The Office of the Vice President for Research will recognize 15 staff members from across the University of Michigan for their outstanding service and leadership in advancing research, scholarship and creative practice.
OVPR launched its Research Staff Recognition Awards in 2001 to honor the contributions and skills of staff actively engaged in catalyzing, supporting and safeguarding U-M research activity.
This year’s recipients — representing seven U-M schools, colleges and units — will be recognized June 6 as part of the annual Research Staff Recognition Awards ceremony at University Hall in the Alexander G. Ruthven Building.
“The remarkable efforts and dedication of our research staff are essential to the vitality and progress of the University of Michigan’s diverse research landscape,” said Arthur Lupia, interim vice president for research and innovation.
“Their passion and expertise enhance our current projects, and make future innovation and scholarly achievement possible. I congratulate this year’s honorees for setting an extraordinary example of excellence in their fields.”
This year’s awardees are:
Research Study Coordinator/Manager Staff Recognition Award
Jasmina Camo-Biogradlija, senior project manager, Education Policy Initiative, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
Research Study Coordinator/Manager Staff Recognition Award
Stacey Jacoby, managing director, Program for Neurology Research & Discovery, Medical School
Research Staff Leadership Recognition Award
Molly Kleinman, managing director, Science, Technology and Public Policy program, Ford School
Research Staff Leadership Recognition Award
Beth LaPensee, managing director of research strategy, Medical School
Research Associate/Assistant/Technician Recognition Award
Glenn Carter, research lab specialist intermediate, School for Environment and Sustainability
Research Data Management and Analysis Staff Recognition Award
Kyle S. Kwaiser, data architect/manager, Ford School
Research Data Management and Analysis Staff Recognition Award
Songzhi Liu, programmer analyst, SEAS
Research Staff Support Recognition Award
Beth Jakubowski, assistant director of research development and administration, College of Engineering
Research Cores/Facilities Staff Recognition Award
Steven Whitesall, research lab specialist associate, Medical School
Research Cores/Facilities Staff Recognition Award
Kerim Yilmaz, software developer senior, Medical School
Research Administration Recognition Award
Ruth Elaine Halsey, administrative manager intermediate healthcare, Medical School
Outstanding New Research Administration Recognition Award
Caitlin Conway, senior research administrator, A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
Research Staff Safeguard Recognition Award
Megan Kellepourey, administrative assistant senior healthcare, Medical School
OVPR Leadership Recognition Award
Karen Houghtaling, senior executive assistant to the vice president for research and associate director of OVPR administration, Office of the Vice President for Research
OVPR Exceptional Staff Recognition Award
Thomas Paluchniak, senior project representative, Office of Research and Sponsored Projects
The recipients were selected by Lupia, following recommendations from this year’s selection committee: Alex Piazza, Chris Fick, Carolyn Pappas, Danielle Sheen, Henry Dyson, Jessica Durkin, Laura Williams, Mariah Gavin, Michael Hague, Shandra White and Sabrina Ervin.
