager to learn more. I will fully support those programs that allow us to lead. I see these programs as ways to improve society, which is something we should all want and invest in.

We should look for other ways to balance the budget instead of cutting scientific research that will benefit the economy in the long run. Raising taxes on the ultra-wealthy or one-time taxes on extreme wealth are better ways to balance the budget than cutting funding for important research and programs.”

KEYWORDS: Investment, Priority, Fight Brain Drain

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“State government should be eager to partner with universities, industry, and nonprofits to strengthen scientific research. These types of partnerships allow us to accomplish more together than we can alone. Often, these partnerships also multiply impact and benefits. Partnerships offer real potential, and I love finding new solutions to existing problems. One of the best ways to tackle problems is to partner with like-minded groups.

I stand ready to partner on legislation that can bolster scientific research. I am eager to engage potential partners and find ways to strengthen Nebraska.”

KEYWORDS: Stand Ready, Partnerships, Potential

Q15 Legislative appropriations for Nebraska’s public universities have not kept pace with inflation, and state universities are now being asked to further reduce their budgets (Peal, 2026). What role should the Legislature play in providing funding for higher education? What policies, if any, would you support to balance the state budget while also supporting Nebraska’s research capacity and student opportunities?

“I mentioned before that cutting research is a mistake, and we should be finding other ways to balance the state’s budget. Funding our public universities is an investment in our State’s future and our children’s future.

Raising taxes on the ultra-wealthy, or imposing one-time taxes on extreme wealth, are better ways to balance the budget than cutting funding for the public university system.

The Legislature has an obligation to ensure our public universities are strong and can support the learning and research needed to propel us into the future. Today’s leaders are not future-focused, which is a theme of my campaign. We need leaders who are helping prepare our institutions, education system, and people for a promising future. Right now it feels like the future we were promised will only be available to the ultra-wealthy and the politicians they bought along the way.

The promising future should belong to all Nebraskans and all Americans, and I will fight for this reality when in the legislature.”

KEYWORDS: Investment, Future Focused, Promise

Q23 Both research universities and government-funded research programs play a critical role in advancing scientific discovery, training the future workforce, and driving economic development. How would you approach funding and oversight of research universities and government-funded research programs, and what outcomes would you hope to achieve through those investments?

“Research universities are the engines of economic development, scientific discovery, and workforce readiness. My approach to funding and oversight focuses on fiscal responsibility, structural efficiency, and value-driven advocacy.

Through these investments, my goal is to drive research excellence, including goals like rejoining the Association of American Universities, while remaining grounded in our land-grant mission. We will target research that solves real-world challenges, such as advancing agricultural technology, expanding healthcare and legal access, among others. Crucially, we will integrate research with workforce needs through industry partnerships and apprenticeships, ensuring every student is AI-ready and equipped to launch high-value careers that grow our regional economy. I also hope to deliver a long-term vision for our university, much like Missouri is doing with their proposal for a new nuclear research reactor. I believe Nebraska could be home to a quantum computer, helping to tackle challenges from 3D protein modeling for drug discovery, cybersecurity with our partnerships at StratCom, and more. We need to dream big to find our next inflection point.”

KEYWORDS: affordability, fiscal responsibility, experience

Q24 In order to avoid sweeping cuts and promote long-term financial stability, some academic departments at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have been eliminated, which has raised concerns about the consequences to educational quality, workforce preparedness, and loss of life-saving data (Wendling, 2025). Are you concerned about the immediate and long-term effects of cuts to research and education- why or why not? How should university leaders evaluate budget reductions and what are your suggestions?

“I believe the University of Nebraska must be managed with fiscal discipline while recognizing that its mission extends beyond that of a business. As a land-grant institution, NU must meet Nebraska’s critical and strategic needs. I opposed cuts to meteorology, for example, given our state’s exposure to severe weather and reliance on agriculture. To strengthen long-term financial sustainability, we should consolidate administrative leadership, reduce overhead, and break down departmental silos to prioritize collaboration, interdisciplinary learning, educators, researchers, and students. Transparent and shared governance and responsible university executive compensation can build public trust and strengthen state and federal support. Finally, we should leverage private philanthropy to create an “NIL for Academics,” attracting exceptional faculty, researchers, and student scholars to Nebraska. Strengthening the partnership between athletics and academics would allow donors to academics to meaningfully participate in athletic benefits, much like the Vanderbilt model. We cannot allow academics to atrophy while the athletic enterprise thrives. We are one university, and we rise and fall together.”

KEYWORDS: affordability, fiscal responsibility, experience

Q25 The federal government is pursuing large-scale changes to student visa approval, including increased visa denials, revoking existing visas, restricting travel from certain countries, and decreasing student visa durations. How, if at all, should Nebraska respond to federal visa changes affecting international STEM students and researchers?

“Although many of these decisions are made at the federal level, a Regent can play an important role in advocating for the University of Nebraska through our congressional delegation. My experience working in Congress, the Nebraska State Capitol, and the White House has taught me the value of building relationships across all levels of government to address complex challenges. I would bring this collaborative, “whole-of-government” approach to advancing NU’s priorities. I also see opportunities to strengthen these partnerships through state trade missions, connecting the university’s research, talent, and innovation with national and international opportunities.”

KEYWORDS: affordability, fiscal responsibility, experience

Q26 What programs, if any, should the University of Nebraska school systems implement to attempt to reduce the financial burden of attending a college or graduate school for STEM-affiliated degrees in Nebraska?

“Making STEM education more affordable requires practical solutions that reduce student debt while preparing graduates to meet Nebraska’s workforce needs.

First, we should streamline the transfer of community college credits and recognize relevant industry certifications and technical experience. This would reduce the cost of education at NU. Additionally, we should lower the cost of online learning with flexible scheduling to attract nontraditional students such as career changers, military veterans, and full-time working parents. With the enrollment cliff approaching, we need creative thinking and new ideas to expand enrollment and grow the NU brand across the country (and world).

As previously mentioned, partnering with Nebraska businesses to expand paid apprenticeships and internships that integrate real-world experience into STEM curricula creates a workforce pipeline and can also reduce the financial burden of students..

My “NIL for Academics” plan would tie philanthropy to attract and retain exceptional students through scholarships. I believe this could be coupled with expanding loan repayment assistance for graduates who commit to working in Nebraska in critical fields and locations across the state like we do in healthcare.”

KEYWORDS: affordability, fiscal responsibility, experience

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Science and research needs to happen at the university systems where there is unbiased approach. Research paid for by industry can potentially have a conflict of interest to get results that “favor” that industry. I don’t know specific programs that I would prioritize funding.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“I think there can be many opportunities for public and private collaboration. This is a great way to maximize tax dollars and really achieve the outcomes that we are seeking for jobs and the workforce.”

Q15 Legislative appropriations for Nebraska’s public universities have not kept pace with inflation, and state universities are now being asked to further reduce their budgets (Peal, 2026). What role should the Legislature play in providing funding for higher education? What policies, if any, would you support to balance the state budget while also supporting Nebraska’s research capacity and student opportunities?

“Investing in education is extremely important for our future. Legislative appropriations have not kept up with inflation for many areas not just public universities. All state dollars come from our tax payers and we have to really be careful on what we spend those funds on. Declining birthrates are effecting our education system K through higher education. There will have to be changes made because of this. The Nebraska legislature does need to provide funding for our university system and we need to work together to ensure that we are maximizing the impact with the tax dollars that are invested.”

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“I am disappointed in the implementation, growth, and sustainment of the STEM program in Nebraska rural schools.”

KEYWORDS: STEM, Rural, Access

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“All of the entities names have opportunities to build successful strategic partnerships. The uniqueness in each allow collaboration and dynamic research capabilities.”

KEYWORDS: Collaboration, strategic, uniqueness

Q15 Legislative appropriations for Nebraska’s public universities have not kept pace with inflation, and state universities are now being asked to further reduce their budgets (Peal, 2026). What role should the Legislature play in providing funding for higher education? What policies, if any, would you support to balance the state budget while also supporting Nebraska’s research capacity and student opportunities?

“Universities should fit the state and it’s demographics. This valuable but balanced partnership is what builds and strengthens the economic foundation of Nebraska. Just like any investment strategy there needs to be a baseline return on investment and a solis growth plan to make sure that the universities and programs are sustainable.”

KEYWORDS: Sustainability, partnerships, ROI

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Investment here is incredibly important, we want to make sure to fund research locally here in Nebraska because this creates jobs and progress locally. Continuing to invest here will help us build towards a bright future in Nebraska. This can also help us combat the growing brain drain problem we have in Nebraska.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“We should be looking to expand our already existing partnerships with UNMC and others because they have demonstrated that they are on the forefront of ground breaking research. We should continue to invest here so Nebraska can continue to be a worldwide leader.”

Q15 Legislative appropriations for Nebraska’s public universities have not kept pace with inflation, and state universities are now being asked to further reduce their budgets (Peal, 2026). What role should the Legislature play in providing funding for higher education? What policies, if any, would you support to balance the state budget while also supporting Nebraska’s research capacity and student opportunities?

“Nebraska’s public universities give us some of the biggest return on investment that we get in the state. We should continue to do everything in our power to make sure our universities are funded.”

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Science and research funding should be considered as priority issues.”

KEYWORDS: Science and research funding priority issues

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“We should always be looking for ways to develop and maintain these relationships and partnerships.”

KEYWORDS: Develop and maintain these relationships

Q15 Legislative appropriations for Nebraska’s public universities have not kept pace with inflation, and state universities are now being asked to further reduce their budgets (Peal, 2026). What role should the Legislature play in providing funding for higher education? What policies, if any, would you support to balance the state budget while also supporting Nebraska’s research capacity and student opportunities?

“Education and research should be considered as priority issues for appropriations.”

KEYWORDS: Education and research priority issues

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Research performed or supported by the State is critical for effective administration of programs and prioritization of limited funding. Personally, because we are heavily dependent on agriculture, I would prioritize research that focuses on safely developing crops and livestock while minimizing threats to the public. Examples would include research that allows farmers to limit the use of nitrates or other water contaminants and the consumer safety work being done at the US Meat Animal Research Center. This and other research, like biomedical research through the University, provides not only a return on investment but a measurable positive impact on the health and well-being of Nebraskans and the world! I’d like Nebraska to be a beacon for well-resourced research.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“State departments and the University should work together whenever possible to provide Nebraska’s students and professionals the opportunity to engage in high-quality research while also providing the State measurable, usable evidence to help guide policy-making. Public-private partnerships (including both nonprofit and industry) also provide additional cost-savings and should be encouraged to give us more flexibility with limited funding available. My own family funded a scientific research cash award at Doane University in memory of my father-in-law. I believe that there’s endless opportunities for a stronger research community in Nebraska and I’d like to support measures that make that happen.”

Q15 Legislative appropriations for Nebraska’s public universities have not kept pace with inflation, and state universities are now being asked to further reduce their budgets (Peal, 2026). What role should the Legislature play in providing funding for higher education? What policies, if any, would you support to balance the state budget while also supporting Nebraska’s research capacity and student opportunities?

“Every dollar that the University must increase tuition is another reason for a student to choose a different institution. We need to keep Nebraska’s best and brightest here if we are going to work at the forefront of agriculture and biomedical research. The Legislature should do everything in its power to keep tuition affordable, keep our institutions well-funded and supported, and continue to make the University and other institutions across Nebraska attractive choices.”

Q23 Both research universities and government-funded research programs play a critical role in advancing scientific discovery, training the future workforce, and driving economic development. How would you approach funding and oversight of research universities and government-funded research programs, and what outcomes would you hope to achieve through those investments?

“Research is one of the best investments Nebraska makes. Every state dollar in a UNMC or UNL lab pulls in federal and private dollars, trains the next generation of scientists, and creates jobs here. That funding is under threat, federally through proposed caps on indirect-cost recovery and cuts to NIH and NSF, and at home through repeated attempts to sweep the Health Care Cash Fund. I know that fight firsthand. I served on the board of Nebraska Cures, formerly the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, which was founded to protect that fund and promote biomedical research at UNMC. As a Regent, I’d make protecting research central to the Board’s advocacy with our congressional delegation and the Legislature.

Oversight matters too. Every dollar my organization spends gets audited, and NU should meet the same standard, starting with a zero-based review of administrative spending so more dollars reach the lab and the classroom. I’d also change the report card: instead of only counting patents, count Nebraska students trained, companies formed, capital raised, and jobs created here. Most of all, I want to keep that talent home. Right now, the largest group leaving Nebraska is college graduates aged 30 to 34.”

KEYWORDS: Affordability, Access, Research, Academic Freedom, Modernization

Q24 In order to avoid sweeping cuts and promote long-term financial stability, some academic departments at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have been eliminated, which has raised concerns about the consequences to educational quality, workforce preparedness, and loss of life-saving data (Wendling, 2025). Are you concerned about the immediate and long-term effects of cuts to research and education- why or why not? How should university leaders evaluate budget reductions and what are your suggestions?

“Yes, I’m deeply concerned. The Regents voted to eliminate Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Statistics, Educational Administration, and Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design, affecting 329 students. The campus committee recommended keeping Statistics and Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, and the Regents cut them anyway. In an agriculture state, weather and climate data drive planting decisions, crop insurance, and emergency response. Statistics supports nearly every research program on campus. These cuts save money this year, but the opportunity costs are incredibly high.

Process matters. As a student, I served on UNL’s Academic Planning Committee, the group charged with overseeing campus budget reductions, so I know how this should work. This one was poorly conceived and poorly executed, and people felt it was done to them rather than with them.

My suggestions are straightforward. Fix the process. No major cut without genuine, good-faith consultation with faculty, staff, and students. Count the full cost of a cut, including the grant revenue and teaching capacity that walk out the door with it. Cuts should be born by administration before the academic core.”

KEYWORDS: Affordability, Access, Research, Academic Freedom, Modernization

Q25 The federal government is pursuing large-scale changes to student visa approval, including increased visa denials, revoking existing visas, restricting travel from certain countries, and decreasing student visa durations. How, if at all, should Nebraska respond to federal visa changes affecting international STEM students and researchers?

“Every student who comes to Nebraska should feel like they belong here. Right now, international students are getting a very different message. When a student fears losing their visa mid-semester, how the university responds tells them whether we value them.

I believe our university is stronger when diversity is celebrated and protected. That means standing behind the offices, programs, and student organizations that help students from every background succeed, whether they’re international, first-generation, or students of color. Those programs aren’t extras. They’re how we recruit and keep talented students and faculty in a state that needs both.

For international students, NU should provide real immigration advising and legal support, flexible timelines to finish a degree, and bridge funding so a research project doesn’t collapse when one person’s visa does. Regents should also speak up, publicly and bring awareness to these issues.

International graduate students do much of the lab work in our STEM programs, and many stay to fill jobs and start companies Nebraska needs. We need more people who want to come here, work hard, and build something, not fewer. Our campuses and its leaders should say so loudly.”

KEYWORDS: Affordability, Access, Research, Academic Freedom, Modernization

Q26 What programs, if any, should the University of Nebraska school systems implement to attempt to reduce the financial burden of attending a college or graduate school for STEM-affiliated degrees in Nebraska?

“Affordability isn’t abstract to me. I got to UNL with the help of a Pell Grant and a Regents Scholarship.

The first step is to stop raising tuition. NU just raised tuition for the fourth straight year, more than 17% in total. Purdue has frozen tuition since 2013 while growing enrollment and raising faculty pay. We can do the same by getting NU’s fiscal house in order before asking families to pay more. That includes housing and food, which now cost more than tuition at UNL and get far less scrutiny.

Second, protect and grow need-based aid, including fighting federal proposals to cut Pell. Third, make transfer from community colleges seamless, so students can start closer to home and finish a degree without losing credits.

Fourth, pay students for real work. Paid research positions, internships, and industry-sponsored projects keep students enrolled, reduce borrowing, and connect them to Nebraska employers. Right now our best programs are small and walled off. A student in nursing, agronomy, or engineering deserves the same shot. And for graduate students, stipends should cover the cost of living and shouldn’t be eaten up by fees.”

KEYWORDS: Affordability, Access, Research, Academic Freedom, Modernization

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“My vision for scientific research in the state of Nebraska focuses on the current strengths we have while also expanding on battery and energy. Currently Nebraska’s research strength is focused on agriculture, biomedical/bioeconomic, and water management. As a farmer these research fields make sense for the “Cornhusker State”. But we need to also look to the future which is research into energy creation, storage (batteries) and transmission.”

KEYWORDS: current strengths, future technology

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“With our current strengths focusing funding on precision agriculture, making agriculture inputs more efficient, lessening nitrate pollution, and improving margins for our largest industry could help the rest of the state. Secondarily providing support for our public power to research energy production, delivery, and storage could incentivize businesses to come to our state. Energy research could also prepare us for the future.”

KEYWORDS: precision agriculture, energy research

Q15 Legislative appropriations for Nebraska’s public universities have not kept pace with inflation, and state universities are now being asked to further reduce their budgets (Peal, 2026). What role should the Legislature play in providing funding for higher education? What policies, if any, would you support to balance the state budget while also supporting Nebraska’s research capacity and student opportunities?

“The states general fund contribution to the university system is roughly $720 million which is currently around 20% of the $2.5 billion budget. Doctor Jeffery Gold, president of UNO has said that the return on investment for higher education is for every $1 the state can see $10. So investment in education should be a priority even if it requires a rework of the tax system.”

KEYWORDS: ROI $10, taxes

Q23 Both research universities and government-funded research programs play a critical role in advancing scientific discovery, training the future workforce, and driving economic development. How would you approach funding and oversight of research universities and government-funded research programs, and what outcomes would you hope to achieve through those investments?

