Dear Colleagues,

I hope you are finding time to enjoy the summer!

Since my arrival in mid-June, I have had a wonderful time meeting many of you, and for those I have yet to meet, I am excited to do so in the coming weeks.

I now have some exciting news to share about leadership additions in the Office of the Vice-President for Research (OVPR).

Fred Epstein, PhD, who served as Interim Vice-President for Research between September 2023 until my arrival in June 2024, has graciously agreed to join the OVPR as Associate Vice-President for Research. Fred is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and in his new role in the OVPR he will continue to lead a federally funded cardiovascular imaging research program that he has maintained at UVA for more than 20 years. Fred has been instrumental in my transition, and I am grateful to work with him as we grow research excellence and instill a spirit of curiosity across Grounds. Fred will work on various projects and initiatives in the OVPR, with a particular focus on Grand Challenges and SIF funded projects, relationships with the National Laboratories, and new initiatives. 

I am also excited to announce the recruitment of Gwendolyn (Gwen) Bouchie, MS to UVA as the Executive Director of Research Strategy & Communications in the OVPR. This is a new unit in the OVPR that will focus on advancing research priorities and both internal and external research communication to increase the UVA research brand and reputation. Gwen brings many years of experience in leading strategy and communication for non-profit organizations and most recently was the Director of Research Communications & Strategic Initiatives at the Medical University of South Carolina where she and I worked closely together to advance research discovery and communication. Gwen is highly accomplished and will bring a collaborative spirit and high energy to her role and this new unit in the OVPR.

Best,

Lori L. McMahon

Vice President for Research