Dr. Christopher J. Keane, Vice President for Research, recently instituted organizational changes to advance research, scholarship, and creativity at Washington State University, and provide enhanced support to the WSU research community. The new Office of Research organization will also support education and outreach, and increase the visibility of WSU research.
At the direction of Interim President Daniel J. Bernardo, the Office of Economic Development, led by Associate Vice President Anson Fatland, has joined the Office of Research. The Office of Economic Development includes the Office of Commercialization, under Director Sita Pappu; the Small Business Development Center, directed by Duane Fladland; the Office of Foundation Relations, led by Director Karin Neuenschwander; and the Office of Corporate Relations, led by Director Adria Alhadeff. They will continue their focus in creating partnerships between WSU and external stakeholders to link innovative research to the economic and workforce needs of the state of Washington.
Also at the direction of Interim President Bernardo, the Office of Alternative Energy, led by Associate Vice President Ralph Cavalieri, will be joining the Office of Research. Chief responsibilities of this unit continue to be Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA), the Aviation Sustainability Center (ASCENT), and the representation of WSU in the Clean Technology domain. Dr. Cavalieri will also be the principal leader in sustaining partnership with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, ongoing development of the bio-products and biofuels research focus, and assisting in matters associated with unmanned aerial systems.
The Office of the Campus Veterinarian, under Director Steve Russell, and the Office of Research Assurances, under Director Mike Kluzik will continue to be a part of the Office of Research. These areas are receiving enhanced support to meet the growing needs of the WSU research community, including the WSU Medical School.
Assistant Vice President for Research Andrea Lazarus is working part time supporting the Office of Research in managing Centers, Institutes, and Laboratories (CILS). Dr. Lazarus is developing funding models and equipment replacement plans for WSU core laboratories, and examining ways in which CILS can be used to build on and develop research strengths and seize opportunities.
The Office of Grant and Research Development has been renamed the Office of Research Operations and Support to better reflect the broader set of functions and services required to support the WSU research community and implement the WSU Strategic Plan. This office is under the direction of Associate Vice President Dan Nordquist. As before, this office will provide faculty support and serve as the hub for submitting grant proposals and processing sponsored projects across the university system. It will also implement strategic initiatives, including recommendations from the 120-Day Study and support for the Institutional Effectiveness Council in the implementation of the WSU Strategic Plan.
The Research Advancement and Partnerships is a newly create department, led by Director Geeta Dutta. This department is responsible for assisting and guiding faculty in the areas of grant opportunities, training, and proposal writing as well as large-proposal development and research expansion, including continued development of the WSU Grand Challenges. Geeta and her team will work closely with the various elements of the Office of Research, WSU colleges and campuses, and external partners to enhance the effectiveness of WSU research proposal formulation and project execution.
Finally, with support from the WSU Offices of University Communications and Government Relations, a communications team is supporting the internal and external communication needs for the Office of Research. Ann Goos is leading the overall strategic communication efforts and Eric Sorensen is providing reporting and writing skills and talents to advance stories about the impact of WSU research, scholarship, creativity, and innovation.
Questions or comments about the re-organization are welcomed and can be directed to Mary Frei at 509-335-7618.
