Dr. Ibrahimpasic: Writing the History of Refugee Resettlement in Nebraska

-Conduct archival research (both in person and online) at different locations (Including History Nebraska, Legislature, Churches around Lincoln, etc.)
-Conduct library research and write a literature review
-Possibly conduct interviews and collect oral histories alongside mentors

This project welcomes students from all majors who are passionate about refugee and immigrant experiences. What matters most is your curiosity, your commitment to learning, and your enthusiasm for the topic. 

Student qualifications/characteristics:

-An interest in stories of immigrants and refugees in Nebraska
-Passion for telling the real history of immigrant and refugee communities in Nebraska
-Excellent reading and writing skills and ability to read dense material
-Responsible and detail oriented
-Cultural sensitivity and determination
-Interest in archival and library research
-Flexible hours (can work on your own schedule) as much of the research can be done remotely
-Students from any major can apply (but may be of special interest to students in Anthropology, Communication Studies, Modern Languages (Arabic, French, Russian, Spanish and others) Ethnic Studies, Global Studies, Political Science, Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, English and other related disciplines).

Dr. Ibrahimpasic is passionate about working with students and guiding them through the research process. She enjoys helping students uncover information that has been hidden or forgotten and supporting them in crafting meaningful narratives from their discoveries. Much of this project involves spending time in the archives, where students will dig through dozens of boxes of documents to piece together the story of refugee experiences in Nebraska. These archival sessions are often engaging and lead to rich conversations about the topic and its broader implications.

Dr. Ibrahimpasic meets regularly with the research team—usually once a week either at the archives or in her office—to review findings, ask new questions, and pursue emerging leads. While archival research is an important component, much of the work can also be done online, allowing students the flexibility to manage their own schedules.

A key part of this research experience is sharing findings with broader audiences. Dr. Ibrahimpasic works closely with students to help them prepare posters and oral presentations for UNL’s Research Days in April. She also mentors students as they develop presentations for the Forced Migration Symposium, held on City Campus each spring. These opportunities allow students to engage in public scholarship, refine their communication skills, and connect their research to real-world conversations.

Understanding the demands of student life, Dr. Ibrahimpasic is flexible around exams, assignments, and other academic responsibilities. She also prioritizes building a sense of community within the research team, often organizing casual coffee meetings a few times each semester. These gatherings provide space for discussing the project, sharing interests, and talking about students’ academic and career goals.

For Dr. Ibrahimpasic, this work is not only about research—it’s about mentoring students, helping them discover their passions, and supporting their personal and academic growth.

Secondary contact: Julia Reilly, jreilly3@nebraska.edu