Team Members

Dr. Jodi Benenson (she/her) serves as the Principal Investigator on the Civic Mobility in the Heartland project. She is an Associate Professor in the School of Public Administration at the University of Nebraska Omaha, where her primary teaching and research interests include civic engagement, nonprofit organizations, social policy, and social equity. Dr. Benenson founded the Women and Public Policy initiative at the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2017 to amplify policy issues that affect women and girls in Nebraska. Her research has been published in a variety of academic and practice-based outlets, and she is engaged with several local, national, and international organizations that center civic engagement and equity. From 2023-24, Dr. Benenson is serving as the Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Governance and Public Administration at the University of Ottawa.

My name is Amruth Reddy, and I am a student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, majoring in Computer Science. I have been deeply involved in the research project, actively participating in the planning and organization stages. As a dedicated team member, I will be conducting insightful interviews, meticulously transcribing valuable data, and performing thorough analyses of the results. I am thrilled to be a part of this impactful study, eagerly contributing to drive positive change and make a meaningful difference in our community.

Angela is a multidisciplinary student and research partner with the Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) team at Elevate Omaha where she conducts systematic research to provide insight into issues faced by young people and generate youth-driven solutions. Angela approaches their work from an asset-based, community-centered lens. They have on-the-ground experience with civic engagement, working on progressive ballot initiatives and activating voter bases to create a more equitable Nebraska. In her free time, Angela cooks, practices yoga, and goes outside.

I am currently a data science student pursuing my master's at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). As a student research assistant for the College of Public Affairs and Community Services, I aim to contribute to the development of youth civic engagement through my efforts and research. As part of the team, I will be conducting interviews, transcribing data, and analyzing results to support our initiatives.

Summer Dingman (she/her) is a junior attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). She is working towards receiving a Bachelor of Arts in English with minors in Spanish and Women and Gender Studies. This is Summer's first time working as a Research Assistant, and she is excited to be working on such an important, impactful project. She is interested in the wide array of differences that can be found within youth civic engagement and looks forward to engaging further with this content. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and watching movies.