Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · 4h

NAECR is 10! 🎉 Since 2015, the Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research has advanced research and collaboration across the University of Nebraska.

Join us in celebrating a decade of #ECE research, collaboration and positive impacts!

🔗 naecr.unl.edu/10-year #NUforNE
vimeo.com/1126267938?s...

NAECR: Celebrating 10 years of Research, Collaboration and Positive Impacts

For 10 years, the Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research has advanced high-quality early childhood research and collaboration at the University of Nebraska. Founded…

vimeo.com

Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · 5h

“As someone new to Nebraska, I’m especially eager to gain local knowledge of the state’s policy landscape so I can more effectively align my research with community needs and state priorities.”

—2025–26 NAECR Policy Fellow Nishank Varshney, @unmc.bsky.social

🔗 cyfs.unl.edu/news/?p=7539

Photo of NAECR Policy Fellow, Nishank Varshney, Education and Child Development, University of Nebraska Medical Center. Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research and First Five Nebraska logos. “As someone new to Nebraska, I’m especially eager to gain local knowledge of the state’s policy landscape so I can more effectively align my research with community needs and state priorities.”

Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · 5h

“I look forward to exploring how evidence-based practices can be translated into policies and resources that support teachers, child care providers and families in fostering active, healthy environments for young children.”

—JP Rech, @unkearney.bsky.social #NAECR

🔗 cyfs.unl.edu/news/?p=7539

Photo of NAECR Policy Fellow, JP Rech, Physical Education, University of Nebraska at Kearney. Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research and First Five Nebraska logos. “I am excited to learn how to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact. I look forward to exploring how evidence-based practices can be translated into policies and resources that support teachers, child care providers and families in fostering active, healthy environments for young children.”

Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · 5h

“I look forward to learning from and engaging with others in the early childhood research-policy space to turn evidence into action, building bridges that uplift children, families and communities.”

—2025–26 NAECR Policy Fellow Sharon Obasi, @unkearney.bsky.social

🔗 cyfs.unl.edu/news/?p=7539

Photo of NAECR Policy Fellow, Sharon Obasi, Counseling, School Psychology and Family Science, University of Nebraska at Kearney. Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research and First Five Nebraska logos. “I look forward to learning from and engaging with others in the early childhood research-policy space to turn evidence into action, building bridges that uplift children, families and communities. The real possibility lies in leading with integrity and kindness and shaping policies that reflect not only what we know but also who we aspire to be as a society.”

Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · 6h

“Engaging with scholars who bring expertise in economic policy and child development will not only strengthen my own research but also lay the groundwork for long-term partnerships in this field.”

—2025–26 NAECR Policy Fellow Sangyoo Lee, @unmc.bsky.social

🔗 cyfs.unl.edu/news/?p=7539

Photo of NAECR Policy Fellow, Sangyoo Lee, Education and Child Development, University of Nebraska Medical Center. Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research and First Five Nebraska logos. “I look forward to broadening my network and building collaborations with early childhood policy researchers in Nebraska who examine the intersections of policy and the well-being of marginalized children… engaging with scholars who bring expertise in economic policy and child development will not only strengthen my own research but also lay the groundwork for long-term partnerships in this field.”

Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · 6h

“I am looking forward to collaborating w/ Nebraska policymakers, researchers and other community members to influence state support of and policies that enable disabled children and their families to thrive in early childhood.” —Birdie Ganz, @UNLSECD

🔗 cyfs.unl.edu/news/?p=7539

Photo of NAECR Policy Fellow, Birdie Ganz, Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research and First Five Nebraska logos. “I am looking forward to collaborating with Nebraska policymakers, researchers and other community members to influence state support of and policies that enable disabled children and their families to thrive in early childhood, preparing them to experience a high quality of life and success in school and beyond.”

Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · 6h

“As a policy fellow, I am eager to learn how to translate my research and intervention work in literacy into meaningful contributions at the state and national policy level.”

