CAS Research Council

The College of Arts & Sciences Research Council will launch Fall 2024. Member elections were held after the 2024 Spring Break. Newly elected and appointed members are listed below.

Natural Sciences

James Adelman, Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences – Elected, 2024-2026
Amy Cook, Assistant Professor, Computer Science – Elected, 2024-2025
Daniel Nascmiento, Assistant Professor, Chemistry – Appointed, 2024-2026

Humanities

Suzanne Onstine, Associate Professor, History – Elected, 2024-2026
Lorinda Cohoon, Associate Professor, English – Elected, 2024-2025
Iván Ortega-Santos, Professor, World Languages and Literature – Appointed, 2024-2026

Social Sciences

Sarah Leat, Assistant Professor, Social Work – Elected, 2024-2026
Gretchen Peterson, Professor, Sociology – Elected, 2024-2025
James Murphy, Professor, Psychology – Appointed, 2024-2026

Charge

To represent the faculty of the College of Arts & Sciences at The University of Memphis in the governance of research in the College, and act as a liaison between the University of Memphis Research Council (UMRC) and departments within the College.

Duties

Recommending growth opportunities, areas of research excellence, and policies and procedures to advance strategic research directions.
Reviewing and making recommendations for research policy and procedural improvements.
Approving or disapproving CAS research policy and procedures.
Catalyze cross-disciplinary and trans-institutional research collaborations in support of the University of Memphis mission and priorities.
Review and inventory research infrastructure (e.g., space, instruments) and make recommendations for enhancement and investment.
Nominating candidates from the College for the University of Memphis Alumni Association Awards for Distinguished Research and Creative Achievement, and Excellence in Engaged Scholarship.
Recommending recipients of College of Arts & Sciences research awards, research funding, research instrumentation & technology cost-sharing, and professional development award programs.
Act as liaison between the University of Memphis Research Council (UMRC) and departments within the College.

Membership

Composed of 10 research-active faculty representatives representing the grand research divisions, research centers and institutes, as follows:

3 Humanities (2 elected; 1 Dean-appointed)
3 Social Sciences (2 elected; 1 Dean-appointed)
3 Natural Sciences (2 elected; 1 Dean-appointed)
1 Associate Dean of the College (non-voting)

Departmental Representation

No department can have more than 1 voting member on the council.
After elections, dean appointments will be made and ensure center and institute representation.

Terms of Service

Members serve on the council for two years.
Initial terms will be staggered as follows to enable continuity.

Humanities:

1 elected 1-year term; 1 elected 2-year term; 1 appointed 1-year term

Social Sciences:

1 elected 1-year term; 1 elected 2-year term; 1 appointed 2-year term

Natural Sciences:

1 elected 1-year term; 1 elected 2-year term; 1 appointed 2-year term

Meetings

The CAS Research Council meets monthly across the academic year. Award sub-committees and task forces hold additional meetings as needed and report back to the Council.