Research funding up 48 percent in new record

Central Michigan University’s Office of Research and Graduate Studies set a record in raising research-related funds, topping the old mark by 48 percent.

ORGS raised $38 million during the fiscal year that ended June 30. It was also the third straight year that CMU raised more than $25 million in grants and contracts, said Bradley Swanson, interim vice president for research and innovation.

“These funds will significantly enhance student research, creative endeavors and educational experiences as well as increase CMU’s reputation nationally and internationally,” Swanson said.

Among the projects receiving the most money were:

• $15 million from the Michigan Department of Education for the College of Education and Human Service’s MiCAREER Resource Hub, awarded to Paula Lancaster, dean of the college, and Jillian Davidson
• $4 million to continue the College of Science and Engineering’s Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program, awarded to Donald Uzarski, Thomas Gehring, Matthew Cooper and Dennis Albert
• $990,000 for Removing barriers to institutional success for Women in STEM at CMU, awarded to Tracy Galarowicz, assistant dean for the College of Science and Engineering; Katrinia Pietek-Jimenez, faculty in CSE’s mathematics department; Kimberly Prewett and Kirsten Weber, faculty of the College of the Arts and Media’s communication, journalism & media department.
  

In total, CEHS brought in $15.9 million, CSE brought in $11.8 million, the College of Medicine brought in $6 million, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions brought in $797,000, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences brought in $299,000 and CAM brought in $5,000. Other units combined for an additional $3 million.