—2025–26 NAECR Policy Fellow Pamela Bazis, @UNLSECD

🔗 cyfs.unl.edu/news/?p=7539

Photo of NAECR Policy Fellow, Pamela Bazis, Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research and First Five Nebraska logos. “By investing in research during this critical time, we give children the best possible start and promote lasting opportunities for growth. As a policy fellow, I am eager to learn how to translate my research and intervention work in literacy into meaningful contributions at the state and national policy level.”

Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · 7d

✨ Join the CYFS team! ✨

We are seeking a skilled and collaborative operations and finance manager to lead the center's business, financial and organizational operations.

Learn more & apply: go.unl.edu/va3q

#HigherEd #ResearchJobs #NebraskaJobs #LNK #NowHiring

Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · 14d

University of Nebraska researchers: Collaborate with the MAP Academy! Faculty from all campuses and disciplines may apply for the 2025-26 Applied Analytics & Data Infrastructure (AADI) Catalyst Program. Details ›› go.unl.edu/aadi

▶️ Watch to learn more about MAP Academy! vimeo.com/1060256092?f...

What is the MAP Academy?

The Nebraska Academy for Methodology, Analytics and Psychometrics, also known as the MAP Academy, is housed within the Nebraska Center for Research on Children,…

vimeo.com

Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · 14d

@unlincoln.bsky.social's TransformED initiative brings together university, state & community partners to promote children’s social and emotional development. 💬 In a new Q&A blog, Sami Bradley, NE Children & Families Foundation, shares insights on the partnership.

🔗 bit.ly/4pKlUaJ #GrandChallenges

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Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · 15d

Short on time but curious about life-changing research happening at the U. of #Nebraska? ▶️ In ~1 min., CYFS affiliate
Ciara Ousley describes her work to enhance quality of life for autistic children and those w/ other developmental disabilities.

👉 Learn more ›› conta.cc/4fQkoPO #UNLCEHS #Autism

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Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · 26d

Meet the 2025-26 NAECR's Policy Fellows! 🎉

In partnership with First Five Nebraska, these six early childhood researchers from across the University of #Nebraska will build meaningful connections to inform their work and help bridge the research–policy gap.

🔗 cyfs.unl.edu/news/?p=7539 #NUforNE

2025-26 NAECR's Policy Fellows. Strengthening connections between research and policy. Photos of 6 early childhood researchers displayed in a row. Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research and First Five Nebraska logos.

Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · 29d

Calling all U. of #Nebraska early childhood researchers!

Join us for "NAECR Knowledge: Five Ways to Use AI in Your Research Workflows." 📅 Oct. 7, 12 p.m., Virtual

🔗 Learn more & register: naecr.unl.edu/training/upc...

#ThrivingChildren #NUforNE #ECE

Person working on laptop. NAECR Knowledge: Five Ways to Use AI in Your Research Workflows Effective Online Data Collection. Oct. 7, 11 12pm CDT, Virtual

Reposted by Nebraska CYFS

Nebraska Multi-tiered System of Support @nemtss.bsky.social · Sep 9

#NeMTSS is seeking an Integrated Support Specialist to serve Region 3 — ESUs 1, 7 and 8 in Northeast Nebraska!

Hybrid position: Work from home and travel to schools/districts for in-person trainings & meetings. 🏠🚗

Learn more and apply: 🔗 employment.unl.edu/postings/98137

#NebraskaJobs #NowHiring

NeMTSS, NDE and CYFS logos. Now Hiring. Integrated Support Specialist Region 3. Apply online at employment.unl.edu. Photo of an NeMTSS training with staff and educators.

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Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · Sep 9

We're keeping Nebraska research in focus! 📸 Our bi-monthly newsletter offers snapshots of life-changing social, behavioral & educational research conducted in partnership w/ CYFS.

👉 Read the newsletter ›› conta.cc/4fQkoPO
📩 Join our mailing list ›› lnkd.in/gYXrySsM

#NUforNE #Autism #STEM #UNLCEHS

Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · Sep 2

“This work is vital in addressing a troubling decline in both the availability and quality of early childhood care and education across rural Nebraska.” —Philip Lai (@unkearney.bsky.social) on why the KNEW program matters.

