OR&I Discussion Series - Spring 2014

The purpose of the OR&I Discussion Series is to create an interactive discussion platform to spur intellectual conversation on topics involving research, ethics and innovation in higher education. The sessions are open to the public, and community members and media are encouraged to attend.

All sessions are recorded and can be viewed on the TTUAcademicsResearch YouTube Channel.
Photos can be viewed on the Texas Tech Research Facebook page.

Spring 2014

OR&I Discussion Series: The Future of Research at Texas Tech University – Watch Event

• April 2, 2014
  2:30-3:30 p.m.
  TLPDC 151

Description: Texas Tech has a unique opportunity to help the community by fostering economic recovery and growth through innovation and entrepreneurship. The university is placing a new emphasis on economic engagement with its external partners. Economic engagement activities can include transferring research discoveries into marketable products and services, sharing technical expertise and equipment with its community, and providing educational opportunities and workforce development. Come discuss Texas Tech's current activities and plans for the future.
Speakers: Robert V. Duncan, Vice President for Research, Texas Tech University; Lance Nail, Rawls College of Business Dean, Texas Tech University; Eli Velasquez, Associate Vice Chancellor for Technology Commercialization, Texas Tech University System.

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OR&I Discussion Series: Safety First at Texas Tech University – Watch Event

• April 14, 2014
  2:30-3:30 p.m.
  TLPDC 151

Description: Texas Tech University is committed to establishing and preserving a culture of Safety First. Texas Tech has made great strides over the years to ensure the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors. Representatives from the Office of Research & Innovation, the Institutional Laboratory Safety Committee and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety will lead a discussion on the efforts that are underway to ensure that TTU is a safe and healthy place to work and study.
Speakers: Alice Young, Associate Vice President for Research (Research Integrity); Dimitri Pappas, Chair, Institutional Laboratory Safety Committee; Cliff Harris, Interim Director, Office of Environmental Health and Safety; Jared Martin, Laboratory Safety Manager, Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

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OR&I Discussion Series: Navigating the Post-Award Process–Responsibilities of ORS and SPAR – Watch Event

• April 21, 2014
  2:30-3:30 p.m.
  TLPDC 151

Description: Navigating the post-award process can be complicated, but staff from the Office of Research Services (ORS) and Sponsored Programs Accounting & Reporting (SPAR) will help to simplify the process. In this session of the OR&I Discussion Series, Kathleen Harris, Senior Associate Vice President for Research and ORS Director, and Simone Barnhill, Managing Director of SPAR, will walk you through the roles and responsibilities of their respective offices in the post-award process.
Speakers: Update: Speakers included Dr. Robert V. Duncan, VP Research; Noel Sloan, VP Finance; Kathleen Harris, Senior Associate Vice President for Research, Director of the Office of Research Services; Simone Barnhill, Managing Director of Sponsored Programs Accounting & Reporting.

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OR&I Discussion Series: Entrepreneurialism and Higher Education - Watch Event

• May 2, 2014
  2-3 p.m.
  TLPDC 153

Description: Texas Tech has a unique opportunity to help the community by fostering economic recovery and growth through innovation and entrepreneurship. The university is placing a new emphasis on economic engagement with its external partners. Economic engagement activities can include transferring research discoveries into marketable products and services, sharing technical expertise and equipment with its community, and providing educational opportunities and workforce development. Come discuss Texas Tech's current activities and plans for the future.
Speakers: Robert V. Duncan, Vice President for Research, Texas Tech University; Lance Nail, Rawls College of Business Dean, Texas Tech University; Eli Velasquez, Associate Vice Chancellor for Technology Commercialization, Texas Tech University System.

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OR&I Discussion Series: Navigating SBIR/STTR Programs - Watch Event

• May 7, 2014
  2:30-3:30 p.m.
  TLPDC 151

Description: The SBIR and STTR programs provide federal funding to support some of the best early-stage innovation ideas. Over the past years these programs have awarded billions of dollars to small, high-tech businesses. Join representatives from the Office of Research Services, the Northwest Texas Small Business Development Center and experienced faculty as they explain the programs and discuss strategies for writing winning SBIR/STTR applications.

Speakers: Yehia Mechref, professor of Chemistry and NIH panel reviewer for SBIR/STTR; Susan Back, Associate Professor of Education EPL, Office of Program Evaluation and Research Support; Allen Carrigo, Assistant Regional Director of the SBDC; and representatives from the Office of Research Services.