“My approach funding and oversight include competitive peer review, priority alignment, stage funding, financial auditing, ethical and regulatory compliance, and conflict of interest management. Outcomes I would hope to achieve include new technologies, medical treatments and clean energy solutions that save lives and improve daily living standards, spurring jobs creation and new industries by research into commercial startups and patents. building robust infrastructure, training next generation of critical thinkers and addressing complex large-scale challenges such as climate change and food insecurity.”

KEYWORDS: Ethical, Purposeful, future forward

Q24 In order to avoid sweeping cuts and promote long-term financial stability, some academic departments at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have been eliminated, which has raised concerns about the consequences to educational quality, workforce preparedness, and loss of life-saving data (Wendling, 2025). Are you concerned about the immediate and long-term effects of cuts to research and education- why or why not? How should university leaders evaluate budget reductions and what are your suggestions?

“Budget restraints are going to continue to exist. There needs to be a focus on conserving core curriculum while containing costs. There needs to be an overall look at what programs have low enrollment. Specific degrees can be combined into a multidisciplinary school to save on costs. Everyone should be concerned when programs are cut. There needs to be a strict focus on viable programs and degrees. The University needs to be aware of the people (our students) who are affected by these changes.”

KEYWORDS: Common sense, core curriculum, budget constraints

Q25 The federal government is pursuing large-scale changes to student visa approval, including increased visa denials, revoking existing visas, restricting travel from certain countries, and decreasing student visa durations. How, if at all, should Nebraska respond to federal visa changes affecting international STEM students and researchers?

“These federal mandates are currently on hold. The University has an obligation to keep themselves and their students advised of any and all changes.”

KEYWORDS: Awareness, compliance , legal status

Q26 What programs, if any, should the University of Nebraska school systems implement to attempt to reduce the financial burden of attending a college or graduate school for STEM-affiliated degrees in Nebraska?

“Given that science, technology, engineering and math fields are going to be needed for a future workforce, there needs to be cooperation between private businesses and the University to develop programs, internships with stipends, that meet future needs. This would help reduce the financial burden of earning a college degree. Focus needs to be in developing people and programs that meet the needs of business and technology.”

KEYWORDS: Cooperation, internships, future workforce

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“My vision is for Nebraska to maintain strong scientific and research capacity while keeping state-supported research attentive to the communities and conditions in which that work is being conducted. The intellectual framing of a research project should not be considered in isolation from Nebraska’s geography, economy, or the material well-being of households and communities that may ultimately be affected by its findings.

To the extent state funding plays a role, I would prioritize programs that combine strong research with a demonstrated interest in issues that extend beyond academia itself. That does not necessarily mean requiring a public-private partnership or an immediate commercial application. It means valuing research that remains engaged with the broader world around it, whether through agriculture, water, public health, infrastructure, energy, economic conditions, or other areas where scientific work can contribute to the long-term well-being of the state.”

KEYWORDS: Community oriented funding, dialogue based communication, transparent assumptions.

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“Partnerships can be valuable when they bring different kinds of knowledge and capacity to problems with clear relevance to Nebraska communities. State government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations each have different perspectives and resources that can strengthen research, particularly in areas such as agriculture, water, public health, energy, infrastructure, and workforce development.

At the same time, I would not treat formal partnerships as a prerequisite for worthwhile research. The broader goal should be to encourage scientific work that remains engaged with the economic, geographic, and material conditions of the state and creates meaningful connections between research institutions and the communities around them.”

KEYWORDS: Clearly defined problems, locally grounded research, strong research standards.

Q15 Legislative appropriations for Nebraska’s public universities have not kept pace with inflation, and state universities are now being asked to further reduce their budgets (Peal, 2026). What role should the Legislature play in providing funding for higher education? What policies, if any, would you support to balance the state budget while also supporting Nebraska’s research capacity and student opportunities?

“The Legislature has an important role in supporting public higher education, but funding decisions should also reflect the demographic realities facing universities. Nebraska, like much of the country, is confronting smaller youth cohorts over the long term, and higher education institutions need to plan for that change rather than assume that historical staffing and program structures can simply continue indefinitely. Even if state appropriations kept pace with inflation, questions about staffing levels, program demand, and institutional organization would remain legitimate.

Enrollment should therefore be one factor in evaluating academic programs, but it should not be the sole deciding factor. Programs facing low enrollment should have a fair opportunity to demonstrate their value, adjust their structure, recruit students, or address the underlying reasons for declining participation before elimination is considered. The goal should be thoughtful adaptation rather than indiscriminate cuts.

I would also distinguish more clearly between research-intensive career paths and programs primarily preparing students for employment outside academia. Nebraska should preserve strong research capacity, particularly where it serves areas of importance to the state, while ensuring that graduates are prepared for the range of careers they are actually likely to enter. Students pursuing research careers should have a clear pathway into advanced academic and research work, while other programs should maintain strong connections to professional and industry opportunities.”

KEYWORDS: Enrollment conscious, career focused, programmatically adaptive

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Over the next decade I want Nebraska to be known as a state that turns research into results for the people who live here. Our strengths are clear: agriculture and water, biomedical research at UNMC, and national security research through the National Strategic Research Institute, which the University of Nebraska hosts for U.S. Strategic Command. Having served at STRATCOM, I understand what that partnership means for the mission and for Nebraska. Few states have anything like it. I would prioritize state programs that produce measurable, usable evidence for Nebraska decisions, especially groundwater and water quality monitoring and agricultural research that helps producers conserve water and manage nitrogen. I would also ask state agencies and the university what is working before deciding where new dollars go, so funding follows results rather than habit.”

KEYWORDS: Results, Measurable, Listening

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“Nebraska already shows what works. The University’s partnership with STRATCOM, UNMC’s research and clinical enterprise, and agricultural extension all connect research to real needs. In 15 years on the industry side of defense technology, I learned that the best partnerships start with a clearly defined problem and a customer who will use the answer. State government should say plainly what it needs solved, whether that is water quality, health data, or workforce shortages. Universities supply the research, industry supplies scale and commercialization, and nonprofits supply reach and community trust. I would pair these partnerships with paid internships and apprenticeships so students gain experience in Nebraska, and I would protect academic independence by requiring that research results be published. I would also connect them to K-12 schools, so students in every part of the state can see a path from the classroom to a research career. I went through public schools myself, and I know how much that early exposure matters.”

KEYWORDS: Nonprofits, Public/Private, Community

Q16 What role do you believe science, research, innovation, and STEM workforce development should play in Nebraska’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in the infrastructure and services that improve quality of life?

“Science, research, and STEM workforce development are among the best long-term investments Nebraska can make, because they build on industries we already have: agriculture, health care, advanced manufacturing, energy, and national security at Offutt Air Force Base. They also give graduates reasons to stay. With an economics degree and an MBA, I look at return on investment. Public dollars should be tied to clear goals and measurable results, such as jobs created, graduates retained, research that reaches farms and clinics, and growth in the tax base, with results reported publicly. As a product of public schools, I also want students in every district, rural and urban, to have the science and math preparation to compete for those jobs.”

KEYWORDS: Clarity, Goals, Investment

Q11 Within the last year, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents eliminated four academic departments at University of Nebraska - Lincoln, including statistics and earth and atmospheric sciences. All four U Nebraska campuses are now facing additional budget reductions. Constituents and university leaders have raised concerns about how this will impact education and workforce readiness along with economic and social value from research (Wendling, 2025). NU President Gold stated: “We cannot cut our way to extraordinary, nor can we fully realize our mission of exceptional teaching, research and statewide engagement if we are operating in a constant cycle of cuts and related restrictions, without the ability to predict even a single year of stability” (Peal, 2026). In your opinion, what (if any) are the immediate and long-term effects of cuts to research and science education? Does state funding to the university system fit into your suggestions for balancing the state budget? And if so, what are your specific suggestions for doing this?

“That’s great. Gold wants $160 million more this year. That’s $160 from every taxpayer. I’ll incentivize our universities to have industrial hemp curriculum, grow industrial hemp, process it, manufacture green building products, sell them, and put the revenue towards funding the University instead of demanding the taxpayers foot the bill every year. Supporting outdated and conservative farm policy while ignoring financial solutions staring them in the face doesn’t bode well for their economic and agricultural departments. The short and long term effects of program cuts to the UN system make it less diverse and not as attractive to the world’s top students. It’s like compromised athletic recruitment to a college that hasn’t won a championship in a few decades. University funding does fall into my budget plans. My suggestion: grow, manufacture, and sell industrial hemp products. All the profits go back to the Universities to mitigate financial gaps and department closures.”

KEYWORDS: Affordability, access, new revenue & new curriculum

Q32 Energy and its management play a role in local economic and environmental sustainability through creating jobs, incorporating sources considered sustainable, and updating infrastructure. Which of these, or others, are your priorities for your Public Power District? And what scientific evidence informed your priorities?

“Energy policy, to me, is really about taking care of people, keeping bills stable, keeping the lights on, and making sure our communities stay strong for the long haul. In my public‑service work, I’ve always leaned on clear evidence and practical decision‑making, and that’s how I look at public power too.

Research from places like the Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows that when utilities modernize their infrastructure, outages drop and efficiency goes up. Studies from the Electric Power Research Institute back this up: a mix of reliable resources, including sustainable ones, makes the grid stronger without driving costs out of reach.

So my priorities are pretty straightforward. Keep the grid resilient. Invest in upgrades that actually improve reliability. Use data, not trends, to guide resource choices. And make sure we’re supporting the local workforce so the jobs tied to energy stay in our community.

I’ve always believed public power works best when decisions are transparent, evidence‑based, and centered on the people who pay the bills. That’s the approach I’ve taken throughout my career, and it’s the approach I bring to energy policy.

Policy making in public power, to me, starts with evidence‑based decision‑making and transparent governance so people can see how and why choices are made. It’s about smart risk mitigation, solid regulatory compliance, and practical long‑term resource planning that keeps the grid reliable. Good policy also leans on load forecasting and asset management to stay ahead of future needs. And because public power is tied directly to community well‑being, it includes workforce development, local economic resilience, ratepayer affordability, and community impact analysis so decisions support both stability and trust.”

Q3 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Nebraska’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

“I support workforce policies that connect education and training directly to the industries Nebraska already does well, including agriculture, biotechnology, energy, and manufacturing. That means stronger career and technical education, apprenticeships, community college programs, and partnerships between employers, schools, universities, and research institutions.

Federal workforce funding should be flexible enough to meet regional needs rather than forcing every community into the same model. I also support programs that help people earn industry credentials or complete training without taking on unnecessary debt, especially for skilled trades and technical jobs.

Innovation also needs to benefit the communities where it happens. When federal dollars support new agricultural technology, biofuels, biotechnology, or energy projects, workforce development should be part of that investment so local workers have a real opportunity to fill those jobs.

My goal is straightforward: invest in Nebraska’s strengths, build a skilled workforce here, and create more opportunities for people to build careers without having to leave their communities to find them.”

KEYWORDS: Workforce development, Career training, Rural opportunity

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“I believe science and research can and should play a leading role in Nebraska’s future. We already have tremendous strengths in agriculture and medical research, including the innovative work being done at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. These are areas where Nebraska has an opportunity to continue leading, not only through scientific advancements, but also through economic development.

Investing in research means investing in our state’s future. Leading researchers attract grant funding, bring talented individuals and their families to Nebraska, create jobs, and open the door for new businesses and industries. The economic impact extends well beyond the universities and research facilities themselves.

I would prioritize funding that builds on Nebraska’s strengths in agricultural innovation and medical research. I would like to better understand existing programs, such as the Nebraska Research Initiative, Academic Research and Development Grants, and state funding for biomedical research, including how they are currently funded and opportunities to strengthen them. We should evaluate these investments not only for their scientific contributions, but also for their potential to attract additional funding, support innovation, and create long-term economic opportunities for Nebraska.”

KEYWORDS: Innovation, Investment, Opportunity

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“I believe collaboration between state government, universities, private industry, and nonprofit organizations can help us develop solutions more efficiently and bring innovations to market faster. Each brings different strengths, resources, and perspectives to the table.

Universities and government agencies may lead scientific research, while private industry can help turn discoveries into practical applications. Nonprofit organizations can help identify community needs, connect partners, and ensure research addresses real-world challenges.

From an economic development perspective, these partnerships can attract investment, create jobs, and open doors for new businesses and industries in Nebraska. However, I also believe we must recognize the value of research that doesn’t have an immediate economic benefit. Today’s research may lay the groundwork for discoveries we cannot yet imagine.

By encouraging collaboration and supporting both basic and applied research, Nebraska can strengthen its scientific community, accelerate innovation, and create opportunities for future generations.”

KEYWORDS: Collaboration, Discovery, Progress

Q16 What role do you believe science, research, innovation, and STEM workforce development should play in Nebraska’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in the infrastructure and services that improve quality of life?

“I believe science, research, innovation, and STEM workforce development are essential to Nebraska’s economic future. As I’ve emphasized throughout my responses, Nebraska has tremendous strengths in agriculture and medical research that provide opportunities for continued growth.

Investing in research and developing a skilled workforce helps attract businesses, create jobs, and bring talented individuals and families to our state. These investments also help grow our tax base, generating additional revenue to support the infrastructure, education, healthcare, and services that make our communities stronger.

I believe we need to look at these investments as part of a larger economic development strategy. We should encourage collaboration between universities, government, and private industry while ensuring that students have opportunities to develop the skills needed for tomorrow’s jobs. We also need to create opportunities for those students to stay in Nebraska and build their careers and families here.

Ultimately, a stronger economy gives us more resources to invest in our communities and improve quality of life. That is how I believe we move Nebraska forward.”

KEYWORDS: Talent, Prosperity, Community

Q3 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Nebraska’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

“Here’s the truth. We can’t fund research and cut taxes for billionaires and mega corporations at the same time. For decades federal grants for research had bipartisan support because both parties understood the importance of it in industry and for job growth. We can’t rely solely on industry for research because industry research tends to focus on what will make a corporation profitable. I would work to restore and grow federal funding for research grants. I would also restore research funding for federal agencies such as the Dept. of Agriculture. If we want to compete successfully with other nations we must fund research that provides a highly competent workforce.”

KEYWORDS: Funding, Grants, Research

Q3 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Nebraska’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

“Agricultural College should be at no cost to students. For that matter, all college courses should be at no cost to students. Our future depends on the young. Unless we really step up our game, we will not be competitive with the rest of the world. Especially the Chinese, who are starting to get ahead of us in many areas. We need Trade Colleges. Nebraska is rift with resources, but they will be of no use if there is no one to utilize them.”

KEYWORDS: Think Ahead NOW.

Q32 Energy and its management play a role in local economic and environmental sustainability through creating jobs, incorporating sources considered sustainable, and updating infrastructure. Which of these, or others, are your priorities for your Public Power District? And what scientific evidence informed your priorities?

“Public power’s major objectives are affordability and reliability. No single source of energy production meets both of these objectives consistently. We need diverse sources of generation including renewable energy, natural gas, and likely nuclear as well. We have seen locally substantial property tax relief through the nameplate capacity tax along with job creation and new sources of revenue to landowners through leasing. It is a key driver of economic development in rural areas.

In regard to the levelized cost of each type of generation, wind and solar generation are the lowest cost according to the annual Lazard Levelized Cost of Energy Report. The Nebraska Energy Report referenced the NDEE information documenting that 23% of Nebraska’s energy came from renewables in 2023.”

Q3 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Nebraska’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

“I support all use of ethanol

Creates jobs and helps consumers with cheaper fuel. And helps farmers get more for their crops”

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Science and research at our premier institutions are some of the largest economic drivers in the state. We need to promote and celebrate those programs, not denigrate them or threaten them with funding cuts. I have also done considerable work trying to increase access to maternal and reproductive healthcare across the state which fundamentally requires increasing the availability of doctors and research to implement that access and those programs.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“First and foremost, stop funding cuts to the universities. Rather, we need to promote funding for the whole spectrum of education in our schools and support partnerships across the sectors mentioned so that students can continue to develop their skills in science and we can keep those students here in Nebraska with good opportunities that allow them to utilize their skills and pursue their goals. The state government’s job is to help promote those partnerships with funding, not standing in the way of these programs because they don’t fit a separate morality-based legislative agenda.”

Q16 What role do you believe science, research, innovation, and STEM workforce development should play in Nebraska’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in the infrastructure and services that improve quality of life?

“As stated above, we have some of the best science and research institutions right here in Nebraska and it serves no one to undermine them. These jobs are good-paying jobs that allow families to support themselves (not to mention their availability allowing future generations of Nebraskans to dream big and do really cool things). When we ignore the importance of science, research, and innovation, we cannot actually work towards improving the quality of life for Nebraskans.”

Q3 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Nebraska’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

“Nebraska’s heart is the bioeconomy. It runs on agriculture, biotechnology, energy. It needs a next generation to continue. Divert wasted funds/ grants for community college technician pathways, paid apprenticeships tied to employer demand in the industries.

I’d bundle three reforms already moving in Congress: Beginning Farmer Opportunity Act- capital gains exclusion when a retiring farmer sells or leases land to a beginning farmer, cutting the experience requirement on USDA ownership loans from three years to one, and full exclusion when farmland passes to a family member. Representatives Alford, Nunn, and Massie introduced the pieces; I’d cosponsor and combine them. Remove the walls that keep young people out of farming. Break the monopolies and market manipulations by allowing more freedom to process and sell your product on the market.

The rationale is simple. We train the next generation, open the door for them, and stop watching Nebraska’s value added work leave for lack of a reason to stay.”

KEYWORDS: Bioeconomy, beginning farmer, capital gains, apprenticeships, nuclear, monopolies

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Investing in science and research is a huge economic driver for Nebraska. Ensuring we have robust research and development locally ensures Nebraska’s future is vibrant. I have a proud history of supporting research grants and voting against cuts to these investments.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“We see the benefits of these partnerships every day in Nebraska, including through the breakthrough research occurring at UNMC right here in Omaha. Continuing to build on and expand these opportunities helps our communities thrive.”

