About Mariah
My name is Mariah Newmyer, and I was born and raised in Norfolk, Nebraska, and went on to study biology and psychology at Doane College, now Doane University. After graduation, I worked in a physical therapy clinic in Omaha and decided to go back to school for a master’s degree in public health from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in the College of Public Health. Throughout my public health education, I worked as a research assistant for the Center for Preparedness Education and held a position as a site lead for a program called Healthy Families. It was during this time that I found my true passion for improving the lives of others through health promotion. I am very fortunate to have joined the Nebraska Extension team in January of 2018 to carry out this aspiration.
What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
My position as a food, nutrition, and health Extension educator allows me to provide communities in Hamilton, Merrick, Clay, Fillmore, Nuckolls and Thayer Counties with nutrition education and promote physical activity. My goal is to increase physical activity in youth, adolescent and our adult populations, so I try to incorporate physical activity in all of the lessons as I teach the research being done at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to help improve the lives of Nebraskans.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
From cheering on the Huskers at a young age to becoming a graduate student of the University of Nebraska, I have always been appreciative of the ongoing support and abundance of resources that the university provides Nebraska. Being a part of that system and being able to distribute those resources across our state has been a dream come true.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
A couple of aspects that I have enjoyed the most while working in an educational setting are watching youth’s eyes light up with excitement and wonder when they learn something new and sharing their feeling of pride and accomplishment when they reach their goals.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
So far, my greatest achievements are landing this position and marrying my husband, Sam. I do believe that I have a lot of potential in improving the lives of Nebraskans as an Extension Educator, so more achievements are still to come.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
Something that most people don’t know about me is that I helped break a Guinness World Record for the longest 5 vs. 5 soccer game in 2010. We played for 28 hours and 16 minutes! The record has since been broken, but the memory will last a lifetime.
What is your life like outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, taking walks with our dog, Mo’Ne, running, golfing and fishing.