Research Advisory Committee (RAC)

The Research Advisory Committee (RAC), housed within the Division of Research & Innovation (DRI) at UNT Health Fort Worth, serves in a broad advisory role on behalf of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies (VPR). The committee supports a range of campus-wide initiatives, including the development of funding opportunities, research programs, and DRI-specific projects. Additionally, the RAC works in close partnership with the Research Strategy Council (RSC) to ensure strategic alignment and coordination in research investments.

Committee Members

All committee appointments will be made at the discretion of the VPR. The committee is comprised of the following members:

• Dimitrios Karamichos, PhD, FARVO– Chair – Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies (VPR)
• Mazen Barakat, MBA– Sr. Associate Vice President, Research Finance & Administration
• Egeenee Daniels, DMV– Executive Director, DLAM
• Noah Drew, JD– Associate Vice President, Research Operations
• Aseret Garcia– Director, Sponsored Programs, Pre-Award
• Karissa O’Brien, MBA, CRA– Assistant Vice President, Office of Sponsored Programs
• Caroline Sheehan– Senior Grant & Contract Analyst, Office of Sponsored Programs
• Damaris Javier, PhD– Associate Director, Research Training Programs
• Hongli Wu, PhD– Associate Professor, College of Pharmacy
• Myla Claire Quiben, PhD, PT– Professor, College of Health Professions
• Nicole Phillips, PhD– Associate Professor, College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences; Director of Research Programs
• Melissa Peterson, PhD– Associate Professor, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine; Director ITR Biomarker Core
• Rajesh Nandy, PhD– Associate Professor, College of Public Health
• Michail Kastellorizios, PhD– Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy
• Elizabeth Wells-Beede, PhD–Professor, College of Nursing; Sr. Associate Dean

Non-Members:

• Administrative Coordinator – Christine Keas (Record minutes, check-in documents, assist committee with follow-ups, etc.)

Membership Term

Committee members will serve for two consecutive fiscal years.  Members may serve consecutive terms.

Responsibilities

All members are required to participate in all meetings unless there is a conflict that cannot be avoided.  All efforts will be made to ensure availability for committee meetings.

Members will:

• Review all proposals submitted prior to the meeting;
• Fully participate in discussions and provide substantive input; and
• Maintain the confidentiality of all discussions; content must not be shared outside of this committee.

Chair will:

• Set a schedule of meeting dates and times, and;
• Prepare final a recommendation table and executive summary for RSC and VPR, to include:
  • Summary of each proposal,
  • Evaluation of scientific merit,
  • Assessment of potential impact,
  • Funding recommendations with justifications.

Meetings

The RAC will meet monthly on a date and time as set by the Chair. Meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes will be posted on the designated RAC website. A quorum of half plus one must be present for reviews to take place.