Q16 What role do you believe science, research, innovation, and STEM workforce development should play in Nebraska’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in the infrastructure and services that improve quality of life?

“Important to ensure all of these are pursued with sound, evidence-based policies.”

Q32 Energy and its management play a role in local economic and environmental sustainability through creating jobs, incorporating sources considered sustainable, and updating infrastructure. Which of these, or others, are your priorities for your Public Power District? And what scientific evidence informed your priorities?

“In the short term, the cost of power is far outpacing any wage increases that the fortunate may be seeing, while those on a fixed income suffer. In the long term, global climate change is an existential threat to the very existence of our species. I view it as good fortunate that clean, renewable sources of energy can help serve as a solution to both of these issues by providing lower cost, lower carbon sources of power.”

KEYWORDS: Economics, equity, long-term planning

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Scientific research often stimulates the economy and provides a significant return on state investments. Budget cuts to the University System and to areas like biomedical research are terrible and short-sighted. These cuts may help balance the budget in the short term, but they hurt the state’s economy in the long run. It is important for Nebraska to be a leader in research and innovation. Leading in these areas helps the economy grow and helps fight brain drain.

I don’t know much about state programs connected to Nebraska’s science strengths, but I am eager to learn more. I will fully support those programs that allow us to lead. I see these programs as ways to improve society, which is something we should all want and invest in.

We should look for other ways to balance the budget instead of cutting scientific research that will benefit the economy in the long run. Raising taxes on the ultra-wealthy or one-time taxes on extreme wealth are better ways to balance the budget than cutting funding for important research and programs.”

KEYWORDS: Investment, Priority, Fight Brain Drain

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“State government should be eager to partner with universities, industry, and nonprofits to strengthen scientific research. These types of partnerships allow us to accomplish more together than we can alone. Often, these partnerships also multiply impact and benefits. Partnerships offer real potential, and I love finding new solutions to existing problems. One of the best ways to tackle problems is to partner with like-minded groups.

I stand ready to partner on legislation that can bolster scientific research. I am eager to engage potential partners and find ways to strengthen Nebraska.”

KEYWORDS: Stand Ready, Partnerships, Potential

Q16 What role do you believe science, research, innovation, and STEM workforce development should play in Nebraska’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in the infrastructure and services that improve quality of life?

“Government’s primary focus should be on improving citizens’ quality of life. I think many political leaders focus only on improving their own lives.

We should be making big investments in science, research, innovation, and STEM workforce development. We are behind where we should be in supporting these areas, and we need to catch up quickly. Of course, it would be great if the federal government would stop enacting policies that make this type of investment more difficult. Legislators at both the state and federal level need to get to work making people’s lives easier and better. There is a palpable lack of progress on legislation that most citizens clearly agree on. Inaction seems to be the status quo at both the state and federal levels. “

KEYWORDS: Primary Focus, Investing

Q25 The federal government is pursuing large-scale changes to student visa approval, including increased visa denials, revoking existing visas, restricting travel from certain countries, and decreasing student visa durations. How, if at all, should Nebraska respond to federal visa changes affecting international STEM students and researchers?

“Although many of these decisions are made at the federal level, a Regent can play an important role in advocating for the University of Nebraska through our congressional delegation. My experience working in Congress, the Nebraska State Capitol, and the White House has taught me the value of building relationships across all levels of government to address complex challenges. I would bring this collaborative, “whole-of-government” approach to advancing NU’s priorities. I also see opportunities to strengthen these partnerships through state trade missions, connecting the university’s research, talent, and innovation with national and international opportunities.”

KEYWORDS: affordability, fiscal responsibility, experience

Q26 What programs, if any, should the University of Nebraska school systems implement to attempt to reduce the financial burden of attending a college or graduate school for STEM-affiliated degrees in Nebraska?

“Making STEM education more affordable requires practical solutions that reduce student debt while preparing graduates to meet Nebraska’s workforce needs.

First, we should streamline the transfer of community college credits and recognize relevant industry certifications and technical experience. This would reduce the cost of education at NU. Additionally, we should lower the cost of online learning with flexible scheduling to attract nontraditional students such as career changers, military veterans, and full-time working parents. With the enrollment cliff approaching, we need creative thinking and new ideas to expand enrollment and grow the NU brand across the country (and world).

As previously mentioned, partnering with Nebraska businesses to expand paid apprenticeships and internships that integrate real-world experience into STEM curricula creates a workforce pipeline and can also reduce the financial burden of students..

My “NIL for Academics” plan would tie philanthropy to attract and retain exceptional students through scholarships. I believe this could be coupled with expanding loan repayment assistance for graduates who commit to working in Nebraska in critical fields and locations across the state like we do in healthcare.”

KEYWORDS: affordability, fiscal responsibility, experience

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Science and research needs to happen at the university systems where there is unbiased approach. Research paid for by industry can potentially have a conflict of interest to get results that “favor” that industry. I don’t know specific programs that I would prioritize funding.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“I think there can be many opportunities for public and private collaboration. This is a great way to maximize tax dollars and really achieve the outcomes that we are seeking for jobs and the workforce.”

Q16 What role do you believe science, research, innovation, and STEM workforce development should play in Nebraska’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in the infrastructure and services that improve quality of life?

“I think STEM workforce development is a great path for students to go into as it results in high paying and stable jobs. This will then help with the Nebraska economy.”

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“I am disappointed in the implementation, growth, and sustainment of the STEM program in Nebraska rural schools.”

KEYWORDS: STEM, Rural, Access

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“All of the entities names have opportunities to build successful strategic partnerships. The uniqueness in each allow collaboration and dynamic research capabilities.”

KEYWORDS: Collaboration, strategic, uniqueness

Q16 What role do you believe science, research, innovation, and STEM workforce development should play in Nebraska’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in the infrastructure and services that improve quality of life?

“I have been challenged with the implementation and sustainability of science, research, innovation, and STEM in early education through high school. With these gaps I believe there will be a negative impact and I hope to change that and find solutions that can bring back to life the programs that do improve outcomes.”

KEYWORDS: Investment, education, gaps

Q32 Energy and its management play a role in local economic and environmental sustainability through creating jobs, incorporating sources considered sustainable, and updating infrastructure. Which of these, or others, are your priorities for your Public Power District? And what scientific evidence informed your priorities?

“I’m running for OPPD’s Board of Directors to provide affordable and reliable electricity and make sure that OPPD puts people first. The right approach balances both immediate and long-term needs so that OPPD can protect the best interests of the people it serves.

The cost of living has increased faster than people’s paychecks. Politicians in Washington have enacted policies that have raised the cost of just about everything, squeezing Nebraska families and making it difficult to make ends meet. I’ll work to keep rates as low as possible while protecting reliability and planning for our future.

As a mom, I care deeply about the world that my kids are growing up in and that they’ll inherit from us. Meeting environmental goals will help protect our community’s long-term health, safety, and economic vitality and reduce risks posed by climate disruption. These risks affect OPPD’s ability to provide affordable and reliable power, such as through storms that take out power lines and extreme heat that strains the electric grid’s capacity.

Fortunately, we now have more options than ever for clean, affordable, and reliable electricity. I support a balanced approach that considers all important priorities and looks toward the future.”

KEYWORDS: Affordable, reliable, balanced

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Investment here is incredibly important, we want to make sure to fund research locally here in Nebraska because this creates jobs and progress locally. Continuing to invest here will help us build towards a bright future in Nebraska. This can also help us combat the growing brain drain problem we have in Nebraska.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“We should be looking to expand our already existing partnerships with UNMC and others because they have demonstrated that they are on the forefront of ground breaking research. We should continue to invest here so Nebraska can continue to be a worldwide leader.”

Q16 What role do you believe science, research, innovation, and STEM workforce development should play in Nebraska’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in the infrastructure and services that improve quality of life?

“They should play a big role in Nebraska’s economy. We continue to see evidence that demonstrates these fields are economical for the state and we should continue investing in them. These fields bring revenue, people, and prestige to our state.”

Q3 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Nebraska’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

“Investing in the bioeconomy is an excellent public investment because it creates more opportunities and jobs right here in the US, especially in the midwest where all the feedstocks (row crops in particular) are grown. The bioeconomy generates demand for our farmer’s crops (eg, ethanol made from corn has been a hugely successful bio economic success story), plus enriches our domestic energy security by reducing our reliance on foreign oil. This contributes to long-term benefits for our society. Investing in the bioeconomy would greatly benefit Nebraskans and all Americans.”

KEYWORDS: Energy security, innovation, sustainability

Q3 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Nebraska’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

“Nebraska should not only grow the raw materials used in the bioeconomy; we should also develop the technology, manufacture the products, and create the jobs here. I would support federal partnerships connecting farmers, businesses, unions, community colleges, the University of Nebraska, and other training programs in agriculture, biotechnology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Funding should support paid apprenticeships, affordable certificate and degree programs, modern training equipment, agricultural extension services, and opportunities for workers to learn new skills without leaving their jobs or communities. Programs must be accessible in rural Nebraska, not concentrated only in major cities.

Federal incentives for bioeconomy businesses should be tied to measurable results, including good wages, Nebraska jobs, responsible use of natural resources, and partnerships with local producers. Public funding should not become a blank check for corporations that bring in outside workers or move away once incentives expire.

These investments would help Nebraska retain young people, strengthen family farms and rural communities, and turn our agricultural and scientific strengths into stable, well-paying careers.”

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Science and research funding should be considered as priority issues.”

KEYWORDS: Science and research funding priority issues

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“We should always be looking for ways to develop and maintain these relationships and partnerships.”

KEYWORDS: Develop and maintain these relationships

Q16 What role do you believe science, research, innovation, and STEM workforce development should play in Nebraska’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in the infrastructure and services that improve quality of life?

“We should always be emphasizing and prioritizing STEM careers for our rising generation.”

KEYWORDS: STEM careers rising generation

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Research performed or supported by the State is critical for effective administration of programs and prioritization of limited funding. Personally, because we are heavily dependent on agriculture, I would prioritize research that focuses on safely developing crops and livestock while minimizing threats to the public. Examples would include research that allows farmers to limit the use of nitrates or other water contaminants and the consumer safety work being done at the US Meat Animal Research Center. This and other research, like biomedical research through the University, provides not only a return on investment but a measurable positive impact on the health and well-being of Nebraskans and the world! I’d like Nebraska to be a beacon for well-resourced research.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“State departments and the University should work together whenever possible to provide Nebraska’s students and professionals the opportunity to engage in high-quality research while also providing the State measurable, usable evidence to help guide policy-making. Public-private partnerships (including both nonprofit and industry) also provide additional cost-savings and should be encouraged to give us more flexibility with limited funding available. My own family funded a scientific research cash award at Doane University in memory of my father-in-law. I believe that there’s endless opportunities for a stronger research community in Nebraska and I’d like to support measures that make that happen.”

Q16 What role do you believe science, research, innovation, and STEM workforce development should play in Nebraska’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in the infrastructure and services that improve quality of life?

“We have to prioritize science, including research, as we look to expand Nebraska’s economy and find new revenue streams to balance budgetary gaps. I support investing in cutting-edge research across Nebraska and in programs that help us develop a workforce that can rise to the challenges that arise. As technology evolves around us at rapid rates, training our students in research and innovation puts them ahead in the job search process. I am grateful for the work that industry has already put toward expanding Nebraska’s economy and the research landscape, and I view it’s a reasonable ask for the State to invest in other developments.”

Q25 The federal government is pursuing large-scale changes to student visa approval, including increased visa denials, revoking existing visas, restricting travel from certain countries, and decreasing student visa durations. How, if at all, should Nebraska respond to federal visa changes affecting international STEM students and researchers?

“Every student who comes to Nebraska should feel like they belong here. Right now, international students are getting a very different message. When a student fears losing their visa mid-semester, how the university responds tells them whether we value them.

I believe our university is stronger when diversity is celebrated and protected. That means standing behind the offices, programs, and student organizations that help students from every background succeed, whether they’re international, first-generation, or students of color. Those programs aren’t extras. They’re how we recruit and keep talented students and faculty in a state that needs both.

For international students, NU should provide real immigration advising and legal support, flexible timelines to finish a degree, and bridge funding so a research project doesn’t collapse when one person’s visa does. Regents should also speak up, publicly and bring awareness to these issues.

International graduate students do much of the lab work in our STEM programs, and many stay to fill jobs and start companies Nebraska needs. We need more people who want to come here, work hard, and build something, not fewer. Our campuses and its leaders should say so loudly.”

KEYWORDS: Affordability, Access, Research, Academic Freedom, Modernization

Q26 What programs, if any, should the University of Nebraska school systems implement to attempt to reduce the financial burden of attending a college or graduate school for STEM-affiliated degrees in Nebraska?

“Affordability isn’t abstract to me. I got to UNL with the help of a Pell Grant and a Regents Scholarship.

The first step is to stop raising tuition. NU just raised tuition for the fourth straight year, more than 17% in total. Purdue has frozen tuition since 2013 while growing enrollment and raising faculty pay. We can do the same by getting NU’s fiscal house in order before asking families to pay more. That includes housing and food, which now cost more than tuition at UNL and get far less scrutiny.

Second, protect and grow need-based aid, including fighting federal proposals to cut Pell. Third, make transfer from community colleges seamless, so students can start closer to home and finish a degree without losing credits.

Fourth, pay students for real work. Paid research positions, internships, and industry-sponsored projects keep students enrolled, reduce borrowing, and connect them to Nebraska employers. Right now our best programs are small and walled off. A student in nursing, agronomy, or engineering deserves the same shot. And for graduate students, stipends should cover the cost of living and shouldn’t be eaten up by fees.”

KEYWORDS: Affordability, Access, Research, Academic Freedom, Modernization

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“My vision for scientific research in the state of Nebraska focuses on the current strengths we have while also expanding on battery and energy. Currently Nebraska’s research strength is focused on agriculture, biomedical/bioeconomic, and water management. As a farmer these research fields make sense for the “Cornhusker State”. But we need to also look to the future which is research into energy creation, storage (batteries) and transmission.”

KEYWORDS: current strengths, future technology

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“With our current strengths focusing funding on precision agriculture, making agriculture inputs more efficient, lessening nitrate pollution, and improving margins for our largest industry could help the rest of the state. Secondarily providing support for our public power to research energy production, delivery, and storage could incentivize businesses to come to our state. Energy research could also prepare us for the future.”

KEYWORDS: precision agriculture, energy research

Q16 What role do you believe science, research, innovation, and STEM workforce development should play in Nebraska’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in the infrastructure and services that improve quality of life?

“To better prepare for the future of Nebraska and its residents, we must make investments into STEM fields. However, to better the lives of current residents and draw new business to the state and investment into childcare could provide a better return on investment. If the workforce has cheap and expansive childcare, this could provide opportunities for entrepreneurship or further training. Allowing our current residence to better utilize the research we are funding.”

KEYWORDS: future, childcare, entrepreneurship

Q25 The federal government is pursuing large-scale changes to student visa approval, including increased visa denials, revoking existing visas, restricting travel from certain countries, and decreasing student visa durations. How, if at all, should Nebraska respond to federal visa changes affecting international STEM students and researchers?

“These federal mandates are currently on hold. The University has an obligation to keep themselves and their students advised of any and all changes.”

KEYWORDS: Awareness, compliance , legal status

Q26 What programs, if any, should the University of Nebraska school systems implement to attempt to reduce the financial burden of attending a college or graduate school for STEM-affiliated degrees in Nebraska?

“Given that science, technology, engineering and math fields are going to be needed for a future workforce, there needs to be cooperation between private businesses and the University to develop programs, internships with stipends, that meet future needs. This would help reduce the financial burden of earning a college degree. Focus needs to be in developing people and programs that meet the needs of business and technology.”

KEYWORDS: Cooperation, internships, future workforce

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“My vision is for Nebraska to maintain strong scientific and research capacity while keeping state-supported research attentive to the communities and conditions in which that work is being conducted. The intellectual framing of a research project should not be considered in isolation from Nebraska’s geography, economy, or the material well-being of households and communities that may ultimately be affected by its findings.

To the extent state funding plays a role, I would prioritize programs that combine strong research with a demonstrated interest in issues that extend beyond academia itself. That does not necessarily mean requiring a public-private partnership or an immediate commercial application. It means valuing research that remains engaged with the broader world around it, whether through agriculture, water, public health, infrastructure, energy, economic conditions, or other areas where scientific work can contribute to the long-term well-being of the state.”

KEYWORDS: Community oriented funding, dialogue based communication, transparent assumptions.

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“Partnerships can be valuable when they bring different kinds of knowledge and capacity to problems with clear relevance to Nebraska communities. State government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations each have different perspectives and resources that can strengthen research, particularly in areas such as agriculture, water, public health, energy, infrastructure, and workforce development.

At the same time, I would not treat formal partnerships as a prerequisite for worthwhile research. The broader goal should be to encourage scientific work that remains engaged with the economic, geographic, and material conditions of the state and creates meaningful connections between research institutions and the communities around them.”

KEYWORDS: Clearly defined problems, locally grounded research, strong research standards.

Q16 What role do you believe science, research, innovation, and STEM workforce development should play in Nebraska’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in the infrastructure and services that improve quality of life?

“Science, research, innovation, and STEM workforce development can all contribute meaningfully to Nebraska’s economy and quality of life. I think most policymakers would agree with that proposition in the abstract.

The more important question is how the state determines which investments are actually producing those benefits. I would want public support to be tied to clearly defined needs, realistic expectations, measurable outcomes, and an understanding of the communities and industries being affected. Research or innovation should not be presumed beneficial simply because it falls within a favored category.”

