Global Center for Health Security

- Our Expertise Overview
- Why Nebraska?
  Nebraska’s difference is an all-star, all-volunteer team that dedicated itself to being ready for any biocontainment crisis at any time.
- Leadership
  The Global Center is led by experts in biopreparedness and high-consequence infections research, education and clinical care.
- Scholars
  Our scholars represent the pinnacle of health security expertise and are integral to advancing the mission of the GCHS in the domains of clinical care, operational response, research and development, and training in health security, and emergency response. GCHS scholars play a critical role by contributing to strategic priorities, shaping initiatives, and advancing the GCHS’s global leadership.
- Affiliates
  Our affiliates are innovative experts collaborating to advance global health security.
- C-STARS
  C-STARS, the Center for Sustainment of Trauma Readiness Skills- Omaha is a collaboration between UNMC, Nebraska Medicine, and the Air Force Research Laboratory’s School of Aerospace Medicine. C-STARS Omaha works closely with UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security, iEXCEL, and the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit to take advantage of the medical center’s capabilities and expertise in biopreparedness training and research.
- Our Team
  Our team consists of a variety of professionals providing support and project management to further the Global Center for Health Security’s mission.
- Domains Overview
- Clinical Operations
  The Global Center for Health Security is the premier U.S. institution for management of high-consequence infections. Further, our clinical capabilities include biological, chemical, burn, and radiation domains.
- Education & Training
  Our expertise is now sought worldwide and officially sanctioned by the U.S. government. The GCHS is the home base to the national Training, Simulation, and Quarantine Center and the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit.
- Research
  The GCHS has laser-focused existing work by our leading scientists in fields like chemical weapons, drug discovery and public health.
- International Partnerships & Innovation
  The GCHS tackles the most pressing problems in emerging infectious diseases through international partnerships and innovation.
- Programs Overview
- Core Capabilities
  Learn about the GCHS’ 4 core capabilities: Emerging Pathogens Lab , Nebraska Biocontainment Unit , the National Quarantine Unit, and deployable teams.
- Core Programs
  The GCHS works with multiple core programs to enhance our capabilities to respond effectively to public health challenges.
- Partnerships
  The GCHS partners with many outside organizations to strengthen our commitment to addressing global health challenges through research and innovation.
- Associated Groups & Programs
  Learn more about the impactful programs led by GCHS leadership, scholar, and affiliates.
- Academic Programs
  Explore GCHS academic programs which include the Health Security Fellowship and the Biological Defense and Health Security program.
- Health Emergencies Overview
- Outbreaks to Watch
  Find information about emerging pathogens, diseases and outbreaks from around the world. Stay updated on the most recent information on worldwide global health and emerging pathogens outbreaks.
- Ebola Virus
  GCHS is currently monitoring the outbreak of Bundibugyo ebolavirus. This page provides information, resources, and updates.
- Measles
  The GCHS is currently monitoring measles cases. This page provides information, resources, and news.
- Cyclosporiasis
  Explore resources and updates for the current cyclosporiasis outbreak.
- H5 Avian Influenza
  Learn more about the current worldwide H5 Avian Influenza outbreak and explore resources, news, webinars, and our unofficial map.
- COVID-19
  Explore our COVID-19 page for recent news, resources, manuals, and playbooks. Biweekly overviews of new data and developments presented by James V. Lawler, MD, MPH, FIDSA can now be found on the Health Emergencies page.
The Transmission
- News Overview
- Events
  Explore GCHS and partner upcoming events and training opportunities.
- Annual Reports
  Explore our annual reports.
- Videos
  Explore our videos.

Meet the Graduates

Kevin Crown, Ph.D.

Graduation: Spring 2026
Program: Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area: Biological Defense & Health Security sub-plan - UNMC
Thesis: “Development of water-soluble nanofibrous poly(vinyl alcohol) collectors for bioaerosol sampling and environmental surface microbial detection"

Elizabeth Klug, Ph.D.

Graduation: Spring 2025
Program: IGPBS: Immunology, Pathology, and Infectious Disease program
Thesis: “Intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of bioaerosol decay: Investigating pathogen stability of Bacteriophage MS2, Sin Nombre Virus, and SARS-CoV-2 in simulated environments”

Sean Kinahan, Ph.D.

Graduation: Summer 2023
Program: Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area
Thesis: “Understanding and Quantifying Bioaerosol Fate Within the Aerobiological Pathway: Physical Transport, Environmental Decay, and Mitigation”

Cathryn Mayes, Ph.D.

Graduation: Winter 2022
Program: Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area
Thesis: “CRISPR Technology as an Antiviral in dsDNA and ssRNA Viruses"