Learn more ›› cyfs.unl.edu/news/?p=7685

#NUforNE #workforce #childcare

Jaci Foged, Early Childhood Extension coordinator (left), works with educators at a KNEW workshop in Grand Island, Nebraska, in August.

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Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · Aug 27

Join our team! 📣 CYFS is seeking an assistant director for research operations. The person in this administrative role will play a key role in supporting the center's mission.

Apply today! 🔗 employment.unl.edu/postings/96962

#HigherEd #Jobs #NebraskaJobs #NUforNE #LNK #NowHiring

Photo of woman smiling at laptop. We're Hiring! Assistant Director for Research Operations at the Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools. Learn more at employment.unl.edu.

Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · Aug 27

Short on time but curious about life-changing research happening at the U. of #Nebraska? ▶️ In ~1 min., CYFS research affiliate Holly Hatton, Ph.D., describes how her work helps children thrive by supporting parents and caregivers.

Learn more about CHIME: child.unl.edu/CHIME

#NebExt #UNLCEHS #ECE

Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · Aug 21

CYFS research affiliate Jenna Finch, asst professor of psychology, is exploring the factors that shape students’ transitions from second to third grade.

▶️ Watch news story via KMTV 3 News Now: www.3newsnow.com/lincoln/unl-...

#EdResearch #STEM #EarlyMath #NUforNE #GoBigResearch #NSFfunded

Screen shot of Jenna Finch being interviewed by Omaha's 3 News Now.

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Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · Aug 20

CYFS’ Lisa Knoche, Tammi Hechtner-Galvin and Katie Zabel, with Christen Million of Rooted in Relationships, joined ESU 13's Nici Johnson to host a Connections for Kids Coach Kick-Off in the #Nebraska Panhandle.

Learn about CFK: bit.ly/3HoFgAW

#TransformED #NurtureNebraska #ECE #GrandChallenges

Early childhood professionals visited ESU 13 to train coaches who will help implement the Connections for Kids approach in Nebraska's Panhandle. From left: Tammi Hechtner-Galvin (CYFS), Lisa Knoche (CYFS), Christen Million (Rooted in Relationships), Katie Zabel (CYFS) and Nici Johnson (ESU 13).

Early childhood professionals at the Connections for Kids training for ESU 13 coaches.

Chimney Rock National Historic Site in Nebraska.

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Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · Aug 19

We're hiring! 📣 CYFS is seeking an assistant director for research operations. Please share among your networks!

To learn more about the position and apply, please visit the University of Nebraska-Lincoln employment website: employment.unl.edu/postings/96962

#HigherEd #UNLjobs #NUforNE #LNK

Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · Aug 19

Did you know CYFS is on LinkedIn? 💻

Follow us to stay up to date on the latest center-related jobs, news, events — and to hear about research making a positive difference in Nebraska and beyond.

🔗 www.linkedin.com/company/unlcyfs

Photo of laptop and cell phone with CYFS account page, Find CYFS on LinkedIn

Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · Aug 18

✨ What is TransformED? ✨

TransformED is a collaborative research initiative at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that focuses on promoting children’s social and emotional development.

Learn more: bit.ly/3V5zvuZ

#NurtureNebraska #UNL #UNLCEHS #GrandChallenges

Preschool teacher plays with blocks on the floor with smiling student.

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Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · Aug 14

#Nebraska researcher Ciara Ousley is leading a project to better understand relationships between #autistic children and their neurotypical siblings, specifically when they use #AAC devices to support speech.

Read story ›› cyfs.unl.edu/news/?p=7687

#UNLCEHS #NUforNE #UNLresearch #OnlyinNebraska

Nebraska CYFS @unlcyfs.bsky.social · Aug 4

Breastfeeding lowers obesity risk, but only 1 in 4 U.S. infants are exclusively breastfed for 6 months—deepening health disparities. Nebraska researchers Patty Kuo & Alex Mason are partnering w/ the Malone Center to evaluate its community-led breastmilk sharing program.

🔗 cyfs.unl.edu/news/?p=7675

From left, Malone Maternal Wellness’ Jillian Boldt and Jordan Hardesty, and Nebraska researchers Patty Kuo and Alex Mason, check out the Malone Milk Mobile.

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