KEYWORDS: Clearly defined needs, measurable outcomes, demonstrated public value

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“Nebraska already shows what works. The University’s partnership with STRATCOM, UNMC’s research and clinical enterprise, and agricultural extension all connect research to real needs. In 15 years on the industry side of defense technology, I learned that the best partnerships start with a clearly defined problem and a customer who will use the answer. State government should say plainly what it needs solved, whether that is water quality, health data, or workforce shortages. Universities supply the research, industry supplies scale and commercialization, and nonprofits supply reach and community trust. I would pair these partnerships with paid internships and apprenticeships so students gain experience in Nebraska, and I would protect academic independence by requiring that research results be published. I would also connect them to K-12 schools, so students in every part of the state can see a path from the classroom to a research career. I went through public schools myself, and I know how much that early exposure matters.”

KEYWORDS: Nonprofits, Public/Private, Community

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“I believe collaboration between state government, universities, private industry, and nonprofit organizations can help us develop solutions more efficiently and bring innovations to market faster. Each brings different strengths, resources, and perspectives to the table.

Universities and government agencies may lead scientific research, while private industry can help turn discoveries into practical applications. Nonprofit organizations can help identify community needs, connect partners, and ensure research addresses real-world challenges.

From an economic development perspective, these partnerships can attract investment, create jobs, and open doors for new businesses and industries in Nebraska. However, I also believe we must recognize the value of research that doesn’t have an immediate economic benefit. Today’s research may lay the groundwork for discoveries we cannot yet imagine.

By encouraging collaboration and supporting both basic and applied research, Nebraska can strengthen its scientific community, accelerate innovation, and create opportunities for future generations.”

KEYWORDS: Collaboration, Discovery, Progress

Q18 State education standards are periodically updated to reflect advances in scientific knowledge. Would you, and if so how, ensure that decisions about science standards and curriculum are transparent and based on established evidence? What sources, if any, (ex. scientific experts, educators, community members, etc) would you consider when developing science education standards?

“Yes. Science standards should reflect the best current evidence. Nebraska already has an established process for reviewing and updating standards. That process should be reviewed, and if it is working well, it should be followed consistently. If it needs improvement, those changes should be made openly, with public input.

Nebraska science teachers should be central to the work, along with scientists from our universities and the Department of Education’s content specialists. Parents, employers, and community members should also have a voice.

The content itself should be based on established scientific consensus. A clear, open process gives families confidence that what their children learn is accurate.”

KEYWORDS: Evidence, Collaboration, Teachers, Opportunity, Transparency

Q19 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific education?

“I love this topic because I love the prospect of growth for our kids and our communities.

As a local school board member, I see the value of career and technical education and dual credit firsthand. When schools partner with local employers, students get hands-on experience in fields like agriculture, health science, welding, and construction. When they partner with our universities and community colleges, students can earn college credit in high school, saving families money. In both cases, students leave better prepared for what comes next.

Nonprofits and industry partners can also help fill gaps, especially in rural districts, through equipment, mentorships, and teacher training.

These partnerships help keep young people in Nebraska. When students build connections with Nebraska employers and colleges in high school, they are more likely to stay here after graduation.”

KEYWORDS: Evidence, Collaboration, Teachers, Opportunity, Transparency

Q20 What investments, if any, do you believe would have the greatest impact on improving science education across the state?

“The greatest impact comes from investing in teachers. Nebraska faces real shortages in science teaching, especially in rural districts. Keeping good teachers starts with treating them as the professionals they are. Strong recruitment and retention efforts, along with ongoing professional development, make sure every student has a qualified science teacher in the classroom.

Equipment and lab resources also matter. Students learn science best by doing it, and not every district has the same access to labs, technology, and materials. Closing that gap helps ensure a student’s opportunities don’t depend on their zip code.”

KEYWORDS: Evidence, Collaboration, Teachers, Opportunity, Transparency

Q21 Please explain if and how you would support high-quality science instruction for students in both urban and rural schools, and explain why these are your policies?

“Every Nebraska student deserves high-quality science instruction, whether they live in a city or a small town. The Nebraska Department of Education already supports schools across the state. Where those efforts are working, I would support them. Where they aren’t, I would review them openly and work with educators, families, and communities to find the best way forward.

Urban and rural schools have different needs, and good policy should reflect that. For rural schools, that often means help recruiting teachers and access to lab resources. For urban schools, it can mean support for larger classes and a wider range of student needs. Building on what works and fixing what doesn’t is the most practical way to serve students.”

KEYWORDS: Evidence, Collaboration, Teachers, Opportunity, Transparency

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“First and foremost, stop funding cuts to the universities. Rather, we need to promote funding for the whole spectrum of education in our schools and support partnerships across the sectors mentioned so that students can continue to develop their skills in science and we can keep those students here in Nebraska with good opportunities that allow them to utilize their skills and pursue their goals. The state government’s job is to help promote those partnerships with funding, not standing in the way of these programs because they don’t fit a separate morality-based legislative agenda.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“We see the benefits of these partnerships every day in Nebraska, including through the breakthrough research occurring at UNMC right here in Omaha. Continuing to build on and expand these opportunities helps our communities thrive.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“State government should be eager to partner with universities, industry, and nonprofits to strengthen scientific research. These types of partnerships allow us to accomplish more together than we can alone. Often, these partnerships also multiply impact and benefits. Partnerships offer real potential, and I love finding new solutions to existing problems. One of the best ways to tackle problems is to partner with like-minded groups.

I stand ready to partner on legislation that can bolster scientific research. I am eager to engage potential partners and find ways to strengthen Nebraska.”

KEYWORDS: Stand Ready, Partnerships, Potential

Q19 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific education?

“Modernizing higher education requires breaking down silos between universities, government, industry, and non-profits. The greatest opportunity lies in partnerships that align academic research with regional economic priorities such as agricultural technology, natural resource conservation and management, rural healthcare, and more.

By partnering directly with private enterprise and non-profit organizations, we can embed paid apprenticeships and internships directly into degree programs. This reduces the financial burden on students while ensuring they graduate with practical, career-ready skills.

Furthermore, we should engage philanthropic partners and business leaders to build an “NIL for Academics,” using joint investments to recruit top-tier faculty, student scholars, and world-class researchers. Shared investments in research infrastructure and tech transfer will accelerate commercial startups, keep patents local, and drive regional job growth.

Finally, state government and non-profit partnerships can expand K-12 STEM outreach, creating clear pathways for young learners into higher education. Together, these cross-sector collaborations ensure public universities deliver measurable value, keep talent in our state, and solve our biggest real-world challenges.”

KEYWORDS: affordability, fiscal responsibility, experience

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“I think there can be many opportunities for public and private collaboration. This is a great way to maximize tax dollars and really achieve the outcomes that we are seeking for jobs and the workforce.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“All of the entities names have opportunities to build successful strategic partnerships. The uniqueness in each allow collaboration and dynamic research capabilities.”

KEYWORDS: Collaboration, strategic, uniqueness

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“We should be looking to expand our already existing partnerships with UNMC and others because they have demonstrated that they are on the forefront of ground breaking research. We should continue to invest here so Nebraska can continue to be a worldwide leader.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“We should always be looking for ways to develop and maintain these relationships and partnerships.”

KEYWORDS: Develop and maintain these relationships

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“State departments and the University should work together whenever possible to provide Nebraska’s students and professionals the opportunity to engage in high-quality research while also providing the State measurable, usable evidence to help guide policy-making. Public-private partnerships (including both nonprofit and industry) also provide additional cost-savings and should be encouraged to give us more flexibility with limited funding available. My own family funded a scientific research cash award at Doane University in memory of my father-in-law. I believe that there’s endless opportunities for a stronger research community in Nebraska and I’d like to support measures that make that happen.”

Q19 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific education?

“I see many and a lot of the pieces are in place to take these partnerships to the next level. In March, NU’s National Strategic Research Institute re-signed with U.S. Strategic Command for $500 million, the largest agreement in the university’s history. We have Offutt down the road and a Business Innovation Act that has turned roughly $60 million in state dollars into $1.17 billion in annual economic output. What we don’t have is anyone whose job it is to turn that access into Nebraska companies and startups.

Purdue shows how. Its DIAL Ventures program brings agriculture companies to the table, identifies their toughest problems, and recruits entrepreneurs to build companies around the answers, with industry putting up real money. Iowa State connected its entrepreneurship programs into one system open to every major. We should do both.

Partnerships should start before college, too. I’m an OPS kid and a first-generation graduate. Nonprofits and school districts can work with NU to put K-12 students in labs and summer programs before they decide science isn’t for them. And employers across the state should be at the table helping us launch workforce-ready programs in months rather than years.

The talent is here. The capital is here. We need a university that puts them together.”

KEYWORDS: Affordability, Access, Research, Academic Freedom, Modernization

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“With our current strengths focusing funding on precision agriculture, making agriculture inputs more efficient, lessening nitrate pollution, and improving margins for our largest industry could help the rest of the state. Secondarily providing support for our public power to research energy production, delivery, and storage could incentivize businesses to come to our state. Energy research could also prepare us for the future.”

KEYWORDS: precision agriculture, energy research

Q19 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific education?

“I believe the future of university and our work force is dependent on collaboration between business and government. With advancement in AI there is a real need to provide a workforce that is able to enter at a much higher level than is currently done The future lies in people who can be critical thinkers and adapt to a new type of technology and work environment.”

KEYWORDS: Collaboration, critical thinking, integration

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“Partnerships can be valuable when they bring different kinds of knowledge and capacity to problems with clear relevance to Nebraska communities. State government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations each have different perspectives and resources that can strengthen research, particularly in areas such as agriculture, water, public health, energy, infrastructure, and workforce development.

At the same time, I would not treat formal partnerships as a prerequisite for worthwhile research. The broader goal should be to encourage scientific work that remains engaged with the economic, geographic, and material conditions of the state and creates meaningful connections between research institutions and the communities around them.”

KEYWORDS: Clearly defined problems, locally grounded research, strong research standards.

Q12 In what ways, if any, would you incorporate scientific evidence when developing or evaluating public policy? How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?

“I treat scientific evidence as the starting point for policy, not an afterthought. With 31 years in the Air Force, as an Acquisitions officer, combat aviator, US Central Command Central Asia Analyst, and US Strategic Command Chief of current nuclear operations, I saw decisions with enormous consequences based on tested data, rigorous analysis, and honest accounting of what we did and did not know. Later, as a business development executive every claim I made had to be backed by measurable performance. I would bring that discipline to the Legislature. For any bill, I want to know what problem it solves, what the best peer-reviewed research says about whether the approach works, who produced that research, and how we will measure results afterward. I would rely on the Legislative Fiscal Office, the University of Nebraska, and independent experts in agriculture, water, health, and education, and I would want the evidence behind a bill to be public so Nebraskans can see it for themselves. Where evidence is thin, I favor pilot programs and built-in evaluation.

Evidence tells us what is true and what is likely to happen. However, it does not tell us what we ought to value. Economic cost, ethics, and the proper role of government are legitimate parts of every decision, and legislators should be open about where the science ends and the value judgment begins. I will not hide a preference behind science, and I will not ignore sound science because the answer is inconvenient. When uncertainty is high, I weigh how reversible a decision is and how severe the downside could be. At the end of the day, I lean towards caution when the consequences would be irreversible.”

KEYWORDS: Discipline, Patience, Data

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Over the next decade I want Nebraska to be known as a state that turns research into results for the people who live here. Our strengths are clear: agriculture and water, biomedical research at UNMC, and national security research through the National Strategic Research Institute, which the University of Nebraska hosts for U.S. Strategic Command. Having served at STRATCOM, I understand what that partnership means for the mission and for Nebraska. Few states have anything like it. I would prioritize state programs that produce measurable, usable evidence for Nebraska decisions, especially groundwater and water quality monitoring and agricultural research that helps producers conserve water and manage nitrogen. I would also ask state agencies and the university what is working before deciding where new dollars go, so funding follows results rather than habit.”

KEYWORDS: Results, Measurable, Listening

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“I would define the goal and the measures of success before a policy passes, and I would build in a reporting schedule and a review date. In the Air Force we debriefed every mission: what did we intend, what happened, why, and what do we change. I would bring that habit to state policy, using the Legislative Fiscal Office, the Legislative Performance Audit Office, interim studies, and data systems like the Nebraska Statewide Workforce and Educational Reporting System. Evidence that would prompt me to revise a policy includes results that fall short of the stated targets, unintended consequences, new research that contradicts the original basis, and costs that outweigh the benefits.”

KEYWORDS: Intention, Evidence, Measured

Q10 What steps, if any, would you take to ensure state agencies have access to reliable scientific expertise when implementing policies and that scientific evidence considered during policymaking is communicated clearly and transparently to the public?

“You can lead a horse to water…..When it comes to policy making, scientific research has taken a back seat when it comes to war, environmental issues, AI, cannabis, hemp, food systems, pharmaceuticals, alternative energy options, the list goes on and on. I will bring scientific expertise and research data to relevant policy making sessions. Science and research provides facts that are invaluable when creating legislation. Special interest and PAC money flowing to our elected officials makes them ignore research and science when creating policy for their donor bosses, without the people’s best interest in mind. The scientific truth must be woven into the legislation that shapes Nebraska, otherwise we are creating policy based on speculation, special influence, and lies. Bringing truth and science into Nebraska policy is one of the reasons I am running for this office.”

KEYWORDS: Transparent, evidence based, responsive

Q32 Energy and its management play a role in local economic and environmental sustainability through creating jobs, incorporating sources considered sustainable, and updating infrastructure. Which of these, or others, are your priorities for your Public Power District? And what scientific evidence informed your priorities?

“Energy policy, to me, is really about taking care of people, keeping bills stable, keeping the lights on, and making sure our communities stay strong for the long haul. In my public‑service work, I’ve always leaned on clear evidence and practical decision‑making, and that’s how I look at public power too.

Research from places like the Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows that when utilities modernize their infrastructure, outages drop and efficiency goes up. Studies from the Electric Power Research Institute back this up: a mix of reliable resources, including sustainable ones, makes the grid stronger without driving costs out of reach.

So my priorities are pretty straightforward. Keep the grid resilient. Invest in upgrades that actually improve reliability. Use data, not trends, to guide resource choices. And make sure we’re supporting the local workforce so the jobs tied to energy stay in our community.

I’ve always believed public power works best when decisions are transparent, evidence‑based, and centered on the people who pay the bills. That’s the approach I’ve taken throughout my career, and it’s the approach I bring to energy policy.

Policy making in public power, to me, starts with evidence‑based decision‑making and transparent governance so people can see how and why choices are made. It’s about smart risk mitigation, solid regulatory compliance, and practical long‑term resource planning that keeps the grid reliable. Good policy also leans on load forecasting and asset management to stay ahead of future needs. And because public power is tied directly to community well‑being, it includes workforce development, local economic resilience, ratepayer affordability, and community impact analysis so decisions support both stability and trust.”

Q1 Scientific evidence is generated through the systematic testing and evaluation of ideas. It provides knowledge that helps us understand the world and predict the likely consequences of different choices, such as policy making related to public health, energy, agriculture, and environmental regulation. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you evaluate competing or uncertain scientific claims when making policy decisions? What role, if any, should that process play when scientific consensus and public opinion diverge?

“Scientific evidence and expert input should play a major role in policymaking, especially on issues like public health, agriculture, energy, the environment, and new technology. At the same time, policymakers also have to consider cost, practicality, local conditions, and how a policy will actually affect people and communities.

When scientific claims conflict, I would look at how strong the research is, how the study was designed, how many people or cases were included, whether the results have been repeated, whether other researchers reached similar conclusions, and whether there are conflicts of interest. If the science is still uncertain, we should say that clearly instead of pretending we know more than we do.

Scientific consensus matters because it reflects the larger body of evidence, but science should always remain open to new research and better information. Public opinion matters when deciding how policies are carried out, but public opinion does not change scientific facts. People deserve clear explanations of what the evidence shows, what we still do not know, and why a decision is being made.”

KEYWORDS: Evidence, Transparency, Practical policy

Q12 In what ways, if any, would you incorporate scientific evidence when developing or evaluating public policy? How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?

“I believe scientific research plays a critical role in developing good public policy. Too often, scientific findings and expertise are dismissed because they don’t align with political opinions or agendas. We need to respect the research and have honest discussions about what it tells us.

There are many policy decisions, from healthcare and agriculture to education and environmental issues, where scientific evidence should help guide our decisions. That doesn’t mean we ignore economic impacts, ethical considerations, or the needs of our communities. It means we start with facts and then have thoughtful discussions about how best to move forward.

I believe good policy comes from asking questions, listening to experts, considering different perspectives, and being willing to make decisions based on evidence rather than simply reinforcing what we already believe.”

KEYWORDS: Evidence, Integrity, Objectivity

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“I believe science and research can and should play a leading role in Nebraska’s future. We already have tremendous strengths in agriculture and medical research, including the innovative work being done at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. These are areas where Nebraska has an opportunity to continue leading, not only through scientific advancements, but also through economic development.

Investing in research means investing in our state’s future. Leading researchers attract grant funding, bring talented individuals and their families to Nebraska, create jobs, and open the door for new businesses and industries. The economic impact extends well beyond the universities and research facilities themselves.

I would prioritize funding that builds on Nebraska’s strengths in agricultural innovation and medical research. I would like to better understand existing programs, such as the Nebraska Research Initiative, Academic Research and Development Grants, and state funding for biomedical research, including how they are currently funded and opportunities to strengthen them. We should evaluate these investments not only for their scientific contributions, but also for their potential to attract additional funding, support innovation, and create long-term economic opportunities for Nebraska.”

KEYWORDS: Innovation, Investment, Opportunity

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“I believe good public policy should be based on facts and research, and that responsibility doesn’t end once legislation is passed. We need to continually evaluate whether policies are achieving their intended outcomes.

My background in research, analytics, and economic development has taught me the importance of setting measurable goals, tracking results, and being willing to make adjustments along the way. We should look at the data, listen to those directly impacted by a policy, and consider whether we are seeing the results we intended.

