Serving as the new associate dean for research and faculty affairs at the Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences is an honor and an exciting next step in my career at The University of Tulsa. I have spent more than two decades as a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, where I have had the privilege of working alongside colleagues whose teaching, scholarship and service define the strength of Oxley College. My perspective on this position is that faculty success drives the college’s success. Therefore, my goal will be to facilitate an environment in which faculty at every stage of their careers have the resources, mentoring and institutional support they need to thrive, which also helps our students strive.
An additional priority will be expanding research collaboration opportunities within the college and beyond. Oxley sits at a unique intersection between natural and health sciences, creating tremendous potential for interdisciplinary collaboration. By encouraging collaboration among departments and connecting faculty with partners across the university, regional institutions, industry and health care organizations, we can build new research initiatives that address science and health questions. My goal is to help reduce administrative barriers, strengthen proposal development support and encourage faculty teams to pursue externally funded research programs.
We are already seeing exciting examples of the impact of research within the college. Seventeen UTulsa undergraduate researchers presented their work at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Atlanta on March 23. I also encourage everyone to attend Oxley Research Day from 5 to 8 p.m. April 23 in the Lorton Performance Center, where faculty and students from across the college will showcase their research and scholarly activities. Events like these provide the opportunity to initiate collaborative discussions and expand our presence on campus, among alumni and within the Tulsa community.
Sincerely,
Kenneth P. Roberts, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Research & Faculty Development
Chapman Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry