Message from the Senior Vice President for Research
WELCOMING NEW RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS
May 20, 2023
Dear Colleagues,
UTRGV research efforts continue to grow, breaking internal records as it improves on most classification metrics. Since 2016 total research expenditures have increased from $20.7 million to $64.4 million, an all-time high for the university, representing a triple increase over the past six years. As a result, UTRGV’s NSF research rankings also have skyrocketed. In FY15, the year before UTRGV opened to students, the combined NSF research ranking of legacy institutions UT-Brownsville and UT-Pan American was 279th of 625 universities. However, in NSF’s most recent rankings (FY20), UTRGV was 194th – an improvement of 85 positions in six years.
As your Senior Vice President for Research, I could not be prouder of the colleagues whose work has elevated our research enterprise to the levels we see today. And I recognize that sustaining this activity requires a robust research support team. Today, I am thrilled to introduce 12 new team members to the Division of Research who will help to support our continued growth. Many of these new colleagues are filling roles that have been vacant for some time, while a few roles have been strategically added to support our growth and the new strategic plan toward Research Excellence.
Please join me in welcoming our new colleagues to the following teams:
- Research Analytics
- Grants and Contracts
- Office of Research Administration
- Sponsored Programs
- Office of Research Compliance and Export Control
Thank you,
Dr. Can (John) Saygin
Senior Vice President for Research
Dean of the Graduate College
JOINING RESEARCH ANALYTICS
Yu Ning, Software Engineer IV With over 20 years of experience in software engineering, Yu is well-versed in developing and maintaining software applications and databases. Yu is proficient in multiple software engineering skills, such as Unix, Linux, X/Windows, Windows/NT, DOS, C/C++, JAVA, PHP, HTML/XML/HTML5, and more. Yu's experience includes developing and maintaining software applications and databases for various research divisions. Yu has worked as a Software Engineer and System Specialist III at UTSA, San Antonio, TX, and as a Programmer Analyst III at UTHSCSA, San Antonio, TX. Yu holds a master’s degree in computer science from UTSA, San Antonio, TX, and a master’s in politics and administration from Peking University, Beijing, China.
Anna Marie Perales, Software Engineer III
Anna Marie Perales is a recent addition to the UTRGV Office of Research as a Software Engineer III. She brings extensive experience from various companies and institutions, including West Teleservices, USAA, Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department, and UTSA—her expertise as a Research Admin. Data Analyst has made notable contributions at each appointment, particularly at JPD, where she played a pivotal role in driving innovation and data-driven decision-making for the youth in the community. Anna Marie's goal at UTRGV is to leverage her expertise further to improve data storage, reporting, and innovation and to make significant contributions to the Office of Research.
JOINING GRANTS AND CONTRACTS
David Valdez, Sr Sponsored Program Accountant
David Valdez, a Sr. Sponsored Grant Accountant, has joined UTRGV with a record-proven background in managing budgets and projects for various departments around Hidalgo County. David graduated from UTRGV with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and has extensive experience in managing grants related to Covid-19, such as CARES and ARPA and ensuring public safety. His responsibilities at UTRGV include providing policy interpretation, preparing reports for federal and sponsoring agencies, and reviewing expenditures for awards and contracts. David's passion for numbers and commitment to community service make him a valuable addition to the UTRGV team. "When I was in college, I didn't know what I wanted to do; I just knew I wanted to help people," David said. "I was good with numbers and decided to go into business. When I graduated, I began working for Hidalgo County and saw that through accounting, I could help my community by using my love of numbers."
David Valdez, a Sr. Sponsored Grant Accountant, has joined UTRGV with a record-proven background in managing budgets and projects for various departments around Hidalgo County. David graduated from UTRGV with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and has extensive experience in managing grants related to Covid-19, such as CARES and ARPA and ensuring public safety. His responsibilities at UTRGV include providing policy interpretation, preparing reports for federal and sponsoring agencies, and reviewing expenditures for awards and contracts. David's passion for numbers and commitment to community service make him a valuable addition to the UTRGV team. "When I was in college, I didn't know what I wanted to do; I just knew I wanted to help people," David said. "I was good with numbers and decided to go into business. When I graduated, I began working for Hidalgo County and saw that through accounting, I could help my community by using my love of numbers."
- Connie De La Rosa, Research Services Coordinator
Connie de la Rosa is the new Research Services Coordinator with Grants & Contracts at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Division of Research. With over 22 years of experience working in various departments throughout UTPA & UTRGV, Connie previously served as an Administrative Analyst for the Office of International Programs (Study Abroad Office). She was responsible for purchasing, reconciling, and assisting faculty and students with their study-abroad travel. In her new role, Connie will set up awards, meet with faculty regarding their grants, and reach out to sponsors while assisting Roxy Garcia with project set-ups. Connie is excited to learn more about the Grants & Contracts side of research and is glad to be part of the team at UTRGV.