If the evidence shows that a policy is working, we should continue supporting it. If it isn’t achieving its goals, is creating unintended consequences, or new research suggests a better approach, we need to be willing to make changes.

I don’t believe changing course should be viewed as a failure. It demonstrates a willingness to learn, adapt, and make better decisions. Ultimately, the goal should be effective policy, not simply defending a decision because it has already been made.”

KEYWORDS: Accountability, Evidence, Adaptability

Q1 Scientific evidence is generated through the systematic testing and evaluation of ideas. It provides knowledge that helps us understand the world and predict the likely consequences of different choices, such as policy making related to public health, energy, agriculture, and environmental regulation. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you evaluate competing or uncertain scientific claims when making policy decisions? What role, if any, should that process play when scientific consensus and public opinion diverge?

“I served as prosecutor and took a graduate class in logic at UNL, so I believe policy makers should decide issues based on evidence. That includes scientific evidence where science can provide useful information. Consensus among disinterested experts is powerful evidence. Opinion from experts paid by organizations with an interest in the outcome is less credible. If there is true consensus among experts, that should carry more weight than public opinion. If there is a lack of consensus among disinterested experts, that’s warrants caution. If scientific consensus diverges from public opinion, scientific consensus is more powerful. History is replete with examples of science being ahead of the general populace. It was only about five hundred years ago that most people believed the sun revolved around the Earth.”

KEYWORDS: Objectivity, Credibility, Logic

Q1 Scientific evidence is generated through the systematic testing and evaluation of ideas. It provides knowledge that helps us understand the world and predict the likely consequences of different choices, such as policy making related to public health, energy, agriculture, and environmental regulation. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you evaluate competing or uncertain scientific claims when making policy decisions? What role, if any, should that process play when scientific consensus and public opinion diverge?

“Use Common Sense. Scientific evidence is not always the final word. Science can be deceiving. As an example, when I was in PreMed school fifty some years ago, the science I was taught has changed immensely. State of the Art science is indeed helpful at times, but should never be the final answer. A fine example of this is the whole COVID 19 debacle. There were so many false “proven scientific “facts that turned out NOT to be true.”

KEYWORDS: Use Common Sense

Q32 Energy and its management play a role in local economic and environmental sustainability through creating jobs, incorporating sources considered sustainable, and updating infrastructure. Which of these, or others, are your priorities for your Public Power District? And what scientific evidence informed your priorities?

“Public power’s major objectives are affordability and reliability. No single source of energy production meets both of these objectives consistently. We need diverse sources of generation including renewable energy, natural gas, and likely nuclear as well. We have seen locally substantial property tax relief through the nameplate capacity tax along with job creation and new sources of revenue to landowners through leasing. It is a key driver of economic development in rural areas.

In regard to the levelized cost of each type of generation, wind and solar generation are the lowest cost according to the annual Lazard Levelized Cost of Energy Report. The Nebraska Energy Report referenced the NDEE information documenting that 23% of Nebraska’s energy came from renewables in 2023.”

Q1 Scientific evidence is generated through the systematic testing and evaluation of ideas. It provides knowledge that helps us understand the world and predict the likely consequences of different choices, such as policy making related to public health, energy, agriculture, and environmental regulation. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you evaluate competing or uncertain scientific claims when making policy decisions? What role, if any, should that process play when scientific consensus and public opinion diverge?

“I think science is a very important role in agriculture”

KEYWORDS: Yes I trust in science

Q12 In what ways, if any, would you incorporate scientific evidence when developing or evaluating public policy? How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?

“In my experience working on legislation at the Nebraska Legislature, it is always best to go to the experts when developing, honing, and voting on any piece of legislation. Additionally, I have spent years fighting against legislation that disregards evidence and data in favor of strictly moral considerations such as those policies that seek to limit access to both reproductive healthcare and gender-affirming care.”

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Science and research at our premier institutions are some of the largest economic drivers in the state. We need to promote and celebrate those programs, not denigrate them or threaten them with funding cuts. I have also done considerable work trying to increase access to maternal and reproductive healthcare across the state which fundamentally requires increasing the availability of doctors and research to implement that access and those programs.”

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“I’ve spent nearly a decade in the policy world, and have learned over those years how to develop policy by hearing first from the experts and those impacted, and being honest about the limits of the policy-making process as a bill moves through the Legislature. As Senators and lobbyists seek to change a bill throughout that process, my constant question is always: “is this bill still going to help people? Does this change mean it won’t do anything?” and that evaluation is always on a case-by-case basis and requires being in constant honest and transparent communication with stakeholders.”

Q1 Scientific evidence is generated through the systematic testing and evaluation of ideas. It provides knowledge that helps us understand the world and predict the likely consequences of different choices, such as policy making related to public health, energy, agriculture, and environmental regulation. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you evaluate competing or uncertain scientific claims when making policy decisions? What role, if any, should that process play when scientific consensus and public opinion diverge?

“The primary role of Science in Congress is to inform the Policy Makers, not dictate policy for them. When data leaves uncertainty, we need to look at the evidence quality. Can the data be replicated? Are there contradictions or omitted variables? Who’s funding the research and who benefits most from policy enacted with that data, as you would ask of any industry funded study. Always keep the policy reversible or flexible, even reject completely if the data is incomplete or unsubstantiated. During COVID, the institutions demanded compliance instead of scrutiny. Accredited Physicians were divided and Censored. “Trust the Science” is what broke our trust. Now We the People demand open data and protected dissent.”

KEYWORDS: Scientific Evidence, policy-making, open data, dissent

Q12 In what ways, if any, would you incorporate scientific evidence when developing or evaluating public policy? How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?

“I have a proud history of advocating for and supporting evidence-based policies during my first four years in the legislature. I am a big proponent of allowing experts in industry to help guide relevant legislation to ensure we are governing responsibly. I consider scientific evidence to be highly valuable in decision making and rank it highly alongside economic and ethical concerns.”

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Investing in science and research is a huge economic driver for Nebraska. Ensuring we have robust research and development locally ensures Nebraska’s future is vibrant. I have a proud history of supporting research grants and voting against cuts to these investments.”

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“Frequent consultation with experts in industry relevant to legislation in front of me. Known to be a strong collaborator with a wide spectrum of expert groups.”

Q32 Energy and its management play a role in local economic and environmental sustainability through creating jobs, incorporating sources considered sustainable, and updating infrastructure. Which of these, or others, are your priorities for your Public Power District? And what scientific evidence informed your priorities?

“In the short term, the cost of power is far outpacing any wage increases that the fortunate may be seeing, while those on a fixed income suffer. In the long term, global climate change is an existential threat to the very existence of our species. I view it as good fortunate that clean, renewable sources of energy can help serve as a solution to both of these issues by providing lower cost, lower carbon sources of power.”

KEYWORDS: Economics, equity, long-term planning

Q12 In what ways, if any, would you incorporate scientific evidence when developing or evaluating public policy? How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?

“For me, scientific evidence will be the primary source for making policy decisions. I have spent my career focused on the benefits of educational assessment data for making educational policy decisions. Relying on data and scientific evidence is far more important than relying on gut feelings, which is how many educational decisions were made in the past. Legislation should not be different. Lawmakers must set aside personal feelings and/or beliefs to make the best policy decisions for the public we serve.

I would also rely on experts to provide testimony and/or evidence when considering legislation. From outside the Unicameral, I have noticed a distinct disregard among many Senators for scientific evidence and expertise. Legislators cannot be experts in everything and should strongly consider the evidence presented by experts.

A Senator’s moral code and/or religious beliefs matter, but that code or those beliefs should be informed by scientific evidence when available. The public good is more important than an individual’s beliefs or code.”

KEYWORDS: Primary Source, Expertise, Public Good

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Scientific research often stimulates the economy and provides a significant return on state investments. Budget cuts to the University System and to areas like biomedical research are terrible and short-sighted. These cuts may help balance the budget in the short term, but they hurt the state’s economy in the long run. It is important for Nebraska to be a leader in research and innovation. Leading in these areas helps the economy grow and helps fight brain drain.

I don’t know much about state programs connected to Nebraska’s science strengths, but I am eager to learn more. I will fully support those programs that allow us to lead. I see these programs as ways to improve society, which is something we should all want and invest in.

We should look for other ways to balance the budget instead of cutting scientific research that will benefit the economy in the long run. Raising taxes on the ultra-wealthy or one-time taxes on extreme wealth are better ways to balance the budget than cutting funding for important research and programs.”

KEYWORDS: Investment, Priority, Fight Brain Drain

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“Ideally, policy should only be passed with a known evaluation criterion in mind. Also, the evaluation timeline should be established before enacting the policy. Too often, we pass policies without knowing what measurable metrics we will use to understand the policy’s effectiveness, and this is a poor way to run government programs.

We should review evidence of policy effectiveness regularly to determine whether the policy needs to be revised. We should also watch for unintended consequences when evaluating policy.

I will work to include evaluation criteria and a timeline in legislation. This will help us be on a path of continuous improvement.”

KEYWORDS: Continuous Improvement, Timelines

Q23 Both research universities and government-funded research programs play a critical role in advancing scientific discovery, training the future workforce, and driving economic development. How would you approach funding and oversight of research universities and government-funded research programs, and what outcomes would you hope to achieve through those investments?

“Research universities are the engines of economic development, scientific discovery, and workforce readiness. My approach to funding and oversight focuses on fiscal responsibility, structural efficiency, and value-driven advocacy.

Through these investments, my goal is to drive research excellence, including goals like rejoining the Association of American Universities, while remaining grounded in our land-grant mission. We will target research that solves real-world challenges, such as advancing agricultural technology, expanding healthcare and legal access, among others. Crucially, we will integrate research with workforce needs through industry partnerships and apprenticeships, ensuring every student is AI-ready and equipped to launch high-value careers that grow our regional economy. I also hope to deliver a long-term vision for our university, much like Missouri is doing with their proposal for a new nuclear research reactor. I believe Nebraska could be home to a quantum computer, helping to tackle challenges from 3D protein modeling for drug discovery, cybersecurity with our partnerships at StratCom, and more. We need to dream big to find our next inflection point.”

KEYWORDS: affordability, fiscal responsibility, experience

Q24 In order to avoid sweeping cuts and promote long-term financial stability, some academic departments at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have been eliminated, which has raised concerns about the consequences to educational quality, workforce preparedness, and loss of life-saving data (Wendling, 2025). Are you concerned about the immediate and long-term effects of cuts to research and education- why or why not? How should university leaders evaluate budget reductions and what are your suggestions?

“I believe the University of Nebraska must be managed with fiscal discipline while recognizing that its mission extends beyond that of a business. As a land-grant institution, NU must meet Nebraska’s critical and strategic needs. I opposed cuts to meteorology, for example, given our state’s exposure to severe weather and reliance on agriculture. To strengthen long-term financial sustainability, we should consolidate administrative leadership, reduce overhead, and break down departmental silos to prioritize collaboration, interdisciplinary learning, educators, researchers, and students. Transparent and shared governance and responsible university executive compensation can build public trust and strengthen state and federal support. Finally, we should leverage private philanthropy to create an “NIL for Academics,” attracting exceptional faculty, researchers, and student scholars to Nebraska. Strengthening the partnership between athletics and academics would allow donors to academics to meaningfully participate in athletic benefits, much like the Vanderbilt model. We cannot allow academics to atrophy while the athletic enterprise thrives. We are one university, and we rise and fall together.”

KEYWORDS: affordability, fiscal responsibility, experience

Q25 The federal government is pursuing large-scale changes to student visa approval, including increased visa denials, revoking existing visas, restricting travel from certain countries, and decreasing student visa durations. How, if at all, should Nebraska respond to federal visa changes affecting international STEM students and researchers?

“Although many of these decisions are made at the federal level, a Regent can play an important role in advocating for the University of Nebraska through our congressional delegation. My experience working in Congress, the Nebraska State Capitol, and the White House has taught me the value of building relationships across all levels of government to address complex challenges. I would bring this collaborative, “whole-of-government” approach to advancing NU’s priorities. I also see opportunities to strengthen these partnerships through state trade missions, connecting the university’s research, talent, and innovation with national and international opportunities.”

KEYWORDS: affordability, fiscal responsibility, experience

Q12 In what ways, if any, would you incorporate scientific evidence when developing or evaluating public policy? How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?

“I have a degree in engineering and am a data driven person and there for make policy decisions based on the facts that I have at hand.”

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Science and research needs to happen at the university systems where there is unbiased approach. Research paid for by industry can potentially have a conflict of interest to get results that “favor” that industry. I don’t know specific programs that I would prioritize funding.”

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“One way that we can see if a policy is achieving what is should be is using The Nebraska Statewide Workforce & Educational Reporting System (NSWERS). This system captures the data on Nebraska kids all through education system to the workforce and we need to use this data to make targeted policy decisions. We also need to use it to look back and make changes if necessary.”

Q12 In what ways, if any, would you incorporate scientific evidence when developing or evaluating public policy? How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?

“When making informed decisions on any subject, you have a fundamental responsibility to include as much relevant data as possible, including scientific evidence.”

KEYWORDS: Facts, science, informed

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“I am disappointed in the implementation, growth, and sustainment of the STEM program in Nebraska rural schools.”

KEYWORDS: STEM, Rural, Access

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“Regulations that operate with the intent of the law have a higher rate of successful outcomes. When a policy cannot be sustained, operationally or financially, it needs review to identify the root cause and effects.”

KEYWORDS: Research, Cause, Effect

Q32 Energy and its management play a role in local economic and environmental sustainability through creating jobs, incorporating sources considered sustainable, and updating infrastructure. Which of these, or others, are your priorities for your Public Power District? And what scientific evidence informed your priorities?

“I’m running for OPPD’s Board of Directors to provide affordable and reliable electricity and make sure that OPPD puts people first. The right approach balances both immediate and long-term needs so that OPPD can protect the best interests of the people it serves.

The cost of living has increased faster than people’s paychecks. Politicians in Washington have enacted policies that have raised the cost of just about everything, squeezing Nebraska families and making it difficult to make ends meet. I’ll work to keep rates as low as possible while protecting reliability and planning for our future.

As a mom, I care deeply about the world that my kids are growing up in and that they’ll inherit from us. Meeting environmental goals will help protect our community’s long-term health, safety, and economic vitality and reduce risks posed by climate disruption. These risks affect OPPD’s ability to provide affordable and reliable power, such as through storms that take out power lines and extreme heat that strains the electric grid’s capacity.

Fortunately, we now have more options than ever for clean, affordable, and reliable electricity. I support a balanced approach that considers all important priorities and looks toward the future.”

KEYWORDS: Affordable, reliable, balanced

Q12 In what ways, if any, would you incorporate scientific evidence when developing or evaluating public policy? How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?

“I have always been an advocate for scientific evidence in public policy. In 2024 I stood with Doctors to protect Nebraskans right to vote on the Protect Our Rights ballot initiative on the ballot. We should always allow experts to put in opinions to help guide relevant legislation to ensure we are governing responsibly. Scientific evidence is just as important as economic and ethical concerns when making decisions.”

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Investment here is incredibly important, we want to make sure to fund research locally here in Nebraska because this creates jobs and progress locally. Continuing to invest here will help us build towards a bright future in Nebraska. This can also help us combat the growing brain drain problem we have in Nebraska.”

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“The best way to see if our policies are having their intended outcomes is to talk to experts in the fields that the policies affect and also look at the practical impact it is having in our community. If subject matter experts are seeing benefits, we should continue to pursue that policy. If these experts give us feedback on something working really well or not well we should take that advice into any decision to revise a policy.”

Q1 Scientific evidence is generated through the systematic testing and evaluation of ideas. It provides knowledge that helps us understand the world and predict the likely consequences of different choices, such as policy making related to public health, energy, agriculture, and environmental regulation. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you evaluate competing or uncertain scientific claims when making policy decisions? What role, if any, should that process play when scientific consensus and public opinion diverge?

“Scientific evidence and expert input should play an important role when STEM fields are invoked—such as medicine, public health, engineering, transportation, and the environment. Social sciences can also play a role in guiding policy. Economics is a great example of a social science that has natural policy implications. The erosion of trust in our scientific community is a shame. When the scientific community and public opinion collide, the ideal course of action is to educate the public so opinion aligns more closely with scientific consensus.”

KEYWORDS: Experts, Trust, Truth

Q1 Scientific evidence is generated through the systematic testing and evaluation of ideas. It provides knowledge that helps us understand the world and predict the likely consequences of different choices, such as policy making related to public health, energy, agriculture, and environmental regulation. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you evaluate competing or uncertain scientific claims when making policy decisions? What role, if any, should that process play when scientific consensus and public opinion diverge?

“Science and reliable data should be at the heart of public policy. Decisions affecting public health, agriculture, energy, and the environment should be based on the best available evidence, not political convenience or public pressure. When scientific claims conflict, I would consider the quality of the research, whether the results have been independently repeated, who funded the work, and where the broader scientific consensus stands.

Public input has an important place in government. People should be heard about how a policy will affect their communities and how it can be implemented fairly. But public opinion cannot replace scientific evidence or make established facts disappear. When the two conflict, leaders have a responsibility to follow the evidence, explain it clearly, and remain honest about any uncertainty. Science cannot simply be ignored because its conclusions are unpopular.”

KEYWORDS: Evidence, transparency, accountability

Q12 In what ways, if any, would you incorporate scientific evidence when developing or evaluating public policy? How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?

“Scientific evidence should always be part of the decision making process.”

KEYWORDS: Scientific evidence decision making process

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Science and research funding should be considered as priority issues.”

KEYWORDS: Science and research funding priority issues

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“I will always consider evidence based policy to determine the best way ahead”

KEYWORDS: evidence based policy

Q12 In what ways, if any, would you incorporate scientific evidence when developing or evaluating public policy? How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?

