Bob Beitle, senior associate vice provost for the Division of Research and Innovation, will serve as the interim director of research integrity and compliance beginning Aug. 1.  

Beitle will take over for Shatara Porchia-White, who served in the position since October 2021. 

While serving in this role, Beitle will direct and manage the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance in assisting faculty, staff and students in understanding and complying with federal and state regulatory requirements, as well as university policies for sponsored and non-sponsored research. He will also revise and maintain campus’ research compliance policies and procedures and assess compliance risks and opportunities.  

Beitle has previously served as the interim director of research integrity and compliance. On stepping back into the role, he said he is looking forward working with the RISC team built by past directors, Porchia-White and Jason Ramage.  

The search for a qualified candidate to fill the position is currently underway by the Division of Research and Innovation. 

Beitle began his career at the University of Arkansas in 1993 as a chemical engineering professor and was named an associate professor in 1998. In 2006, he achieved the rank of Full Professor. His primary research interests are in the field of biochemical engineering, with an emphasis on bioseparation and fermentation, and adaptive technology for the disabled. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1987, 1991 and 1993, respectively. 

He has received teaching awards both as a graduate student (1988) and as a faculty member (1998, 2003, and 2007), and has been recognized as an outstanding mentor at the U of A three times. He is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the American Chemical Society, and various other technical and honorary societies. He has also served on the Executive Committee for the Biochemical Technology Division within ACS.