JOINING THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION
- Ruth Lozano, Executive Director of Research Administration
Ruth V. Lozano is the new Executive Director of Research Administration at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Division of Research. With over 20 years of research administration experience, Lozano will lead strategic initiatives and manage the day-to-day activities for three areas within the Division of Research: Sponsored Programs, Grants & Contracts, and Grants Accounting. Lozano holds two degrees from Southern Methodist University and has worked in various facets of research administration, including overseeing the complete grant cycle as the Director of Sponsored Projects and Contracts at Southern Methodist University. Her unique experiences make her a valuable addition to the UTRGV team, and she will facilitate an efficient flow of communication while managing research operations consistently, efficiently, and effectively. - Lizette Gonzales, Research Liaison Officer
Lizette Gonzales is a Research Liaison Officer at UTRGV. She previously served as a Proposal Administrator II in the Pre-Award Unit of the Office of Research and Graduate Studies at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Lizette holds a bachelor's degree in English and Political Science and a master's in English from TAMUK. Before her career in research administration, she tutored and taught writing courses at TAMUK. As a Research Liaison Officer, Lizette collaborates with different groups within UTRGV, other research entities, businesses, all levels of government outside of UTRGV, and the UT system to support the research enterprise at UTRGV. She is also responsible for assisting with different projects and initiatives under the direction of the Associate Vice President for Research Operations. Lizette's passion for research administration was sparked when she applied for a Pre-Award Specialist position at TAMUK. Through her work, she has developed an appreciation for effective communication, collaboration, and teaching. - Priscilla Silva, Program Coordinator
Pending information - Omar Nedzelsky, Operations Manager
Omar Nezdelsky brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in managing and overseeing programmatic functions as the new Operations Manager for the Office of Research at UTRGV. His previous role as the GME Residency Program Coordinator for the General Surgery program at DHR Health showcased his ability to manage and oversee daily operations while ensuring compliance with policies and accreditation requirements. Omar holds a master’s in health science from UTRGV and is currently pursuing a master’s in science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University. As the Operations Manager at the Office of Research, Omar is responsible for serving the financial, planning, event support, and training needs of the Division of Research effectively and professionally while ensuring compliant and timely support. In addition, Omar will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing various educational and research-related activities for the division.
JOINING THE OFFICE OF SPONSORED PROGRAMS
- Marco Gaytan-Gross, Senior Research Services Coordinator
Marco Gaytan-Gross is the new Senior Research Services Coordinator at UTRGV. He plans, coordinates, and processes grant applications from the conceptual to submission stage while working with faculty and staff throughout all phases based on standards set in place by the university. With a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from 2015, Marco has a background as a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I at Rio Grande State Center, where he helped establish and maintain an environment that is therapeutic and developmental for persons with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, chemical dependency, social and physical disorders in the Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities Units. He also worked as an Administrative Associate II at Brownsville Public Utilities, where he composed and word-processed documents in a clear, concise, and timely manner and recorded and processed various data about numerous projects—university regulations on all proposals and awards. - Diana Llamas, Senior Research Services Coordinator
Diana Llamas is a Senior Research Services Coordinator with a wealth of experience in research administration. With an MBA and over ten years of management experience, Diana previously held the position of Manager, responsible for pre-award and post-award activities. Diana's expertise includes coordinating research proposals, managing budgets and contracts, and ensuring compliance with funding agencies' requirements. As Senior Research Services Coordinator, Diana will support faculty in preparing grant proposals, managing grant budgets, and ensuring compliance with university and funding agencies' policies and regulations. Diana's passion for research administration was sparked by her mentor, who introduced her to the field of pre-award and post-award.
JOINING THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH COMPLIANCE AND EXPORT CONTROLS
- Marilyn Bobbitt, Director of Research Compliance
Marilyn Bobbitt is the new Director of Research Compliance at UTRGV's Division of Research. With over 12 years of experience in various fields, including healthcare and grant program management, Marilyn brings a wealth of knowledge to her new profession. Her previous experience includes implementing systems, policies, and procedures affecting the development, planning, and management of grant proposals, budgets, and contractual agreements. Marilyn also provided oversight and counsel to faculty on fiscal issues regarding grant submissions, contract negotiation, effort reporting, and more. Her education includes a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in National Security Studies from the University of Houston and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from LeTourneau University. She is also a Certified Research Administrator (CRA) from the Research Administrators Certification Council. - Monica Barrera, IACUC/IBC Specialist
Monica Barrera is the new IACUC/IBC Specialist at UTRGV's Division of Research. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Texas Pan-American and a minor in Communication, Monica will review the submissions of all IACUC/IBC research protocols and assist PI with their request. She will also help with the IACUC semi-annual inspection and compliance of reports to OLAW/USDA. Before her new role, Monica worked as a Crime Laboratory Technician with the Texas Department of Public Safety-Crime Laboratory Division. Her experience includes assisting with evidence samples for DNA analytical analysis and conducting performance checks/verification on laboratory equipment by Quality Assurance requirements. Monica's interest in science and passion for administrative work make her an excellent fit for her new role at UTRGV. She is excited and grateful for the opportunity to learn and help the team.
