OVPR Insider

As I step into the interim role of vice president for research, I am excited to continue working with colleagues across campus who are conducting important research, scholarship, and creative activity. I am also eager to get to know the OVPR organization and to learn how each of you supports the University of Iowa’s mission to better our state, the nation, and the world through learning and discovery. Thank you all for the work that you do!

Warmly,
Lois

Lois J. Geist
Interim Vice President for Research

Discover Your University

Tuesday, Oct. 8 | Learn more and register

Explore and experience a breadth of UI programs, offerings, and hidden gems across multiple on- and off-campus locations. Faculty and staff are encouraged to take part in Discover Your University events. Groups of colleagues or departmental teams are also welcomed. 

Working at Iowa Survey

Oct. 16-31

The Working at Iowa Survey will be available for University of Iowa faculty and staff from Oct. 16-31, 2024. Eligible employees will receive an email with a personalized link to complete the survey. We encourage and appreciate every employee’s participation in the 2024 Working at Iowa survey. Thank you for helping us make Iowa a place where faculty and staff grow, thrive, succeed, and belong.

Longevity Awards (Administered by UI Staff Council)

Join us in congratulating these research staff members who celebrated landmark anniversaries of continuous service to the University of Iowa. 

40 years

• Stephen Lensink, Associate Director, Office of the State Archaeologist

35 years

• Thomas Moninger, Core Facility Research Specialist, Central Microscopy Research Facility
• Barbara Vitense, Clerk IV, Environmental Health and Safety

30 years

• Wendy Beaver, Executive Director, Division of Sponsored Programs
• Philip Lashmit, Research Associate, Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing
• Ann Ricketts, Sr Sponsored Research Specialist, Division of Sponsored Programs

25 years

• William Whittaker, Research Director, Office of the State Archaeologist

20 years

• Paul Ruff, Animal Caretaker II, Office of Animal Resources

See a new face in the hall or a new email on a group message? Join us in welcoming the newest members of the OVPR org. Each of them plays an important role in the university's research mission, and we are thrilled to have them on board.

Office of Animal Resources

• Barry Volz, Facility Maintenance Coordinator
• Bryan Ackerman, Animal Caretaker I
• Joyce Dunbar, Animal Caretaker I
• Sydnay Lehman, Animal Caretaker II
• Jacob Bibb, Animal Caretaker I

Research Administration

• Holly Webb Garringer, Senior Accountant

Office of Undergraduate Research

• Tawny Tibbits, Director

University of Iowa Research Foundation

• Parker Abbott, UIRF Postoctoral Associate

Center for Social Science Innovation

• Yi-Fang Lu, Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Human Subjects Office

• Gabrielle Chelette, IRB Application Analyst

Environmental Health & Safety Office

• Julie Jacobs, Radiation Safety Coordinator

They say all good things must come to an end, and we find that adage to be particularly apt as we celebrate the careers of OVPR team members who are moving on to new adventures.

• Olga Rohner, Research Assistant, Center for Biocatalysis & Bioprocessing: July 1
• Sarah Tallman, Associate Director of Operations, Research Administration: July 19
• Bob Kirby, Director, Office of Undergraduate Research: July 31
• Marty Scholtz, Vice President for Research: September 15

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Forms

These should be sent to the Benefits Office at benefits@uiowa.edu. Requirements have changed/been updated. Employees can resubmit a PSLF form with updated eligibility. Employee is responsible for understanding their eligibility for the program (repayment plan, # of payments, etc.)

Talent Outreach Opportunities:

Please contact vpr-talent@uiowa.edu if you are interested in attending upcoming Career Fairs with our team, to promote your field, unit, or institution, to potential candidates.