Staff Directory

Sam leads the Sponsored Programs team, the largest unit in the Office of Research and Economic Development. He and his team oversee the administration of research grants and contracts, from proposal submission to award negotiation, closeout and audit. This includes facilitating the review and submission of grant proposals, ensuring compliance with funding agency regulations, negotiating research agreements and managing post-award processes. He also fosters partnerships with external stakeholders, negotiates contract terms and ensures ethical research practices. Sam serves as the university’s authorized official in signing research agreements, contracts and related financial reports.

Prior to joining Nebraska in 2023, Sam gained significant experience in university research administration at multiple institutions, most recently Northwestern University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in Lomé, Togo, West Africa; holds a Master of Business Administration from Northern Illinois University; and is a certified research administrator. He also is a doctoral candidate in higher education at Purdue University.

Suzan brings nearly three decades of research administration experience to her role, which requires strategic leadership in all Sponsored Programs functions. She engages and collaborates across all areas in OSP, including policy development, proposal review and submission, award negotiation, financial oversight and project closeout to ensure efficiency and consistency. Suzan leads the Pre-Award Team and has played a pivotal role in directing that unit toward operational excellence.

Suzan is both a certified research administrator and a certified pre-award research administrator. Prior to joining UNL in 2004, she gained a wealth of experience in contracts and grants administration at the University of Georgia, the University of Southern California and the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Suzan holds a bachelor’s degree in theater arts from the University of Minnesota.

Andrea is responsible for leading the functions that support the line-of-business teams in Sponsored Programs, including systems support and data analysis; operations and administration; communications and training, both within the office and across the university research administration community; and process improvement.

Across her career, Andrea has worked in academic and private business settings in a variety of roles, from academic researcher to accounts payable/receivable. She came to Nebraska in 2014 as a grants specialist in the College of Engineering, then spent seven years on OSP’s Pre-Award Team before becoming OSP’s first electronic research administration specialist. In 2024, Andrea became the assistant director for Sponsored Programs’ newly created Business Systems & Operations Team. Andrea has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Brian brings legal and contracts expertise to his role as leader of the Award Acceptance and Contract Negotiation Team, which manages the acceptance and negotiation processes for grants, contracts and other sponsored awards. This involves reviewing award terms, ensuring compliance with regulations and policies, negotiating terms and conditions with sponsors, and coordinating with internal stakeholders. Brian provides guidance and support to faculty and staff regarding award acceptance procedures, legal considerations and other requirements. He also provides strategic direction in optimizing award terms, facilitates communication between sponsors and university personnel, and contributes to the overall success of sponsored projects by fostering efficient and effective award management practices.

Brian earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Nebraska and a law degree from the Nebraska College of Law. Prior to joining the university, he was a business affairs manager in Los Angeles focused on reviewing, drafting and negotiating domestic and international film production and distribution agreements.

Aaron leads the Industry Contract Negotiation Team, working closely with Sponsored Programs, Industry Relations and NUtech Ventures to draft, review and negotiate contracts; advise faculty and staff on university policies and procedures; and liaise with various campus and central administration stakeholders.

Aaron is a seasoned business attorney with wide-ranging experience in contract law, research and development, and beverage industry consultation. Prior to joining Nebraska in 2013, he was general counsel for Telesis Inc. in Lincoln and Everest Group LLC in Omaha. He is principal for Funk Beverage Law PC, providing expertise on real estate, distribution agreements and licensing issues for a variety of companies. Aaron has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology from Chadron State College; a Juris Doctor from the Nebraska College of Law; and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado Boulder.