By Scout Nelson
The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln have appointed Meghan Jackson as the director for food, agriculture, and environment security (FAES).
This focus area was established in late 2022 to protect the U.S. from threats to food production systems, including intentional, accidental, and natural risks.
Dr. Neal Woollen, NSRI associate executive director, emphasized the importance of having a dedicated leader like Jackson, stating, “We could not be more pleased to bring Ms. Jackson into this role
Her expertise in technical programs and project management will provide NU a conduit for collaborations across disciplines and insight into national security needs.”
In her new role, Jackson will integrate IANR's innovative history with NSRI's expertise in addressing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. As a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), NSRI has unique opportunities to collaborate with the U.S. Department of Defense, facilitating quicker responses to national security challenges.
Key priorities for researchers include advancing African swine fever vaccine development and addressing unique training needs for food and agriculture stakeholders in threat response. Researchers will also investigate the impacts of extreme weather on the rise of West Nile Virus and explore cybersecurity in agricultural systems.
Dr. Derek McLean, dean of the UNL agricultural research division, remarked on the importance of food security, stating, “The security of our agri-food systems and natural resources is an important component of national security.”
Jackson brings extensive experience from her work with the USDA and the Department of Homeland Security, where she supported efforts to protect U.S. agriculture from transboundary animal diseases. She expressed her enthusiasm for the role, saying, “As a farm kid, I’m not sure I could ask for a better job than supporting folks who want to do that.”
With a commitment to enhancing agricultural security, Jackson is ready to leverage Nebraska’s diverse resources for impactful research.
Photo Credit:istock-elenathewise
Categories: Nebraska, Education, General