The Office of Research Development is responsible for supporting Syracuse University’s proposal, research and faculty development efforts. This includes facilitating team-based collaboration around strategic funding opportunities, and managing the University’s internal funding competitions, including both seed grant programs and externally funded limited submissions.
Christina Leigh Docteur, Executive Director, Research Development
As Executive Director of Research Development, Christina is responsible for supporting Syracuse University’s proposal, research and faculty development efforts. Christina works to facilitate team-based collaborations around strategic funding opportunities, to develop institutional research infrastructure, including relevant staffing, training and systems, and manages the University’s internal funding competitions. Prior to her appointment, Christina served as the Grant Development Administrator for the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
Chetna Chianese, Senior Director of Research Development
As the Senior Director of Research Development, Chetna assists faculty across Syracuse University with the development of new research priorities and proposals. She provides research development leadership for faculty across campus, facilitates multi-million-dollar and inter-school/college proposal submissions, and manages the university’s limited submission process. Prior to her appointment, Chetna served as the Associate Director of Research at SyracuseCoE, aiding faculty on research proposals and projects related to energy and environment.
Melissa Whipps, Director of Research Development
As the Director of Research Development, Melissa provides research development support to faculty and research staff across campus, with a focus on science and mathematics departments in the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Education. Melissa also facilities and conducts training sessions on preparing and writing grants for a variety of funders. Prior to her move into the Office of Research, Melissa worked in Research Development in the College of Arts and Sciences and previously in Corporate and Foundation Relations.
Sarah Workman, Associate Director for Research Development for the Humanities
As Associate Director for Research Development for the Humanities, Sarah supports faculty in efforts to raise their research achievement and recognition by identifying funding sources for their work, assisting with writing grants and proposals, and helping coordinate nominations for honorary awards. Positioned as part of both the Office of Research and the College of Arts & Sciences, Sarah’s role supports Humanities research across the University. You can find additional information about humanities research support here.
Jeffrey Falchi, Research Information Management Specialist
As Research Information Management Specialist, Jeff supports the systems used to aid in the growth of research within the University. He is the primary administrator for the Syracuse University Application Portal (InfoReady), which is the application management tool for internal funding opportunities and limited submissions to external funders. He also manages, in conjunction with Syracuse University Libraries, Experts@Syracuse (Pure) a research information management system. In addition, Jeff maintains University research data, such as the HERD Survey and the Office of Research Annual Report.
Cassandra Ellis, Operations Specialist, Research Development
As the Operations Specialist for Research Development, Cassandra supports University research initiatives through communications, event management, and overall operations for the Research Development team. She organizes and facilitates information and training series events for faculty and research staff, coordinates educational workshops, in-service trainings, and other research-related events in conjunction with the entire development team. Additionally, Cassandra maintains data systems and manages the periodic Office of Research Newsletter, highlighting research news happening in the University community.