STUDIO STAFF
DIRECTOR
MICHAEL BURTON
Michael joined NIS as Director in 2026, bringing more than 16 years of experience working at the intersection of art, technology, and hands-on making. Previously an Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, his work has spanned digital fabrication, 3D design, virtual reality, animation, and filmmaking. He is the co-founder of the Animating History Lab and has produced animated films distributed on platforms including Apple TV, Amazon, and Tubi. Michael enjoys bringing people, technology, and creative ideas together to make things that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
mburton4@unl.edu
402-472-5510
Nebraska Innovation Campus
Innovation Commons, Suite 1500
Lincoln, NE 68588-6200
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
WILLIAM JOHNSTON
Will joined NIS as Training & Design Specialist in 2023 and began his current role as Assistant Director in 2025. Originally from Omaha, Will is an alumni of The University of South Dakota with a degree in Sports Management, where he competed in Swim and Dive. He is the owner and founder of Chosen Craftsman, a handmade goods company he launched out of NIS in 2023. His products have been given as awards in tournaments throughout the region, and he frequently uses his talents to create community projects around Lincoln and Omaha.
wjohnston3@nebraska.edu
402-472-5510
Nebraska Innovation Campus
Innovation Commons, Suite 1500
Lincoln, NE 68588-6200
TRAINING & DESIGN SPECIALIST
ELIJAH PAULSON
Elijah joined Nebraska Innovation Studio in 2023 as a Machinist through the Heartland Robotics Cluster grant and began his current role as Training & Design Specialist in 2025. He is responsible for leading machine trainings, developing metalworking workshops and maintaining studio equipment. He also provides design, engineering, fabrication and project management support for Frontier Tech Lab, the studio’s newly launched service center. Elijah graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
epaulson2@nebraska.edu
402-472-5510
Nebraska Innovation Campus
Innovation Commons, Suite 1500
Lincoln, NE 68588-6200
Operations Associate
Talley Wills
Talley Wills joined NIS in 2025 as the Operations Associate. Talley brings a creative, service-driven approach to supporting the daily operations of both Nebraska Innovation Studio and Nebraska Innovation Campus. The role includes welcoming guests and studio members, managing schedules, coordinating meetings, providing calendar and travel support, assisting with events, and overseeing inventory.
twills2@unl.edu
402-472-5510
Nebraska Innovation Campus
Innovation Commons, Suite 1500
Lincoln, NE 68588-6200
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, ADVISORY BOARD
DR. SHANE FARRITOR
Dr. Farritor joined the faculty of the Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1998. Prior to coming to UNL he worked in the Field and Space Robotics Laboratory at MIT and the Unmanned Vehicle Lab at the C.S. Draper Laboratories. Dr. Farritor is chief technical officer and co-founder of the start-up company Virtual Incision Corporation. He is also an inventor on approximately 25 issued domestic and international patents and 43 pending applications. He has received many awards from UNL for his excellence in teaching. Dr. Farritor’s research has been published in many respected journals, and he has been the PI on many successful grants. Dr. Farritor serves as the executive chairman on the board of advisors for Nebraska Innovation Studio.
