Ralph Davis, associate vice provost for research and innovation, has been selected as a Research Leader Fellow by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. For this inaugural class, eight fellows were selected from across the nation by APLU’s Council on Research.

According to APLU’s website, “the fellowship enables individuals…to develop critical new knowledge and skills essential to research support and competitiveness.”

“The knowledge and resources that Dr. Davis will gain through this experience will benefit this office and the university as a whole,” said Jim Rankin, vice provost of research and innovation. “We are honored that he was selected for this opportunity.”

The fellowship, which lasts 18 months, allows rising research administrative leaders to gain expertise outside of their respective portfolios. Davis explained that he selected areas of professional development that both aligned with the university’s strategic plan and presented opportunities for growth.

To expand his knowledge of industrial engagement, Davis plans to visit several universities including the University of Oklahoma, which has been very successful in establishing industry consortiums to support faculty research. He also plans to attend conferences and research best practices on recruiting, managing and supporting post-doctoral researchers and non-tenure-track faculty. His final focus will explore ways to support faculty grant-writing, which is an expanding area for the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation.