Office of the Vice President for Research

Organization

Staff Information

Staff members on the Office of Research administrative team work to support the Vice President, and USC researchers, in key ways from maintaining web-based research administration tools to getting the word out about brag-worthy innovations and accomplishments.

Key Staff : Office of Research Administrative Office

Lumi Bakos, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Research Operations

Dr. Bakos earned a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in economics from Youngstown State University in Ohio, and received her Ph.D. in public health from the University of South Carolina. Lumi’s duties are related to managing a variety of special projects for the Vice President for Research, fostering large multidisciplinary research projects, advancing faculty development efforts and helping generate new streams of research support.

Jack Claypoole, Chief of Staff and Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives

Supports the priorities of the Vice President for Research by ensuring effective engagement in executing strategic research initiatives.

Emily Devereux, DPA, Executive Director for Research Development

Dr. Devereux earned her bachelor's degree in music and a master's degree in public administration from Arkansas State University, and she received her doctorate in public administration from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. She oversees research development initiatives for USC, including the Carolina Grants and Innovation (CGI Hub) that encompasses the services of both research and grant development and research training and education.

Debbie Gipson, Administrative Manager

Manages the administrative office, several programs and events, and the Breakthrough Awards program.

Gina Hambrick, Director of Accounting and Finance

Oversees all financial accounting and budgeting for the Office of the Vice President for Research.

Debbie Kassianos, Director of Information Technology and Data Management

Manages IT infrastructure and data, including the USCeRA system, for the Office of the Vice President for Research.

Mike Matthews, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Research and National Laboratory Relations

Serves as the university’s primary liaison working with national labs, including the Savannah River National Laboratory. Dr. Matthews also holds the titles of Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs in the College of Engineering and Computing.

Elizabeth Renedo, Research Communications Manager

Manages internal and external communications efforts for the Office of the Vice President for Research.

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