NPPD Director of Generation Strategies and Research John H. Swanson discussed Strategic Directive BP SD-11, Research and Development. Mr. Swanson discussed three main areas that support BP SD 11, including the partnership with UNL and the Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research (NCESR); membership in and collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI); and work with other universities, engineering firms, national laboratories, the Department of Energy, State of Nebraska agencies and industry groups. Mr. Swanson also reviewed current and ongoing projects in support of BP-SD-11.
UNL Director of the Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research, Dr. George Gogos, provided the annual NCESR update to the NPPD board. Following a review of the Center’s structure, mission and principles, Dr. Gogos discussed Cycle 20 (2026-27) proposals and the timeline for Cycle 21 (2027-28). Also discussed were the historical impacts of the Center, including return on investment for NPPD’s annual funding, the number of students involved and impacted over the years, and the number of research projects funded and ensuing scientific publications.
To close the presentation, UNL, Energy Center 2025 Summer Interns Vladislav Prakapchuk and Octavious Gonzalez provided an overview of their summer research projects. Vlad discussed his work on Pool Boiling Performance of Self-Organized Laser Functionalization - Processed Copper Surfaces, and Octavious discussed his work on Acrylate Copolymer Synthesis for Use in Microelectronics. Dr. Gogos noted that Octavious was the 2025 NCESR Summer Intern Poster Winner, receiving a $500 award. Vlad earned an Honorable Mention in the Summer Intern Poster competition. Dr. Graham Kaufman, Vlad’s faculty advisor, also attended and was introduced to the NPPD board of directors.
Following the presentations, NPPD President & CEO Tom Kent met for lunch with the UNL Energy Center visitors and the NPPD liaisons.