Leeann Slaughter

Leeann Slaughter
Project Manager
Strategic Research Intelligence

Leeann began working at Texas Tech in November 2021 and has proven herself to be indispensable to the department. Leeann works with a diverse community of students, faculty, and administration requiring clear and consistent communication, strong organizational skills, and independent judgment, which are all qualities she has in abundance. One of Leeann's most significant contributions was during the organization of a 2-day conference between Texas Tech and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. She located the venue, coordinated the speakers, managed the breakout sessions, and arranged the student poster presentation. Her hard work and diligence made this a successful event that was attended by nearly 100 people. Following the conference, Agricultural Research Service's partnered with the Texas Tech Office of Research and Innovation to develop a Collaborative Seed Grants program to fund projects. Leeann organized the phased competition, as well as the review and award process which resulted in $600,000 awarded to several teams to complete innovative research projects. The knowledge Leeann gained from organizing the conference was useful when colleagues sought her advice while preparing a student poster presentation during a visit by top officials from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. Leeann has demonstrated the highest level of dedication in the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation and continually works to support the needs of the team.