SUBJECT:

Appointment – Laurie Owen as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Laurie B. Owen, Ph.D, as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research in the Office of Research Affairs. Dr Owen will join us full time effective July 24, 2017.

Laurie comes to us with more than 15 years of executive leadership experience. She currently serves as Professor of Oncologic Sciences and Associate Director at the Mitchell Cancer Institute in Mobile, Alabama where she oversees the Center for Basic and Translational Research.

Working in concert with the Vice Chancellor for Research and the Office of Research Affairs’ team, Laurie will continue to develop and foster research across disciplines by enhancing the building of progressive and effective stewardship of resources and policies, and by developing tools and training to improve research administration at UC San Diego.

Prior to her position in Alabama, Dr. Owen held leadership positions in the Chancellor’s and Provost’s office at the University of California, Riverside. Her experience provides her with important perspective in navigating a multi-campus, research-intensive, public university system.

At the Mitchell Cancer Institute, Laurie developed a strategic plan for research and research operations, leading to a consortium agreement with the University of Alabama-Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center. In addition she:

• Expanded their external research funding base eight-fold
• Planned and implemented all core research support resources and led strategic planning for new facilities, infrastructure enhancements and expansion
• Led institutional oversight for research audit, conflict of commitment, financial conflicts, conflict of interest, scientific misconduct and export control
• Ensured financial viability of the institutional research enterprise

She earned her Ph.D. in Microbiology/Immunology at University of Oklahoma Health Science Center and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. She held positions as Assistant and Associate Professor of Immunology at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Professor of Biomedical Sciences at The University of California, Riverside and was involved in two start-up biotechnology companies.

As a successful academic scientist and entrepreneur, Laurie is committed to promoting and enhancing research activities, creating a culture of innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, and leveraging transformative research.

Laurie’s combined research experience, innovation expertise, and executive leadership background make her uniquely qualified for the key post of Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research. Please join me in welcoming her to UC San Diego and the Office of Research Affairs.

Sandra A. Brown Vice Chancellor for Research