- Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships
- About
- Research Advisory and Innovation Council
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

Yvonne Harris, Chair
Vice President
Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships

Amy Jo Clemens
Assistant Vice President
Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development
Director, Center for P-20 Engagement

James Cofer
Interim Chief Financial Officer
Division of Administration and Finance
Staff

Rachel Jurs-Lauderdale
Secretary

Karinne Bredberg
Director of Innovation
Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships