Lori holds the position of Associate Director within the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), in the Office of Research & Graduate Education. Since becoming part of CFAES in 2009, Lori has played a pivotal role in orchestrating and coordinating pre- and post-award functions, as well as compliance management for the college. By managing daily operations within the CFAES Office of Research and Graduate Education, she ensures effective direction and seamless coordination. In addition to her operational responsibilities, Lori is instrumental in the development and execution of strategic initiatives that drive sponsored programs management and research administration. These efforts significantly contribute to enhancing the college's research capacity, aligning with its mission, objectives, and priorities, as guided by the Dean and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education.
Collaborating extensively with faculty, senior leadership, departmental administrators, and administrative offices, Lori's impact resonates across various levels of the organization. Her significant contribution to the successful completion of the NCURA Peer Review underscores her influential role in research administration. Notably, the Grant Development Support Unit, under Lori's leadership since its establishment in 2010, has been the driving force behind securing a remarkable $197 million in new funding for CFAES.
Lori's professional journey reflects a diverse range of experiences, including engagement with non-profit, law enforcement, fraud investigation, benefit fundraising, workforce development, social work, and research administration. Her engagement in managing grants at local, state, and federal levels since 1998 showcases her expertise in different facets of grants management, encompassing contract negotiations, pre- and post-award activities, and compliance monitoring. Holding a B.A. in Organizational Management from Malone University, Lori's credentials extend to being a Certified Research Administrator (CRA).
Lori's commitment to knowledge dissemination is evidenced by her leadership in delivering over 150 national, regional, and local presentations, and workshops, enriching the research administration field.
With a strong dedication to professional development, Lori holds memberships in esteemed organizations such as the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA), the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI), the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP), and the National Grant Managers Association (NGMA). Her leadership extends beyond her workplace, as she has served in significant roles within NCURA, including as a Region IV Board of Directors, At-Large Representative from 2014 to 2016, Region IV Mentoring Our Own (MOO) mentor and presentations at several national and regional conferences.
Lori's commitment to The Ohio State University (OSU) community is extensive, as evidenced by her involvement in numerous committees and roles, including the OSU Research Administration Network (RAN) as an Executive Committee Member and Pre-Award Channel Leader. She has also served on various committees and advisory bodies within CFAES, showcasing her dedication to the college's growth and success.
Lori's multi-faceted expertise, dedication to professional growth, and extensive service to both her field and academic community make her a valuable asset to CFAES and the broader research administration landscape. Her leadership and contributions continue to shape research initiatives and foster collaboration.