07/18/2022
By Julie Chen
Anne joined UMass Lowell in 2016 as the associate vice chancellor for research administration and integrity. She has played a central role in elevating the university’s research enterprise, including significantly expanding the research development support for faculty. In those six years, total research and development expenditures have increased by more than $26 million. Her appointment was effective July 1.
Anne will be a key member of my executive team, as I transition to my new role as chancellor. Prior to joining UMass Lowell, she served at the National Science Foundation as a science advisor and program director for large biological infrastructure such as the $460 million National Ecological Observatory Network. This experience, coupled with her time as a tenured faculty member at Missouri University of Science and Technology, provides a vital foundation to addressing and resolving challenges UMass Lowell faculty face as we prepare to elevate to Research 1 university status in the coming years. Anne’s leadership is recognized nationally, as she is also the incoming President of the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP).
Originally from Norwood, Anne was a first-gen student who went to college on an athletic scholarship. An undergrad research experience led her to pursue grad school. She received her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and, as a faculty at Missouri S&T, her funded research program was fully interdisciplinary (with computer science and electrical and computer engineering) in areas such as bioinformatics and data visualization.
Anne will continue to lead the university’s Research Growth (R1) Planning Commission as well as provide leadership around the university’s expanding commitment to academic, industry, government and nonprofit partnerships. Not only does this focus on regional economic development enhance opportunities for current and prospective faculty, it provides experiential learning opportunities for students.
Our most recent annual research figure of $94.7 million demonstrates the outstanding faculty members, research staff and students across all colleges who continue to break new ground and expand our understanding of the world around us.
It also speaks to the culture, efficiency and expertise of the entire Research and Innovation team who work tirelessly to help meet stringent compliance requirements and identify new funding partners and opportunities.
Please join me in congratulating Anne on her new role.