Agnes Lenagh, PhD, UNMC’s Director of Strategic Partnerships in the Office of Industry Engagement, chats with a guest following her remarks during the Feb. 26, 2026, Idea Pub: Morning Edition networking event at Catalyst Omaha in the Edge District.

OMAHA, Nebraska (February 27, 2026)—Thursday’s featured speaker at Idea Pub: Morning Edition talked about her leadership role within the Office of Industry Engagement: A new UNMC department so fresh it still hasn’t released an official website.

That hasn’t stopped the Director of Strategic Partnerships, Agnes Lenagh, PhD, from a whirlwind start, already laying groundwork on growing relationships with no less than 23 companies in two months on the job.

“Think of our office as the front door that bridges the university with industry,” she told the gathering during a 15-minute presentation. “And that goes both ways.”

She added that the new department wasn’t looking to build simple collaborations, which she viewed as temporary or project-based. “I’m trying to build something deeper,” she said.

UNeMed president at CEO Michael Dixon, PhD, introduced Dr. Lenagh to Morning Edition’s mixed crowd of university researchers and members of the local entrepreneurial community.

“I’m really excited about this,” he said, “because this is the blind spot we’ve been needing to fill to help build great partnerships with the university.”

Dr. Lenagh highlighted the value that UNMC holds in scientific realms, and how all the resources of experience, expertise and equipment can be leveraged to the greater good. Deeper collaborations could mean more profound discoveries and breakthroughs in research, improved clinical outcomes and even greater success in building local startup companies and products.

“I was in industry for nine years,” she said, “and I now see we can be doing so much more than what was advertised.”

Before “coming home” to UNMC, Dr. Lenagh was in business development at Streck in 2017-2025. The 2011 UNMC grad was also part of UNeMed’s licensing team in 2012-2016.

Morning Edition is UNeMed’s and UNeTech Institute’s networking event for university innovators, entrepreneurs and startup community members. Catalyst Omaha co-sponsors the event and provides free tours of the spacious facility.

Morning Editions will continue to be a fixture in the Forge Event Hall, located on the north end of Catalyst Omaha in the Edge District. Guided tours will also continue as an added feature.

The next Morning Edition is planned for Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 9-11 a.m.