Discovery with Purpose

Reason For Action

AIM Statement

Foster a scholarly research environment that leverages core strengths while expanding emerging priorities of strategic importance. Addressing challenges to identify innovative solutions that will advance Utah and the nation.

Advance a dynamic institutional portfolio that aligns research investments, growth in graduate programs, and external partnerships toward high-impact outcomes where USU demonstrates distinctive strengths.

Key Requirements

Solutions must include:

  • Research portfolio that informs impactful solutions to advance Utah and beyond
  • Portfolio concentration primarily leverages existing strengths
  • Research-based graduate program growth
  • Investment decisions must be transparent and strategically justified
  • Institutional partnerships with peer institutions must be intentional and visible
  • Evaluate return on research investment (funding leverage, partnerships, workforce pipeline, economic contribution)
  • Define how the research portfolio extends beyond Logan, including Extension and Statewide Campuses

Meet the Team

Executive Sponsors

Lisa Berreau headshot
Lisa Berreau
Vice President for Research
David Jones headshot
David Jones
Dean – College of Engineering

Facilitators

  • Design Summit Facilitator: Nicole Schrubb, Executive Director of Talent Management and Organizational Effectiveness
  • Design Events Facilitator: TBD

Team

Name Title Location
Brooke Osborne Assistant Professor - Environment & Society Moab
Chris Fox Associate Dean & Professor - Engineering Logan
Derek McLean Dean - Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Logan
Devin Hansen Chief Research Compliance Officer Logan
Julia Gossard Associate Dean for Faculty Success & Professor - Arts & Sciences Logan
Justin Jones Associate Professor - Biology Logan
Larissa Yocom Utah Forest Restoration Institute Director Logan
Mirella Meyer-Fica Associate Professor - Veterinary Medicine Logan
Paul Hill Extension - Director of Washington County Operations Washington County
Shawn Whiteman Associate Dean For Research & Innovation & Professor - Education Logan