“I welcome scientific evidence in all stages of the policy making process. Even in law school, I studied the ethics of genetic engineering because I know that peer-reviewed research can help guide strong policy decisions. As I consider what legislation to draft and prioritize, I’ll look at the data and the information available on relevant topics. Furthermore, as I consider interim study resolutions, I’ll seek out experienced researchers and other passionate subject matter experts to provide disciplined, well-sourced presentations and findings. We do better when we seek the best available evidence.”

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Research performed or supported by the State is critical for effective administration of programs and prioritization of limited funding. Personally, because we are heavily dependent on agriculture, I would prioritize research that focuses on safely developing crops and livestock while minimizing threats to the public. Examples would include research that allows farmers to limit the use of nitrates or other water contaminants and the consumer safety work being done at the US Meat Animal Research Center. This and other research, like biomedical research through the University, provides not only a return on investment but a measurable positive impact on the health and well-being of Nebraskans and the world! I’d like Nebraska to be a beacon for well-resourced research.”

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“I believe the interim study process is a helpful tool in evaluating prior and future policies. Utilizing down-time from the typical hustle and bustle of the legislative session to dig into both hard data and soft evidence, including stories from those who have been impacted by the measures under consideration, is a smart way to make measured, well-researched and scientifically backed decisions on policy. I’d seek out this type of evidence throughout my term, but would prioritize taking interim studies seriously to get to the bottom of issues facing our state.”

Q23 Both research universities and government-funded research programs play a critical role in advancing scientific discovery, training the future workforce, and driving economic development. How would you approach funding and oversight of research universities and government-funded research programs, and what outcomes would you hope to achieve through those investments?

“Research is one of the best investments Nebraska makes. Every state dollar in a UNMC or UNL lab pulls in federal and private dollars, trains the next generation of scientists, and creates jobs here. That funding is under threat, federally through proposed caps on indirect-cost recovery and cuts to NIH and NSF, and at home through repeated attempts to sweep the Health Care Cash Fund. I know that fight firsthand. I served on the board of Nebraska Cures, formerly the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, which was founded to protect that fund and promote biomedical research at UNMC. As a Regent, I’d make protecting research central to the Board’s advocacy with our congressional delegation and the Legislature.

Oversight matters too. Every dollar my organization spends gets audited, and NU should meet the same standard, starting with a zero-based review of administrative spending so more dollars reach the lab and the classroom. I’d also change the report card: instead of only counting patents, count Nebraska students trained, companies formed, capital raised, and jobs created here. Most of all, I want to keep that talent home. Right now, the largest group leaving Nebraska is college graduates aged 30 to 34.”

KEYWORDS: Affordability, Access, Research, Academic Freedom, Modernization

Q24 In order to avoid sweeping cuts and promote long-term financial stability, some academic departments at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have been eliminated, which has raised concerns about the consequences to educational quality, workforce preparedness, and loss of life-saving data (Wendling, 2025). Are you concerned about the immediate and long-term effects of cuts to research and education- why or why not? How should university leaders evaluate budget reductions and what are your suggestions?

“Yes, I’m deeply concerned. The Regents voted to eliminate Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Statistics, Educational Administration, and Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design, affecting 329 students. The campus committee recommended keeping Statistics and Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, and the Regents cut them anyway. In an agriculture state, weather and climate data drive planting decisions, crop insurance, and emergency response. Statistics supports nearly every research program on campus. These cuts save money this year, but the opportunity costs are incredibly high.

Process matters. As a student, I served on UNL’s Academic Planning Committee, the group charged with overseeing campus budget reductions, so I know how this should work. This one was poorly conceived and poorly executed, and people felt it was done to them rather than with them.

My suggestions are straightforward. Fix the process. No major cut without genuine, good-faith consultation with faculty, staff, and students. Count the full cost of a cut, including the grant revenue and teaching capacity that walk out the door with it. Cuts should be born by administration before the academic core.”

KEYWORDS: Affordability, Access, Research, Academic Freedom, Modernization

Q25 The federal government is pursuing large-scale changes to student visa approval, including increased visa denials, revoking existing visas, restricting travel from certain countries, and decreasing student visa durations. How, if at all, should Nebraska respond to federal visa changes affecting international STEM students and researchers?

“Every student who comes to Nebraska should feel like they belong here. Right now, international students are getting a very different message. When a student fears losing their visa mid-semester, how the university responds tells them whether we value them.

I believe our university is stronger when diversity is celebrated and protected. That means standing behind the offices, programs, and student organizations that help students from every background succeed, whether they’re international, first-generation, or students of color. Those programs aren’t extras. They’re how we recruit and keep talented students and faculty in a state that needs both.

For international students, NU should provide real immigration advising and legal support, flexible timelines to finish a degree, and bridge funding so a research project doesn’t collapse when one person’s visa does. Regents should also speak up, publicly and bring awareness to these issues.

International graduate students do much of the lab work in our STEM programs, and many stay to fill jobs and start companies Nebraska needs. We need more people who want to come here, work hard, and build something, not fewer. Our campuses and its leaders should say so loudly.”

KEYWORDS: Affordability, Access, Research, Academic Freedom, Modernization

Q12 In what ways, if any, would you incorporate scientific evidence when developing or evaluating public policy? How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?

“I have a degree in Anthropology, the scientific study of human biology, culture, language, and technology. So I weigh scientific evidence heavily when making decisions. My first priority when determining my policy stance is if the policy is ethical, followed by research into scientific evidence to support the policy.”

KEYWORDS: Ethics, scientific support

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“My vision for scientific research in the state of Nebraska focuses on the current strengths we have while also expanding on battery and energy. Currently Nebraska’s research strength is focused on agriculture, biomedical/bioeconomic, and water management. As a farmer these research fields make sense for the “Cornhusker State”. But we need to also look to the future which is research into energy creation, storage (batteries) and transmission.”

KEYWORDS: current strengths, future technology

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“The first step is to observe or identify what the policy is for. Then I would ask if this policy is for the betterment of Nebraskans. I would then create a testable hypothesis to determine a measurable effect of the policy. I would then experiment and collect data supporting or disproving the affects of the policy according to my hypothesis. Finally I would bring my research to others to see if they agree with my assessment. Any policy is only a failure if it does not provide a betterment for Nebraskans.”

KEYWORDS: Scientific method, betterment

Q23 Both research universities and government-funded research programs play a critical role in advancing scientific discovery, training the future workforce, and driving economic development. How would you approach funding and oversight of research universities and government-funded research programs, and what outcomes would you hope to achieve through those investments?

“My approach funding and oversight include competitive peer review, priority alignment, stage funding, financial auditing, ethical and regulatory compliance, and conflict of interest management. Outcomes I would hope to achieve include new technologies, medical treatments and clean energy solutions that save lives and improve daily living standards, spurring jobs creation and new industries by research into commercial startups and patents. building robust infrastructure, training next generation of critical thinkers and addressing complex large-scale challenges such as climate change and food insecurity.”

KEYWORDS: Ethical, Purposeful, future forward

Q24 In order to avoid sweeping cuts and promote long-term financial stability, some academic departments at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have been eliminated, which has raised concerns about the consequences to educational quality, workforce preparedness, and loss of life-saving data (Wendling, 2025). Are you concerned about the immediate and long-term effects of cuts to research and education- why or why not? How should university leaders evaluate budget reductions and what are your suggestions?

“Budget restraints are going to continue to exist. There needs to be a focus on conserving core curriculum while containing costs. There needs to be an overall look at what programs have low enrollment. Specific degrees can be combined into a multidisciplinary school to save on costs. Everyone should be concerned when programs are cut. There needs to be a strict focus on viable programs and degrees. The University needs to be aware of the people (our students) who are affected by these changes.”

KEYWORDS: Common sense, core curriculum, budget constraints

Q25 The federal government is pursuing large-scale changes to student visa approval, including increased visa denials, revoking existing visas, restricting travel from certain countries, and decreasing student visa durations. How, if at all, should Nebraska respond to federal visa changes affecting international STEM students and researchers?

“These federal mandates are currently on hold. The University has an obligation to keep themselves and their students advised of any and all changes.”

KEYWORDS: Awareness, compliance , legal status

Q12 In what ways, if any, would you incorporate scientific evidence when developing or evaluating public policy? How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?

“Scientific evidence should meaningfully inform both the development and evaluation of public policy, but it should also be examined critically. I would want to understand which academic discipline is informing the analysis, the methodology behind the findings, the degree of uncertainty involved, and whether funding sources or institutional affiliations could reasonably influence how conclusions are framed. That does not mean dismissing evidence because of who produced it; it means asking enough questions to understand what the evidence actually establishes and where its limits are.

When scientific evidence must be weighed alongside economic, ethical, and other policy considerations, I would approach that balance pragmatically. Legislators rarely make decisions in circumstances where every consideration points in the same direction. The practical question is often what can realistically be accomplished, improved, or prevented within a legislative session while accounting for the costs, consequences, and competing interests involved. Scientific evidence can help establish what is happening and what the likely effects of different choices may be, but elected policymakers still have to make judgments about priorities, tradeoffs, and what is workable in practice.”

KEYWORDS: Evidence informed, constructively skeptical, implementation minded.

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“My vision is for Nebraska to maintain strong scientific and research capacity while keeping state-supported research attentive to the communities and conditions in which that work is being conducted. The intellectual framing of a research project should not be considered in isolation from Nebraska’s geography, economy, or the material well-being of households and communities that may ultimately be affected by its findings.

To the extent state funding plays a role, I would prioritize programs that combine strong research with a demonstrated interest in issues that extend beyond academia itself. That does not necessarily mean requiring a public-private partnership or an immediate commercial application. It means valuing research that remains engaged with the broader world around it, whether through agriculture, water, public health, infrastructure, energy, economic conditions, or other areas where scientific work can contribute to the long-term well-being of the state.”

KEYWORDS: Community oriented funding, dialogue based communication, transparent assumptions.

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“I would begin by defining the intended outcome narrowly and asking whether the policy actually produced it. Sometimes that question is more straightforward than political debate makes it seem. If the stated purpose of a law is to reduce a particular tax, and the law reduces that tax, then in a literal sense it has achieved its stated goal.

The more important evaluation often comes afterward: what tradeoffs accompanied that success, who absorbed them, and whether those consequences were understood when the policy was adopted. A policy can accomplish exactly what it was designed to do while still producing costs elsewhere that deserve reconsideration.

For me, evidence supporting revision would therefore need to go beyond showing that some people disagree with the original objective. I would want a clear account of what was lost, who was affected, and whether there is a workable alternative. That kind of communication is especially important when revisiting a policy whose adoption may itself have required considerable effort and public support.”

KEYWORDS: Defined outcomes, tradeoff awareness, reasonable alternatives

Q9 In your opinion, what is the purpose of the NE Department of Health and Human Services and what skill sets and values do you set as criteria when considering who to appoint to this state department?

“The purpose of the Nebraska DHHS should be pretty simple: take care of Nebraskans who need assistance and make sure the programs we are paying for actually work. That means protecting children, supporting people with disabilities, helping families in need, providing access to health care, supporting mental health care for all, and making sure our most vulnerable citizens aren’t being underserved.

When I appoint someone to lead DHHS, I need somebody who understands that these are real people, not numbers on a spreadsheet. I want someone with strong management skills, financial responsibility, common sense, and the ability to listen to people who actually use these programs while making fact based decisions. They must be able to reject special interest influence and not succumb to the powers that fight against health care expansion.”

KEYWORDS: Compassion, expansion, reliability, honesty, access

Q8 The governor represents Nebraska in formal dealings with other states (such as water management agreements affecting the Republican River Basin with Kansas and Colorado). What policies would you implement to keep water from the Ogallala Aquifer and rivers passing through the state clean, and how would you balance maintaining necessary water levels in Nebraska with sharing water resources with other states?

“We must clean our soil and reduce the amount of nitrates in our water. I’ll give Nebraska farmers profitable alternatives to continuous corn and other high-input cropping systems, particularly on acres where excessive nitrogen and irrigation are contributing to groundwater contamination. 1,000,000 acres is about 6.5% of Nebraska’s corn and soybean acreage. If we can incorporate a million acres of industrial hemp into rotation with crops that use more nitrogen, we will start using roughly 35,000 fewer tons of nitrogen every year while pulling contaminates from the soil and eventually lowering nitrates in our water. When we shut down 100 Pillen pig farms for exploiting undocumented workers, the amount of nitrogen released into our water will definitely be reduced. We will balance water levels by banning data centers from Nebraska and rotating corn acreage with crops that use less water.”

KEYWORDS: Public health, responsible farming, science

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Over the next decade I want Nebraska to be known as a state that turns research into results for the people who live here. Our strengths are clear: agriculture and water, biomedical research at UNMC, and national security research through the National Strategic Research Institute, which the University of Nebraska hosts for U.S. Strategic Command. Having served at STRATCOM, I understand what that partnership means for the mission and for Nebraska. Few states have anything like it. I would prioritize state programs that produce measurable, usable evidence for Nebraska decisions, especially groundwater and water quality monitoring and agricultural research that helps producers conserve water and manage nitrogen. I would also ask state agencies and the university what is working before deciding where new dollars go, so funding follows results rather than habit.”

KEYWORDS: Results, Measurable, Listening

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“Nebraska already shows what works. The University’s partnership with STRATCOM, UNMC’s research and clinical enterprise, and agricultural extension all connect research to real needs. In 15 years on the industry side of defense technology, I learned that the best partnerships start with a clearly defined problem and a customer who will use the answer. State government should say plainly what it needs solved, whether that is water quality, health data, or workforce shortages. Universities supply the research, industry supplies scale and commercialization, and nonprofits supply reach and community trust. I would pair these partnerships with paid internships and apprenticeships so students gain experience in Nebraska, and I would protect academic independence by requiring that research results be published. I would also connect them to K-12 schools, so students in every part of the state can see a path from the classroom to a research career. I went through public schools myself, and I know how much that early exposure matters.”

KEYWORDS: Nonprofits, Public/Private, Community

Q4 Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) fund a substantial share of the scientific and biomedical research conducted at Nebraska’s universities, hospitals, and research institutions (approximately $205M per year according to NIH and NSF reports). NIH funding to NE institutions returns $2.50 for every $1 economic activity while supporting vital research in developing new treatments/cures for diseases. Similarly, both NIH and NSF research fill critical gaps in knowledge for advancing healthcare and other fields. What policies, if any, do you support regarding federal funding for scientific research agencies like the NIH and NSF? Why are these your priorities, and what information informed your approach?

“I support strong, consistent federal funding for agencies like NIH and NSF. Basic and applied research takes years, and constantly changing funding levels makes it harder for researchers, universities, and medical institutions to plan, retain staff, and carry promising work through to completion.

Funding decisions should be based on scientific merit, public benefit, and strong peer review, with transparency and accountability for how taxpayer dollars are spent. I also want federal research funding distributed more broadly so states like Nebraska, rural institutions, and smaller universities have real opportunities to compete.

My approach is informed by both the economic and practical value of this research. NIH and NSF funding supports jobs, workforce development, medical advances, agricultural research, and technologies that eventually reach patients, farmers, businesses, and communities. Nebraska has directly benefited from those investments, including new NSF funding in 2026 aimed at strengthening research and STEM capacity statewide.

Cutting research funding may reduce spending in the short term, but it can also slow discoveries and weaken our long-term competitiveness.”

KEYWORDS: Research investment, Scientific integrity, Nebraska innovation

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“I believe science and research can and should play a leading role in Nebraska’s future. We already have tremendous strengths in agriculture and medical research, including the innovative work being done at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. These are areas where Nebraska has an opportunity to continue leading, not only through scientific advancements, but also through economic development.

Investing in research means investing in our state’s future. Leading researchers attract grant funding, bring talented individuals and their families to Nebraska, create jobs, and open the door for new businesses and industries. The economic impact extends well beyond the universities and research facilities themselves.

I would prioritize funding that builds on Nebraska’s strengths in agricultural innovation and medical research. I would like to better understand existing programs, such as the Nebraska Research Initiative, Academic Research and Development Grants, and state funding for biomedical research, including how they are currently funded and opportunities to strengthen them. We should evaluate these investments not only for their scientific contributions, but also for their potential to attract additional funding, support innovation, and create long-term economic opportunities for Nebraska.”

KEYWORDS: Innovation, Investment, Opportunity

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“I believe collaboration between state government, universities, private industry, and nonprofit organizations can help us develop solutions more efficiently and bring innovations to market faster. Each brings different strengths, resources, and perspectives to the table.

Universities and government agencies may lead scientific research, while private industry can help turn discoveries into practical applications. Nonprofit organizations can help identify community needs, connect partners, and ensure research addresses real-world challenges.

From an economic development perspective, these partnerships can attract investment, create jobs, and open doors for new businesses and industries in Nebraska. However, I also believe we must recognize the value of research that doesn’t have an immediate economic benefit. Today’s research may lay the groundwork for discoveries we cannot yet imagine.

By encouraging collaboration and supporting both basic and applied research, Nebraska can strengthen its scientific community, accelerate innovation, and create opportunities for future generations.”

KEYWORDS: Collaboration, Discovery, Progress

Q4 Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) fund a substantial share of the scientific and biomedical research conducted at Nebraska’s universities, hospitals, and research institutions (approximately $205M per year according to NIH and NSF reports). NIH funding to NE institutions returns $2.50 for every $1 economic activity while supporting vital research in developing new treatments/cures for diseases. Similarly, both NIH and NSF research fill critical gaps in knowledge for advancing healthcare and other fields. What policies, if any, do you support regarding federal funding for scientific research agencies like the NIH and NSF? Why are these your priorities, and what information informed your approach?

“As stated above, we can’t cut taxes for billionaires and mega corporations at the expense of cutting vital research that serves all Americans. I would work to restore and grow federal funding for these institutions.”

