BBR Scholars
BBR Scholars is a unique program providing undergraduate students with an opportunity to participate in meaningful economic research. Students will train in a variety of advanced economic research methods and techniques, collaborate in writing research reports and present study findings. There may also be opportunities to submit research products for publication. Scholars may work on Bureau-sponsored projects or potentially develop their own research agenda.
Mentoring is provided by Bureau faculty and staff, as well as senior peers. The wage is competitive and the students are expected to work 10-15 hours per week.
Preparing Students for their Futures
The Bureau of Business Research (BBR) provides Nebraska companies, non-profits and government agencies with valuable, unbiased research. Its Bureau Scholars Program gives bright undergrads an opportunity to participate in those projects. Our scholars gain valuable research experience under the direct supervision of faculty and staff.
BBR Scholars
01: Train
in advanced economic research methods and techniques
02: Collaborate
in Writing Research Reports
03: Present
Study Findings
04: GET PUBLISHED!
Why You Should Work with Us
The UNL Bureau of Business Research is a leading source for analysis and information on the Nebraska economy. The Bureau conducts both contract and sponsored research on the economy of Nebraska and its communities including economic and fiscal benefit analysis; models of the structure and comparative advantage of the current economy; economic, fiscal, and demographic outlooks, and assessments of how economic policy affects industry, labor markets, infrastructure, and the standard of living.
The Bureau also competes for research funding from federal government agencies and private foundations from around the nation and contributes to the academic mission of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln through scholarly publication and the education of students.
BBR Scholars Seminar Series
The BBR Scholars Seminar Series is designed to introduce Scholars to advanced research concepts and techniques. The seminars will prepare Scholars to perform their duties at the BBR, as well as prepare them for future employment and research opportunities.
All training seminars will be held between 2 – 3:30 p.m. in HLH 310 unless otherwise noted.
September 5, 2025
Introduction to R
Dr. Mitch Herian will lead to students through the basics of getting started in the R programming language.
September 26, 2025
Data Collection Methods
Students will learn how to access and use common data sources used in Bureau Research from the Bureau of Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics and other state and federal agencies. Students also will learn how to gather data directly from social media sources through methods such as data scraping.
October 17, 2025
Data Visualization
The programming language R is among the most widely used statistical programming languages in business and research settings. This seminar will build upon Scholars’ existing experience with R to introduce various data management and data visualization concepts. The popular ggplot2 library will be used to develop several different types of plots.
November 7, 2025
Data Visualization (Student Led)
Students will present the results of their data visualization projects. Presentations will feature a variety of topics and skill levels.
Date TBD
BBR Scholars Seminar - Policy Topics - John McCoy
This session will be presented by John McCoy, associate economist in the Regional Affairs Department at the Omaha Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
Research Posters
Undergraduate students working with the Bureau created posters from research studies that they presented during the UNL's Student Research Days.
Daniel Pruski with his presentation titled “COVID Effects on Retail Trade and Hospitality”, and Victoria Diersen with her presentation titled “Linkage Between Federal Small Business Innovation Research Grants and Innovation Factors in the States” were among the winners for the College of Business during the Spring 2022 Student Research Days competition. Paul Koesters and Janana Khattak with their presentation titled “Central Places and Retail Trade across the Midwest” were among the winners for the College of Arts and Sciences. Are you ready to be a part of our team?
2025 Research Posters
Publications
Undergraduate students working with the Bureau have co-authored numerous reports, journals and articles over the years.
If you would like to see examples of actual reports co-authored by BBR student scholars, contact us.
