From NATO briefings to the classroom, Beth Chalecki, Ph.D., is shaping how the world understands climate and security.
What’s new
The Faculty Senate at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) has named Beth Chalecki, associate professor of international relations, as the 2026 Maverick Trailblazer Award recipient. The award honors individuals who embody the Maverick spirit through innovation, leadership, and meaningful impact across disciplines and communities.
Why it matters
Chalecki’s work combines climate change, global security, and international environmental policy, areas increasingly central to national defense, diplomacy, and global stability. Her research and teaching reflect UNO’s role as a metropolitan university driving real-world solutions to complex global challenges, while preparing students to lead in an evolving workforce.
Chalecki is an internationally recognized expert in:
Climate change and security
International environmental policy
Science and technology governance in global affairs
She currently serves as a Technology Governance Fellow at the Balsillie School of International Affairs and has held additional notable roles, including:
Research Fellow, Environmental Change and Security Program, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Fulbright Canada Research Chair
Her influence extends beyond academia:
Serves as a climate security subject matter expert for NATO
Named an official “Mad Scientist” for the U.S. Army, contributing to forward-looking strategic initiatives
Chalecki has also authored groundbreaking works on:
Ecological realism
Climate geoengineering technology and security
Environmental terrorism
Climate and just war theory
What’s next
Chalecki will be formally recognized at the Maverick Trailblazer Award and Keynote event in September 2026 (date to be announced).
This content is sourced from
University of Nebraska at Omaha
. It reflects the author's views and has not been edited by our newsroom. It may have been generated using AI assistance.
