NEWS AND EVENTS
OPEN Book Survey
Thank you to everyone who participated in the OPEN Book survey. We will continue to incorporate your ideas as we rework the newsletter in the coming months. If you have further input or new ideas, submit them here.
Update: VCRED Search
The four finalists for vice chancellor for research and economic development concluded their campus interviews Jan. 24. Thanks to all who participated in the process and submitted feedback.
Upcoming ORED Events
Feb. 26, ORED Staff Recognition Luncheon
Save the date for our annual staff celebration, planned for 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center. An invitation will hit your inbox soon.
March 16, “Write Winning Grant Proposals”
The seminar, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. in the NIC auditorium, is designed to help faculty prepare successful proposals. Register by Feb. 28.
March 23-25, SciComm 2018
The conference, focused on clear and effective communication of science to the public, is on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. Faculty, postdoctoral associates and students are encouraged to attend.
March 26, Nebraska Lecture, “Our Cather Heritage” featuring Andrew Jewell
The spring lecture is 3:30 p.m. in the Nebraska Union auditorium, with a reception following.
Welcomes and Farewells
Alyssa Amen joined NUtech Ventures as marketing and communications manager. She will assist with marketing strategies for new technologies and manage NUtech’s campus communication. Previously, Alyssa was a communications and media specialist at the Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools.
Andy Budell, former director of contracts in the Office of Sponsored Programs, bid ORED farewell late last year and is now director of contracts in Sponsored Programs Administration at Vanderbilt University.
Bill Charlton departed ORED Jan. 10 to start a new position at the University of Texas at Austin, where he will be closer to family. During his tenure at Nebraska, he played a pivotal role in growing the university’s defense research portfolio.
Becky Zavala is now assistant vice chancellor for research, contributing her expertise in financial oversight, business support, and data analysis and reporting to the senior leadership team. Becky was director of research finance and information systems for nearly five years and previously served as manager of research finance.
Mike Zeleny, ORED’s former associate vice chancellor, became chief of staff and associate to Chancellor Ronnie Green on Jan. 5. In this role, he will oversee strategic and executive duties and lead Nebraska’s special projects and initiatives.
KUDOS TO OUR COLLEAGUES
Lindsey Arneson, Research Compliance Services, received her Certified IRB Professional certification last fall. The CIP credential promotes ethical research practices and programs by ensuring that individuals charged with their administration have demonstrated an advanced level of knowledge, understanding and experience.
Elijah Luebbe, Office of Sponsored Programs, recently became a Certified Research Administrator. The CRA designation requires applicants to meet educational and experience criteria and demonstrate broad knowledge of research administration by passing an exam.
Nancy Petitto, NUtech Ventures, received a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on Dec. 15, 2017.
Arpi Siyahian, NUtech Ventures, passed the patent bar exam and is now a registered patent agent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
WATER COOLER CHAT
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it to others, and why? Let us know. We’ll feature some or all of the responses we receive in the next issue of OPEN Book. Have an idea for a future Water Cooler question? Send it our way.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: BECKY FREEMAN
This month, our featured ORED colleague is Becky Freeman, who is part of the Research Compliance Services team. She was selected at random – feel free to nominate a colleague for a future edition.
Becky: My current title is research compliance specialist. I’ve worked in ORED, specifically in research compliance, for almost 23 years. The past 16 have been permanent full time. Before that, I was a student worker or temporary worker.
Explain how your team’s work fits into ORED’s overall mission.
Becky: Research Compliance Services ensures that all research on campus complies with federal, state and university regulations. We manage the compliance for human subjects research, conflicts of interest in research, export control, scientific research oversight committee, responsible conduct of research and research misconduct. This supports the research endeavors of faculty, staff and students on campus.
If you could trade roles with any of your ORED colleagues for a day, who would it be and why?
Becky: Kelly Heath or Craig Kreikemeier. At one point in my life I wanted to be a veterinarian. It would be nice to work with animals again.
What is your favorite memory of working in ORED?
Becky: If I had to pick just one, it would be the year that Prem ran through the staff appreciation luncheon with a Superman cape. I think he was actually “Research Man.”
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise your colleagues.
Becky: I have a love of fast cars and the need for speed. I have a 1966 Mustang that I have had since I was 16. My husband and I are working on putting a new engine on it.
If you could witness any historical event, what would it be and why?
Becky: I’m fascinated with the Civil War era, but not because of slavery or the war itself. I appreciate the architecture of the large plantation homes and the parties they had.
What is your all-time favorite book?
Becky: “Gone with the Wind”
What are your hobbies and interests outside the office?
Becky: I love to read, write, fish, watch football and look at cars. I also chase my kids around!
THE MONTH IN PICTURES