KEYWORDS: Funding, Grants, Research

Q4 Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) fund a substantial share of the scientific and biomedical research conducted at Nebraska’s universities, hospitals, and research institutions (approximately $205M per year according to NIH and NSF reports). NIH funding to NE institutions returns $2.50 for every $1 economic activity while supporting vital research in developing new treatments/cures for diseases. Similarly, both NIH and NSF research fill critical gaps in knowledge for advancing healthcare and other fields. What policies, if any, do you support regarding federal funding for scientific research agencies like the NIH and NSF? Why are these your priorities, and what information informed your approach?

“Scientific development is the future. The federal government should be funding all University level science classes and projects. We need our finest minds in these fields. The NSF and NIH are fantastic vehicles for future scientific research and development . We need to be ALL IN on these agencies, as well as any others that support biomedical research.”

KEYWORDS: Go All IN

Q4 Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) fund a substantial share of the scientific and biomedical research conducted at Nebraska’s universities, hospitals, and research institutions (approximately $205M per year according to NIH and NSF reports). NIH funding to NE institutions returns $2.50 for every $1 economic activity while supporting vital research in developing new treatments/cures for diseases. Similarly, both NIH and NSF research fill critical gaps in knowledge for advancing healthcare and other fields. What policies, if any, do you support regarding federal funding for scientific research agencies like the NIH and NSF? Why are these your priorities, and what information informed your approach?

“I agree with this funding

So we can find more cures for things like cancer”

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Science and research at our premier institutions are some of the largest economic drivers in the state. We need to promote and celebrate those programs, not denigrate them or threaten them with funding cuts. I have also done considerable work trying to increase access to maternal and reproductive healthcare across the state which fundamentally requires increasing the availability of doctors and research to implement that access and those programs.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“First and foremost, stop funding cuts to the universities. Rather, we need to promote funding for the whole spectrum of education in our schools and support partnerships across the sectors mentioned so that students can continue to develop their skills in science and we can keep those students here in Nebraska with good opportunities that allow them to utilize their skills and pursue their goals. The state government’s job is to help promote those partnerships with funding, not standing in the way of these programs because they don’t fit a separate morality-based legislative agenda.”

Q4 Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) fund a substantial share of the scientific and biomedical research conducted at Nebraska’s universities, hospitals, and research institutions (approximately $205M per year according to NIH and NSF reports). NIH funding to NE institutions returns $2.50 for every $1 economic activity while supporting vital research in developing new treatments/cures for diseases. Similarly, both NIH and NSF research fill critical gaps in knowledge for advancing healthcare and other fields. What policies, if any, do you support regarding federal funding for scientific research agencies like the NIH and NSF? Why are these your priorities, and what information informed your approach?

“I support NIH and NSF funding for Nebraska’s research institutions. That money matters here. But I would seek to reform how it’s spent. Cap the overhead universities bill on top of research grants, make them show where it goes, and rotate the peer reviewers so the same small circle isn’t funding itself. Strip out the mission creep. Return to the academics, away from the Social sciences and activism that drifted from basic research. I’d ban any federal funding for dangerous pathogen research in countries without real biosafety oversight. Mandatory public reporting of results. The $2.50 return is real, but it doesn’t justify a blank check. I want the science protected and the bureaucracy cut, not the other way around.”

KEYWORDS: Overhead, peer review, mission creep, biosafety, blank check.

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Investing in science and research is a huge economic driver for Nebraska. Ensuring we have robust research and development locally ensures Nebraska’s future is vibrant. I have a proud history of supporting research grants and voting against cuts to these investments.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“We see the benefits of these partnerships every day in Nebraska, including through the breakthrough research occurring at UNMC right here in Omaha. Continuing to build on and expand these opportunities helps our communities thrive.”

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Scientific research often stimulates the economy and provides a significant return on state investments. Budget cuts to the University System and to areas like biomedical research are terrible and short-sighted. These cuts may help balance the budget in the short term, but they hurt the state’s economy in the long run. It is important for Nebraska to be a leader in research and innovation. Leading in these areas helps the economy grow and helps fight brain drain.

I don’t know much about state programs connected to Nebraska’s science strengths, but I am eager to learn more. I will fully support those programs that allow us to lead. I see these programs as ways to improve society, which is something we should all want and invest in.

We should look for other ways to balance the budget instead of cutting scientific research that will benefit the economy in the long run. Raising taxes on the ultra-wealthy or one-time taxes on extreme wealth are better ways to balance the budget than cutting funding for important research and programs.”

KEYWORDS: Investment, Priority, Fight Brain Drain

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“State government should be eager to partner with universities, industry, and nonprofits to strengthen scientific research. These types of partnerships allow us to accomplish more together than we can alone. Often, these partnerships also multiply impact and benefits. Partnerships offer real potential, and I love finding new solutions to existing problems. One of the best ways to tackle problems is to partner with like-minded groups.

I stand ready to partner on legislation that can bolster scientific research. I am eager to engage potential partners and find ways to strengthen Nebraska.”

KEYWORDS: Stand Ready, Partnerships, Potential

Q23 Both research universities and government-funded research programs play a critical role in advancing scientific discovery, training the future workforce, and driving economic development. How would you approach funding and oversight of research universities and government-funded research programs, and what outcomes would you hope to achieve through those investments?

“Research universities are the engines of economic development, scientific discovery, and workforce readiness. My approach to funding and oversight focuses on fiscal responsibility, structural efficiency, and value-driven advocacy.

Through these investments, my goal is to drive research excellence, including goals like rejoining the Association of American Universities, while remaining grounded in our land-grant mission. We will target research that solves real-world challenges, such as advancing agricultural technology, expanding healthcare and legal access, among others. Crucially, we will integrate research with workforce needs through industry partnerships and apprenticeships, ensuring every student is AI-ready and equipped to launch high-value careers that grow our regional economy. I also hope to deliver a long-term vision for our university, much like Missouri is doing with their proposal for a new nuclear research reactor. I believe Nebraska could be home to a quantum computer, helping to tackle challenges from 3D protein modeling for drug discovery, cybersecurity with our partnerships at StratCom, and more. We need to dream big to find our next inflection point.”

KEYWORDS: affordability, fiscal responsibility, experience

Q24 In order to avoid sweeping cuts and promote long-term financial stability, some academic departments at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have been eliminated, which has raised concerns about the consequences to educational quality, workforce preparedness, and loss of life-saving data (Wendling, 2025). Are you concerned about the immediate and long-term effects of cuts to research and education- why or why not? How should university leaders evaluate budget reductions and what are your suggestions?

“I believe the University of Nebraska must be managed with fiscal discipline while recognizing that its mission extends beyond that of a business. As a land-grant institution, NU must meet Nebraska’s critical and strategic needs. I opposed cuts to meteorology, for example, given our state’s exposure to severe weather and reliance on agriculture. To strengthen long-term financial sustainability, we should consolidate administrative leadership, reduce overhead, and break down departmental silos to prioritize collaboration, interdisciplinary learning, educators, researchers, and students. Transparent and shared governance and responsible university executive compensation can build public trust and strengthen state and federal support. Finally, we should leverage private philanthropy to create an “NIL for Academics,” attracting exceptional faculty, researchers, and student scholars to Nebraska. Strengthening the partnership between athletics and academics would allow donors to academics to meaningfully participate in athletic benefits, much like the Vanderbilt model. We cannot allow academics to atrophy while the athletic enterprise thrives. We are one university, and we rise and fall together.”

KEYWORDS: affordability, fiscal responsibility, experience

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Science and research needs to happen at the university systems where there is unbiased approach. Research paid for by industry can potentially have a conflict of interest to get results that “favor” that industry. I don’t know specific programs that I would prioritize funding.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“I think there can be many opportunities for public and private collaboration. This is a great way to maximize tax dollars and really achieve the outcomes that we are seeking for jobs and the workforce.”

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“I am disappointed in the implementation, growth, and sustainment of the STEM program in Nebraska rural schools.”

KEYWORDS: STEM, Rural, Access

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“All of the entities names have opportunities to build successful strategic partnerships. The uniqueness in each allow collaboration and dynamic research capabilities.”

KEYWORDS: Collaboration, strategic, uniqueness

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Investment here is incredibly important, we want to make sure to fund research locally here in Nebraska because this creates jobs and progress locally. Continuing to invest here will help us build towards a bright future in Nebraska. This can also help us combat the growing brain drain problem we have in Nebraska.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“We should be looking to expand our already existing partnerships with UNMC and others because they have demonstrated that they are on the forefront of ground breaking research. We should continue to invest here so Nebraska can continue to be a worldwide leader.”

Q4 Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) fund a substantial share of the scientific and biomedical research conducted at Nebraska’s universities, hospitals, and research institutions (approximately $205M per year according to NIH and NSF reports). NIH funding to NE institutions returns $2.50 for every $1 economic activity while supporting vital research in developing new treatments/cures for diseases. Similarly, both NIH and NSF research fill critical gaps in knowledge for advancing healthcare and other fields. What policies, if any, do you support regarding federal funding for scientific research agencies like the NIH and NSF? Why are these your priorities, and what information informed your approach?

“NIH and NSF grants have led to all sorts of amazing breakthroughs and developments over the years that we too often take for granted, and those federal funds should continue to flow. Still, accountability is critical to ensure all those funds actually deliver what they’re supposed to. In general, federal funding for research is essential to the long term health and competitiveness of our country—government investment is often the only way to take big swings and achieve large breakthroughs.”

KEYWORDS: Future, health, research

Q4 Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) fund a substantial share of the scientific and biomedical research conducted at Nebraska’s universities, hospitals, and research institutions (approximately $205M per year according to NIH and NSF reports). NIH funding to NE institutions returns $2.50 for every $1 economic activity while supporting vital research in developing new treatments/cures for diseases. Similarly, both NIH and NSF research fill critical gaps in knowledge for advancing healthcare and other fields. What policies, if any, do you support regarding federal funding for scientific research agencies like the NIH and NSF? Why are these your priorities, and what information informed your approach?

“I support strong, stable, and predictable federal funding for the NIH and NSF. Research cannot be turned on and off depending on the political climate or the priorities of a single administration. Grants should continue to be awarded through a transparent, competitive process led by qualified experts, with clear standards for accountability and research integrity.

This funding supports more than laboratories. It helps Nebraska universities and hospitals develop new treatments, train the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals, attract employers, and create well-paying jobs. Cutting it would slow medical progress and weaken Nebraska’s ability to compete for researchers, students, and private investment.

My position is informed by the approximately $205 million these agencies invest in Nebraska each year, the reported $2.50 in economic activity generated by every NIH dollar, and the research taking place in our universities, hospitals, and communities. I would support consistent funding increases that keep pace with research costs while protecting scientific decisions from political interference. Taxpayers deserve oversight and measurable results, but they also deserve the long-term health and economic benefits that serious research makes possible.”

KEYWORDS: Research investment, scientific integrity, Nebraska innovation

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Science and research funding should be considered as priority issues.”

KEYWORDS: Science and research funding priority issues

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“We should always be looking for ways to develop and maintain these relationships and partnerships.”

KEYWORDS: Develop and maintain these relationships

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Research performed or supported by the State is critical for effective administration of programs and prioritization of limited funding. Personally, because we are heavily dependent on agriculture, I would prioritize research that focuses on safely developing crops and livestock while minimizing threats to the public. Examples would include research that allows farmers to limit the use of nitrates or other water contaminants and the consumer safety work being done at the US Meat Animal Research Center. This and other research, like biomedical research through the University, provides not only a return on investment but a measurable positive impact on the health and well-being of Nebraskans and the world! I’d like Nebraska to be a beacon for well-resourced research.”

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“State departments and the University should work together whenever possible to provide Nebraska’s students and professionals the opportunity to engage in high-quality research while also providing the State measurable, usable evidence to help guide policy-making. Public-private partnerships (including both nonprofit and industry) also provide additional cost-savings and should be encouraged to give us more flexibility with limited funding available. My own family funded a scientific research cash award at Doane University in memory of my father-in-law. I believe that there’s endless opportunities for a stronger research community in Nebraska and I’d like to support measures that make that happen.”

Q23 Both research universities and government-funded research programs play a critical role in advancing scientific discovery, training the future workforce, and driving economic development. How would you approach funding and oversight of research universities and government-funded research programs, and what outcomes would you hope to achieve through those investments?

“Research is one of the best investments Nebraska makes. Every state dollar in a UNMC or UNL lab pulls in federal and private dollars, trains the next generation of scientists, and creates jobs here. That funding is under threat, federally through proposed caps on indirect-cost recovery and cuts to NIH and NSF, and at home through repeated attempts to sweep the Health Care Cash Fund. I know that fight firsthand. I served on the board of Nebraska Cures, formerly the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, which was founded to protect that fund and promote biomedical research at UNMC. As a Regent, I’d make protecting research central to the Board’s advocacy with our congressional delegation and the Legislature.

Oversight matters too. Every dollar my organization spends gets audited, and NU should meet the same standard, starting with a zero-based review of administrative spending so more dollars reach the lab and the classroom. I’d also change the report card: instead of only counting patents, count Nebraska students trained, companies formed, capital raised, and jobs created here. Most of all, I want to keep that talent home. Right now, the largest group leaving Nebraska is college graduates aged 30 to 34.”

KEYWORDS: Affordability, Access, Research, Academic Freedom, Modernization

Q24 In order to avoid sweeping cuts and promote long-term financial stability, some academic departments at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have been eliminated, which has raised concerns about the consequences to educational quality, workforce preparedness, and loss of life-saving data (Wendling, 2025). Are you concerned about the immediate and long-term effects of cuts to research and education- why or why not? How should university leaders evaluate budget reductions and what are your suggestions?

“Yes, I’m deeply concerned. The Regents voted to eliminate Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Statistics, Educational Administration, and Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design, affecting 329 students. The campus committee recommended keeping Statistics and Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, and the Regents cut them anyway. In an agriculture state, weather and climate data drive planting decisions, crop insurance, and emergency response. Statistics supports nearly every research program on campus. These cuts save money this year, but the opportunity costs are incredibly high.

Process matters. As a student, I served on UNL’s Academic Planning Committee, the group charged with overseeing campus budget reductions, so I know how this should work. This one was poorly conceived and poorly executed, and people felt it was done to them rather than with them.

My suggestions are straightforward. Fix the process. No major cut without genuine, good-faith consultation with faculty, staff, and students. Count the full cost of a cut, including the grant revenue and teaching capacity that walk out the door with it. Cuts should be born by administration before the academic core.”

KEYWORDS: Affordability, Access, Research, Academic Freedom, Modernization

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“My vision for scientific research in the state of Nebraska focuses on the current strengths we have while also expanding on battery and energy. Currently Nebraska’s research strength is focused on agriculture, biomedical/bioeconomic, and water management. As a farmer these research fields make sense for the “Cornhusker State”. But we need to also look to the future which is research into energy creation, storage (batteries) and transmission.”

KEYWORDS: current strengths, future technology

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“With our current strengths focusing funding on precision agriculture, making agriculture inputs more efficient, lessening nitrate pollution, and improving margins for our largest industry could help the rest of the state. Secondarily providing support for our public power to research energy production, delivery, and storage could incentivize businesses to come to our state. Energy research could also prepare us for the future.”

KEYWORDS: precision agriculture, energy research

Q23 Both research universities and government-funded research programs play a critical role in advancing scientific discovery, training the future workforce, and driving economic development. How would you approach funding and oversight of research universities and government-funded research programs, and what outcomes would you hope to achieve through those investments?

“My approach funding and oversight include competitive peer review, priority alignment, stage funding, financial auditing, ethical and regulatory compliance, and conflict of interest management. Outcomes I would hope to achieve include new technologies, medical treatments and clean energy solutions that save lives and improve daily living standards, spurring jobs creation and new industries by research into commercial startups and patents. building robust infrastructure, training next generation of critical thinkers and addressing complex large-scale challenges such as climate change and food insecurity.”

KEYWORDS: Ethical, Purposeful, future forward

Q24 In order to avoid sweeping cuts and promote long-term financial stability, some academic departments at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have been eliminated, which has raised concerns about the consequences to educational quality, workforce preparedness, and loss of life-saving data (Wendling, 2025). Are you concerned about the immediate and long-term effects of cuts to research and education- why or why not? How should university leaders evaluate budget reductions and what are your suggestions?

“Budget restraints are going to continue to exist. There needs to be a focus on conserving core curriculum while containing costs. There needs to be an overall look at what programs have low enrollment. Specific degrees can be combined into a multidisciplinary school to save on costs. Everyone should be concerned when programs are cut. There needs to be a strict focus on viable programs and degrees. The University needs to be aware of the people (our students) who are affected by these changes.”

KEYWORDS: Common sense, core curriculum, budget constraints

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“My vision is for Nebraska to maintain strong scientific and research capacity while keeping state-supported research attentive to the communities and conditions in which that work is being conducted. The intellectual framing of a research project should not be considered in isolation from Nebraska’s geography, economy, or the material well-being of households and communities that may ultimately be affected by its findings.

To the extent state funding plays a role, I would prioritize programs that combine strong research with a demonstrated interest in issues that extend beyond academia itself. That does not necessarily mean requiring a public-private partnership or an immediate commercial application. It means valuing research that remains engaged with the broader world around it, whether through agriculture, water, public health, infrastructure, energy, economic conditions, or other areas where scientific work can contribute to the long-term well-being of the state.”

KEYWORDS: Community oriented funding, dialogue based communication, transparent assumptions.

Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?

“Partnerships can be valuable when they bring different kinds of knowledge and capacity to problems with clear relevance to Nebraska communities. State government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations each have different perspectives and resources that can strengthen research, particularly in areas such as agriculture, water, public health, energy, infrastructure, and workforce development.

At the same time, I would not treat formal partnerships as a prerequisite for worthwhile research. The broader goal should be to encourage scientific work that remains engaged with the economic, geographic, and material conditions of the state and creates meaningful connections between research institutions and the communities around them.”

