Research and Innovation Advisory Council
The Research and Innovation Advisory Council (RIAC) provides insight and counsel to the Vice President for Research and Innovation Partnerships (VP-RIPs) regarding the research, scholarly, innovative, and creative activities of NIU faculty and staff. General functions of the RIAC are:
Communications
The Council will facilitate information sharing and promote constructive dialogue between RIPs and research community stakeholders.
Consultation
As needed, the VP-RIPs will consult with the Council on issues relevant to the operation, safety, and development of the university research enterprise. Many such requests will be accompanied by an explicit charge. Areas of consultation may include and are not limited to:
- Advice about areas of research, scholarly activity, innovation and creative work that should be a target of university investment;
- Identification, evaluation, and recommendation of solutions to issues that inhibit faculty productivity; or
- Advice regarding specific policy, safety, and procedural research issues.
Faculty
Natalie Andzik
Associate Professor
Department of Special and Early Education
Justin Dodd
Associate Professor
Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment
Melani Duffrin
Professor
Department of Interdisciplinary Health Professions
Bárbara González
Associate Dean for Academic Administration
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Mansour Tahernezhadi
Professor and Associate Dean
College of Engineering and Engineering Technology
Matt Wilson
Associate Professor
School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders
Ex-Officio
Gerald C. Blazey, Chair
Vice President
Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships
James Cofer
Interim Chief Financial Officer
Division of Administration and Finance
Staff
Jessica Cima
Secretary
Karinne Bredberg
Director of Innovation
Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships
