Transformative innovation
Dear faculty, staff, students, stakeholders and community partners:
VCU is known for its inclusive culture, urban setting and public impact through community-engagement. We are a place of knowledge co-creation where everyone has a seat at the table.
VCU is built for breakthroughs. Across our three main campuses and in our community, VCU research, scholarship and creative practices shape the future through transformative innovation. Our research growth has expanded significantly in just the past few years, where together with our students, trainees and community partners, we deliver public impact that is locally relevant with global implications.
Supported by our robust culture of collaboration, inclusive strategies and identified strategic priorities, I am delighted to spearhead the One VCU Research Strategic Priorities Plan.
Regards,
P. Srirama Rao, Ph.D.
Vice president for research and innovation
2024-25 One VCU Research Strategic Priorities Plan Advisory Council
The One VCU Research Strategic Priorities Plan is guided by esteemed, diverse and dedicated faculty from across the university, its colleges and schools.
Chairpersons
Ram Gupta, Ph.D.
Associate dean for faculty research development, College of Engineering
Amy Salisbury, Ph.D., RN
Associate dean for research, scholarship and innovation, School of Nursing
Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation
Lisa Ballance, MA, CPW, CCP
Associate vice president, strategy and regulatory affairs
Gianna DeMarco
Executive project manager
Lydia Klinger, CRA
Director of strategic collaboration
David Oglethorpe, Ed.D.
Executive director
John Ryan, Ph.D.
Associate vice president for research development
Professor, Department of Biology, CHS
Melissa Throckmorton, MPA
Director of research development and strategic projects
College of Engineering
Ram Gupta, Ph.D., Co-Chairperson
Associate dean for faculty research development
College of Health Professions
Shoou-Yih (Daniel) Lee, Ph.D.
Senior associate dean for research and strategic initiatives
Faika Zanjani, Ph.D.
Associate dean for research, professor
College of Humanities and Sciences
Puru Jena, Ph.D.
Director, Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment, Distinguished Professor
Faye Belgrave, Ph.D.
Director, Center for Cultural Experiences in Prevention
Professor, Department of Psychology
Samy El-Shall, Ph.D.
Mary Eugenia Kapp Chair
Department of Chemistry
Cristina Stanciu, Ph.D.
Director, Center for Humanities Research
Robert Tombes, Ph.D.
Vice provost for life sciences and research
School of the Arts and VCUarts Qatar
Diane Derr, Ph.D.
Associate dean for research and development
Christiana Lafazani, MFA
Associate dean for faculty affairs and research
Associate professor
School of Business
Doug Pugh, Ph.D.
Associate dean for academic affairs and research
Professor
School of Dentistry
Iain Morgan, Ph.D.
Associate dean for research
School of Education
Jose Alcaine, Ph.D., MBA
Director of research services
Kevin Sutherland, Ph.D.
Interim associate dean for research
Professor
Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs
Robyn McDougle, Ph.D.
Associate dean for research and outreach
Professor
Massey Cancer Center
Said Sebti, M.D, Ph.D.
Associate director for basic research
VCU Graduate School
VCU TechTransfer and Ventures
Ivelina Metcheva, Ph.D., MBA
Senior executive director
VCU Life Sciences
Greg Garman, Ph.D.
Director, Rice Rivers Center
School of Medicine
Deborah DiazGranados, Ph.D.
Director of evaluation and co-director of team science
Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research
Associate professor
Michael Donnenberg, M.D.
Senior associate dean for research
Professor, Department of Internal Medicine
Tricia Gibson, MS, CRA, CCRP
Executive director for research administration
Anita Harrison, MPA
Executive director for research strategy
Massey Cancer Center
Aron Lichtman, Ph.D.
Professor
School of Nursing
Amy Salisbury, Ph.D., RN, Co-Chairperson
Associate dean for research, scholarship and innovation
School of Pharmacy
Marypeace McRae, Pharm.D., Ph.D.
Associate dean for research and graduate studies
Office of the Provost
Herbert Hill, MA
Director of creative research and creative inquiry
School of Social Work
Gary Cuddeback, Ph.D.
Associate dean for research
Professor
Gwynne Jenkins, Ph.D.
Chief scientist for biomedical innovation
The MITRE Corporation
Documents
- One VCU Research Strategic Plan (coming soon)
- Strategic plan handout