New to Cycle 20, which began January 1, 2026, is the opportunity for the Tom and Nobuko Shiokari Energy Research Fellowships, designed to support the recruitment of exceptional doctoral students to work on NCESR-funded projects. This new initiative appears in the Cycle 20 awards and is available exclusively to newly recruited doctoral students.
To be considered, principal investigators of funded projects must submit a nomination letter to NCESR along with the student’s application to UNL. Selected doctoral students receive a $4,000 annual fellowship for up to three years, contingent upon continued excellent progress toward their degree.
NCESR is excited to announce that Weston Peschel, enrolled in the Animal Science (PhD) – Ruminant Nutrition program, has been awarded the fellowship beginning in the Fall 2026 semester. Weston will work with Dr. Galen Erickson on his Cycle 20 project titled, “Improving circularity by replacing synthetic urea with soy and corn byproducts in feedlot cattle diets.” He will also work closely with co-principal investigator, Dr. Jim MacDonald.
NCESR looks forward to following the future research accomplishments and contributions resulting from this fellowship opportunity.