KEYWORDS: Clearly defined problems, locally grounded research, strong research standards.

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Over the next decade I want Nebraska to be known as a state that turns research into results for the people who live here. Our strengths are clear: agriculture and water, biomedical research at UNMC, and national security research through the National Strategic Research Institute, which the University of Nebraska hosts for U.S. Strategic Command. Having served at STRATCOM, I understand what that partnership means for the mission and for Nebraska. Few states have anything like it. I would prioritize state programs that produce measurable, usable evidence for Nebraska decisions, especially groundwater and water quality monitoring and agricultural research that helps producers conserve water and manage nitrogen. I would also ask state agencies and the university what is working before deciding where new dollars go, so funding follows results rather than habit.”

KEYWORDS: Results, Measurable, Listening

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“I would define the goal and the measures of success before a policy passes, and I would build in a reporting schedule and a review date. In the Air Force we debriefed every mission: what did we intend, what happened, why, and what do we change. I would bring that habit to state policy, using the Legislative Fiscal Office, the Legislative Performance Audit Office, interim studies, and data systems like the Nebraska Statewide Workforce and Educational Reporting System. Evidence that would prompt me to revise a policy includes results that fall short of the stated targets, unintended consequences, new research that contradicts the original basis, and costs that outweigh the benefits.”

KEYWORDS: Intention, Evidence, Measured

Q1 Scientific evidence is generated through the systematic testing and evaluation of ideas. It provides knowledge that helps us understand the world and predict the likely consequences of different choices, such as policy making related to public health, energy, agriculture, and environmental regulation. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you evaluate competing or uncertain scientific claims when making policy decisions? What role, if any, should that process play when scientific consensus and public opinion diverge?

“Scientific evidence and expert input should play a major role in policymaking, especially on issues like public health, agriculture, energy, the environment, and new technology. At the same time, policymakers also have to consider cost, practicality, local conditions, and how a policy will actually affect people and communities.

When scientific claims conflict, I would look at how strong the research is, how the study was designed, how many people or cases were included, whether the results have been repeated, whether other researchers reached similar conclusions, and whether there are conflicts of interest. If the science is still uncertain, we should say that clearly instead of pretending we know more than we do.

Scientific consensus matters because it reflects the larger body of evidence, but science should always remain open to new research and better information. Public opinion matters when deciding how policies are carried out, but public opinion does not change scientific facts. People deserve clear explanations of what the evidence shows, what we still do not know, and why a decision is being made.”

KEYWORDS: Evidence, Transparency, Practical policy

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“I believe science and research can and should play a leading role in Nebraska’s future. We already have tremendous strengths in agriculture and medical research, including the innovative work being done at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. These are areas where Nebraska has an opportunity to continue leading, not only through scientific advancements, but also through economic development.

Investing in research means investing in our state’s future. Leading researchers attract grant funding, bring talented individuals and their families to Nebraska, create jobs, and open the door for new businesses and industries. The economic impact extends well beyond the universities and research facilities themselves.

I would prioritize funding that builds on Nebraska’s strengths in agricultural innovation and medical research. I would like to better understand existing programs, such as the Nebraska Research Initiative, Academic Research and Development Grants, and state funding for biomedical research, including how they are currently funded and opportunities to strengthen them. We should evaluate these investments not only for their scientific contributions, but also for their potential to attract additional funding, support innovation, and create long-term economic opportunities for Nebraska.”

KEYWORDS: Innovation, Investment, Opportunity

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“I believe good public policy should be based on facts and research, and that responsibility doesn’t end once legislation is passed. We need to continually evaluate whether policies are achieving their intended outcomes.

My background in research, analytics, and economic development has taught me the importance of setting measurable goals, tracking results, and being willing to make adjustments along the way. We should look at the data, listen to those directly impacted by a policy, and consider whether we are seeing the results we intended.

If the evidence shows that a policy is working, we should continue supporting it. If it isn’t achieving its goals, is creating unintended consequences, or new research suggests a better approach, we need to be willing to make changes.

I don’t believe changing course should be viewed as a failure. It demonstrates a willingness to learn, adapt, and make better decisions. Ultimately, the goal should be effective policy, not simply defending a decision because it has already been made.”

KEYWORDS: Accountability, Evidence, Adaptability

Q1 Scientific evidence is generated through the systematic testing and evaluation of ideas. It provides knowledge that helps us understand the world and predict the likely consequences of different choices, such as policy making related to public health, energy, agriculture, and environmental regulation. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you evaluate competing or uncertain scientific claims when making policy decisions? What role, if any, should that process play when scientific consensus and public opinion diverge?

“I served as prosecutor and took a graduate class in logic at UNL, so I believe policy makers should decide issues based on evidence. That includes scientific evidence where science can provide useful information. Consensus among disinterested experts is powerful evidence. Opinion from experts paid by organizations with an interest in the outcome is less credible. If there is true consensus among experts, that should carry more weight than public opinion. If there is a lack of consensus among disinterested experts, that’s warrants caution. If scientific consensus diverges from public opinion, scientific consensus is more powerful. History is replete with examples of science being ahead of the general populace. It was only about five hundred years ago that most people believed the sun revolved around the Earth.”

KEYWORDS: Objectivity, Credibility, Logic

Q1 Scientific evidence is generated through the systematic testing and evaluation of ideas. It provides knowledge that helps us understand the world and predict the likely consequences of different choices, such as policy making related to public health, energy, agriculture, and environmental regulation. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you evaluate competing or uncertain scientific claims when making policy decisions? What role, if any, should that process play when scientific consensus and public opinion diverge?

“Use Common Sense. Scientific evidence is not always the final word. Science can be deceiving. As an example, when I was in PreMed school fifty some years ago, the science I was taught has changed immensely. State of the Art science is indeed helpful at times, but should never be the final answer. A fine example of this is the whole COVID 19 debacle. There were so many false “proven scientific “facts that turned out NOT to be true.”

KEYWORDS: Use Common Sense

Q18 State education standards are periodically updated to reflect advances in scientific knowledge. Would you, and if so how, ensure that decisions about science standards and curriculum are transparent and based on established evidence? What sources, if any, (ex. scientific experts, educators, community members, etc) would you consider when developing science education standards?

“Yes. Science standards should reflect the best current evidence. Nebraska already has an established process for reviewing and updating standards. That process should be reviewed, and if it is working well, it should be followed consistently. If it needs improvement, those changes should be made openly, with public input.

Nebraska science teachers should be central to the work, along with scientists from our universities and the Department of Education’s content specialists. Parents, employers, and community members should also have a voice.

The content itself should be based on established scientific consensus. A clear, open process gives families confidence that what their children learn is accurate.”

KEYWORDS: Evidence, Collaboration, Teachers, Opportunity, Transparency

Q22 Can you tell me about a time when you misunderstood something scientific, realized that you were wrong, and updated your understanding?

“Growing up, my grandma told me to stop cracking my knuckles or I would get arthritis. She said it hurt her just to hear it. I believed her for years. Then I repeated it to someone as an adult, and they laughed and corrected me. When I looked into it, I learned that studies haven’t found a link between knuckle cracking and arthritis. One doctor even cracked the knuckles on only one hand for more than 60 years and found no difference between his hands.

It’s a small example, but it stuck with me. Something I accepted as fact came from someone I loved and trusted, not from evidence. That’s how a lot of misunderstandings work. Good science education teaches students to ask questions, look at the evidence, and be willing to change their minds when the facts point somewhere new.”

KEYWORDS: Evidence, Collaboration, Teachers, Opportunity, Transparency

Q1 Scientific evidence is generated through the systematic testing and evaluation of ideas. It provides knowledge that helps us understand the world and predict the likely consequences of different choices, such as policy making related to public health, energy, agriculture, and environmental regulation. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you evaluate competing or uncertain scientific claims when making policy decisions? What role, if any, should that process play when scientific consensus and public opinion diverge?

“I think science is a very important role in agriculture”

KEYWORDS: Yes I trust in science

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Science and research at our premier institutions are some of the largest economic drivers in the state. We need to promote and celebrate those programs, not denigrate them or threaten them with funding cuts. I have also done considerable work trying to increase access to maternal and reproductive healthcare across the state which fundamentally requires increasing the availability of doctors and research to implement that access and those programs.”

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“I’ve spent nearly a decade in the policy world, and have learned over those years how to develop policy by hearing first from the experts and those impacted, and being honest about the limits of the policy-making process as a bill moves through the Legislature. As Senators and lobbyists seek to change a bill throughout that process, my constant question is always: “is this bill still going to help people? Does this change mean it won’t do anything?” and that evaluation is always on a case-by-case basis and requires being in constant honest and transparent communication with stakeholders.”

Q1 Scientific evidence is generated through the systematic testing and evaluation of ideas. It provides knowledge that helps us understand the world and predict the likely consequences of different choices, such as policy making related to public health, energy, agriculture, and environmental regulation. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you evaluate competing or uncertain scientific claims when making policy decisions? What role, if any, should that process play when scientific consensus and public opinion diverge?

“The primary role of Science in Congress is to inform the Policy Makers, not dictate policy for them. When data leaves uncertainty, we need to look at the evidence quality. Can the data be replicated? Are there contradictions or omitted variables? Who’s funding the research and who benefits most from policy enacted with that data, as you would ask of any industry funded study. Always keep the policy reversible or flexible, even reject completely if the data is incomplete or unsubstantiated. During COVID, the institutions demanded compliance instead of scrutiny. Accredited Physicians were divided and Censored. “Trust the Science” is what broke our trust. Now We the People demand open data and protected dissent.”

KEYWORDS: Scientific Evidence, policy-making, open data, dissent

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Investing in science and research is a huge economic driver for Nebraska. Ensuring we have robust research and development locally ensures Nebraska’s future is vibrant. I have a proud history of supporting research grants and voting against cuts to these investments.”

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“Frequent consultation with experts in industry relevant to legislation in front of me. Known to be a strong collaborator with a wide spectrum of expert groups.”

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Scientific research often stimulates the economy and provides a significant return on state investments. Budget cuts to the University System and to areas like biomedical research are terrible and short-sighted. These cuts may help balance the budget in the short term, but they hurt the state’s economy in the long run. It is important for Nebraska to be a leader in research and innovation. Leading in these areas helps the economy grow and helps fight brain drain.

I don’t know much about state programs connected to Nebraska’s science strengths, but I am eager to learn more. I will fully support those programs that allow us to lead. I see these programs as ways to improve society, which is something we should all want and invest in.

We should look for other ways to balance the budget instead of cutting scientific research that will benefit the economy in the long run. Raising taxes on the ultra-wealthy or one-time taxes on extreme wealth are better ways to balance the budget than cutting funding for important research and programs.”

KEYWORDS: Investment, Priority, Fight Brain Drain

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“Ideally, policy should only be passed with a known evaluation criterion in mind. Also, the evaluation timeline should be established before enacting the policy. Too often, we pass policies without knowing what measurable metrics we will use to understand the policy’s effectiveness, and this is a poor way to run government programs.

We should review evidence of policy effectiveness regularly to determine whether the policy needs to be revised. We should also watch for unintended consequences when evaluating policy.

I will work to include evaluation criteria and a timeline in legislation. This will help us be on a path of continuous improvement.”

KEYWORDS: Continuous Improvement, Timelines

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Science and research needs to happen at the university systems where there is unbiased approach. Research paid for by industry can potentially have a conflict of interest to get results that “favor” that industry. I don’t know specific programs that I would prioritize funding.”

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“One way that we can see if a policy is achieving what is should be is using The Nebraska Statewide Workforce & Educational Reporting System (NSWERS). This system captures the data on Nebraska kids all through education system to the workforce and we need to use this data to make targeted policy decisions. We also need to use it to look back and make changes if necessary.”

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“I am disappointed in the implementation, growth, and sustainment of the STEM program in Nebraska rural schools.”

KEYWORDS: STEM, Rural, Access

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“Regulations that operate with the intent of the law have a higher rate of successful outcomes. When a policy cannot be sustained, operationally or financially, it needs review to identify the root cause and effects.”

KEYWORDS: Research, Cause, Effect

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Investment here is incredibly important, we want to make sure to fund research locally here in Nebraska because this creates jobs and progress locally. Continuing to invest here will help us build towards a bright future in Nebraska. This can also help us combat the growing brain drain problem we have in Nebraska.”

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“The best way to see if our policies are having their intended outcomes is to talk to experts in the fields that the policies affect and also look at the practical impact it is having in our community. If subject matter experts are seeing benefits, we should continue to pursue that policy. If these experts give us feedback on something working really well or not well we should take that advice into any decision to revise a policy.”

Q1 Scientific evidence is generated through the systematic testing and evaluation of ideas. It provides knowledge that helps us understand the world and predict the likely consequences of different choices, such as policy making related to public health, energy, agriculture, and environmental regulation. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you evaluate competing or uncertain scientific claims when making policy decisions? What role, if any, should that process play when scientific consensus and public opinion diverge?

“Scientific evidence and expert input should play an important role when STEM fields are invoked—such as medicine, public health, engineering, transportation, and the environment. Social sciences can also play a role in guiding policy. Economics is a great example of a social science that has natural policy implications. The erosion of trust in our scientific community is a shame. When the scientific community and public opinion collide, the ideal course of action is to educate the public so opinion aligns more closely with scientific consensus.”

KEYWORDS: Experts, Trust, Truth

Q1 Scientific evidence is generated through the systematic testing and evaluation of ideas. It provides knowledge that helps us understand the world and predict the likely consequences of different choices, such as policy making related to public health, energy, agriculture, and environmental regulation. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you evaluate competing or uncertain scientific claims when making policy decisions? What role, if any, should that process play when scientific consensus and public opinion diverge?

“Science and reliable data should be at the heart of public policy. Decisions affecting public health, agriculture, energy, and the environment should be based on the best available evidence, not political convenience or public pressure. When scientific claims conflict, I would consider the quality of the research, whether the results have been independently repeated, who funded the work, and where the broader scientific consensus stands.

Public input has an important place in government. People should be heard about how a policy will affect their communities and how it can be implemented fairly. But public opinion cannot replace scientific evidence or make established facts disappear. When the two conflict, leaders have a responsibility to follow the evidence, explain it clearly, and remain honest about any uncertainty. Science cannot simply be ignored because its conclusions are unpopular.”

KEYWORDS: Evidence, transparency, accountability

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Science and research funding should be considered as priority issues.”

KEYWORDS: Science and research funding priority issues

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“I will always consider evidence based policy to determine the best way ahead”

KEYWORDS: evidence based policy

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“Research performed or supported by the State is critical for effective administration of programs and prioritization of limited funding. Personally, because we are heavily dependent on agriculture, I would prioritize research that focuses on safely developing crops and livestock while minimizing threats to the public. Examples would include research that allows farmers to limit the use of nitrates or other water contaminants and the consumer safety work being done at the US Meat Animal Research Center. This and other research, like biomedical research through the University, provides not only a return on investment but a measurable positive impact on the health and well-being of Nebraskans and the world! I’d like Nebraska to be a beacon for well-resourced research.”

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“I believe the interim study process is a helpful tool in evaluating prior and future policies. Utilizing down-time from the typical hustle and bustle of the legislative session to dig into both hard data and soft evidence, including stories from those who have been impacted by the measures under consideration, is a smart way to make measured, well-researched and scientifically backed decisions on policy. I’d seek out this type of evidence throughout my term, but would prioritize taking interim studies seriously to get to the bottom of issues facing our state.”

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“My vision for scientific research in the state of Nebraska focuses on the current strengths we have while also expanding on battery and energy. Currently Nebraska’s research strength is focused on agriculture, biomedical/bioeconomic, and water management. As a farmer these research fields make sense for the “Cornhusker State”. But we need to also look to the future which is research into energy creation, storage (batteries) and transmission.”

KEYWORDS: current strengths, future technology

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“The first step is to observe or identify what the policy is for. Then I would ask if this policy is for the betterment of Nebraskans. I would then create a testable hypothesis to determine a measurable effect of the policy. I would then experiment and collect data supporting or disproving the affects of the policy according to my hypothesis. Finally I would bring my research to others to see if they agree with my assessment. Any policy is only a failure if it does not provide a betterment for Nebraskans.”

KEYWORDS: Scientific method, betterment

Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?

“My vision is for Nebraska to maintain strong scientific and research capacity while keeping state-supported research attentive to the communities and conditions in which that work is being conducted. The intellectual framing of a research project should not be considered in isolation from Nebraska’s geography, economy, or the material well-being of households and communities that may ultimately be affected by its findings.

To the extent state funding plays a role, I would prioritize programs that combine strong research with a demonstrated interest in issues that extend beyond academia itself. That does not necessarily mean requiring a public-private partnership or an immediate commercial application. It means valuing research that remains engaged with the broader world around it, whether through agriculture, water, public health, infrastructure, energy, economic conditions, or other areas where scientific work can contribute to the long-term well-being of the state.”

KEYWORDS: Community oriented funding, dialogue based communication, transparent assumptions.

Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?

“I would begin by defining the intended outcome narrowly and asking whether the policy actually produced it. Sometimes that question is more straightforward than political debate makes it seem. If the stated purpose of a law is to reduce a particular tax, and the law reduces that tax, then in a literal sense it has achieved its stated goal.

The more important evaluation often comes afterward: what tradeoffs accompanied that success, who absorbed them, and whether those consequences were understood when the policy was adopted. A policy can accomplish exactly what it was designed to do while still producing costs elsewhere that deserve reconsideration.

For me, evidence supporting revision would therefore need to go beyond showing that some people disagree with the original objective. I would want a clear account of what was lost, who was affected, and whether there is a workable alternative. That kind of communication is especially important when revisiting a policy whose adoption may itself have required considerable effort and public support.”

KEYWORDS: Defined outcomes, tradeoff awareness, reasonable alternatives