Research Development Manager Leigh Ann Samsa in the Office of Research Development (ORD) will support the research enterprise in a new capacity as director of the newly created Office of Research Strategy at the School of Data Science and Society (SDSS). Through the Office of Research Strategy, SDSS and ORD will have many opportunities to interface on shared goals to grow collaborative research at UNC-Chapel Hill.
ORD is pleased to welcome Kurt Thurber to the team as the research development associate for strategic initiatives. This marks a return to Carolina for Thurber, who has previously held positions with the Institute for the Environment. This newly created position will focus efforts around institutional and unit-support for state and federal contract research opportunities, specialized funding agreements, and teaming with strategic partners to expand the Carolina research portfolio. Thurber begins his position October 8.