Trish Lowney named assistant vice president for strategic research development

Trish Lowney, executive director at Syracuse University’s Office of Sponsored Programs, has been appointed assistant vice president for strategic research development. Lowney’s appointment, made by Vice President for Research Gina Lee-Glauser, was effective Aug. 1, and represents a dedication of resources to support faculty researchers and deans in advancing the strategic growth of the University’s sponsored research enterprise. 

This position, within the Office of Research, will identify opportunities and develop initiatives and projects that leverage the University’s current and future research strengths, capabilities and growth opportunities. Lowney will provide guidance and support to the vice president for research, deans and University leadership on strategic institutional investment and faculty engagement for targeted research initiatives, strengthening the University’s research profile and expanding its extramural research funding. 

“Trish’s strong technical background and her deep understanding of Syracuse University and its faculty are ideal for this critical position as we work to substantially grow sponsored research activities,” says Lee-Glauser.  

“I am delighted for the opportunity to assist the University in growing its research enterprise,” says Lowney. “I look forward to working more closely with Gina and deans on the development of strategic initiatives that support SU’s vision, reflect our strengths, and align with federal priorities and needs.”           

Lowney’s appointment takes advantage of her strong technical and research development and administration background. The position emphasizes identifying areas for future research investment by monitoring federal R&D investments, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and mentoring junior faculty for success in sponsored research. Lowney will also interface with other University offices to ensure seamless coordination of efforts to grow sponsored research; she will also develop a near-term research development strategy that identifies mid- and large-scale funding opportunities in select areas of strength, including SU’s centers and institutes. 

Prior to becoming executive director of sponsored programs, Lowney served as director of research development, and has also served as interim director of regulatory compliance. 

Lowney joined SU in 2002 from the Wadsworth Center of the New York State Department of Health, where she was an executive director of the New York State Spinal Cord Injury Research Board and program director of Breast Cancer Research and Education Grant Program; for both programs, she was responsible for all aspects of their competitive grants initiatives.  

She received a bachelor’s degree in behavioral biology from Johns Hopkins University, and a Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of California, Davis. Her postdoctoral fellowship was in molecular biology at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Martinez, Calif. (biochemistry and hematology/oncology services). She was also on the faculty of Foods and Nutrition at Purdue University. 

Also effective Aug. 1, Stuart Taub, associate director in the Office of Sponsored Programs, is appointed as interim director.