Wednesday, September 13, 2017

UNCW faculty and staff were recognized for their achievement in research funding during the Researcher’s Recognition Reception held Sept. 12.

The annual event recognizes those who submitted grant proposals, received an award or were involved in innovation and entrepreneurship during Fiscal Year 2017. More than 130 faculty and staff attended the reception hosted by the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance (SPARC).

 “These external sources of income are highly important in a time when the state does not increase their contributions,” said Provost Marilyn Sheerer. “The total grant revenues continue to rise. The success is due to both the faculty and to the leadership in SPARC, particularly Dr. Ron Vetter.  Ron is a very proactive advocate for the grant and research enterprise and the faculty have been consistently active and collaborative in their pursuit of funding.”

Researchers secured award total was $11,414,279 in funding in FY2017, compared with $9,644,717 awarded in FY2016.  Advancing research and scholarly activities is among the university’s strategic priorities.

The newest members of the James F. Merritt Million Dollar Club were also announced during the reception. The club honors faculty who have received more than $1 million in research funding. This year’s inductees are Rachel Kohman, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, $1 Million Club; and John Morrison, professor in the Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, $5 Million Club.

The Merritt Club is named for the director emeritus of the Center for Marine Science. During his 34-year career with UNCW, Merritt procured more than $14 million in grants and contracts to support research endeavors at the university. The club includes more than 100 members from departments across campus.

“Research and scholarship are at the heart of UNCW’s mission and are exemplified in numerous ways throughout the university,” said Ron Vetter, Associate Provost for Research, Dean of the Graduate School. “UNCW researchers are involved in many exciting projects that span the range of academic programs and departments on campus.  These research projects result in scientific discovery, knowledge generation, innovation and entrepreneurship that ultimately have a positive impact on humanity and society at large.”

 --Venita Jenkins

#SPARC
#RESEARCH

2017 research brochure