Tell us a little about your business. – Nebraska Innovation Campus (NIC) (Innovate.unl.edu) is designed to facilitate new and in-depth partnerships between the University of Nebraska and private sector businesses. NIC is adjacent to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and is dedicated to advancing knowledge and driving economic impact by facilitating collaboration among industry partners, researchers and the community. Through state-of-the-art facilities, unique resources and a commitment to sustainability, NIC empowers partners to translate ideas into impactful solutions that benefit society locally, regionally and globally. By nurturing a culture of creativity, talent and resources, NIC strives to be a premier hub where ideas flourish, partnerships thrive and innovations shape the future. NIC is home to and welcomes companies of all sizes. Called NIC Partners, organizations leasing space at NIC are a mix of startups, medium-sized companies and larger companies. The diverse mix of companies located on the campus creates and builds a culture of innovation and creativity.
How did you get started in the business? – I began my career at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the Department of Chemistry as a graduate student recruiter. During my time with the Department of Chemistry, I was very involved in the University Association for Administrative Development (UAAD) and began to grow my network across campus. When Nebraska Innovation Campus was announced, and a role with the organization was created, a university contact shared the job posting with me and encouraged me to apply. Dan Duncan had been named the founding Executive Director of Nebraska Innovation Campus, and he hired me to be part of the small team responsible for getting Nebraska Innovation Campus up and running. I am forever grateful for Dan’s leadership and mentorship, as I learned a great deal from him about building and maintaining collaborations, relationships, facilities, resources, programs, and events that drive a research park and its culture of innovation.
Tell us a little about your family. – My husband, Scott, serves as the Director of Technical Theatre at Lincoln Southwest High School. We share our home with our dog Finn, a three-year-old Golden Retriever mix.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – Growing up, my parents owned and operated an auction and real estate company in Southwest Iowa. One Saturday a month, I still go home and clerk an auction (usually an estate sale) for the family that currently owns and operates the auction company. It keeps me connected to my hometown area, and a business and people I have always loved.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – I enjoy mystery novels, light-hearted reads, and memoirs/autobiographies. I am a big fan of Victoria Houston’s Loon Lake Mystery Series and her Lew Ferris Series. I’ve recently read Tom Lake (by Ann Patchett), Up Home (by Ruth J. Simmons), and Jess and Norma (by Jessica Asquith and Norma Burton), and have enjoyed them all.
What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? – We are fortunate to have so many wonderful local restaurants in Lincoln, and one of my favorites is El Potro. The food is wonderful, and the staff is amazing. I also love The Mill Coffee & Tea and am a frequent patron of The Mill Coffee & Bistro located on Nebraska Innovation Campus!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – To learn more about Nebraska Innovation Campus, please visit Innovate.unl.edu. To contact me directly, please email kate.engel@unl.edu.