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Research Operations and Communications

General Operations

The Office of Research Operations and Communications provides strategic leadership and support to the Office of Research and Innovation. The office consists of four units: Strategic Initiatives, Marketing and Outreach, Education and Training, and Human Resources.



Genevieve Garland, Ph.D.
Senior Associate Vice Chancellor of Research Development and Operations and Chief of Staff
P: 919.513.6010


Sibyl Smith
Sibyl Smith
Executive Assistant and Office Manager
P: 919.515.6183


Strategic Initiatives

The Strategic Initiatives unit supports the development, planning and implementation of the Office of Research and Innovation’s strategic goals and initiatives. Strategic Initiatives carries out research operations for the division and university. The unit also oversees the Vice Chancellor’s advisory committees and facilitates collaboration with university partners. Strategic Initiatives supports the development and launch of new research programs or initiatives and in building research infrastructure.


Laura Kroeger
Laura Kroeger

Assistant Director for Strategic Initiatives
P: 919.513.3306


Sofia Colon
Sofia Colon

Research Program Specialist
P: 919.513.0942


Marketing and Outreach

The Marketing and Outreach unit is responsible for promoting NC State’s activity and reputation in research and innovation. Marketing and Outreach leads all communications and marketing activities for Research and Innovation and all its units. They also facilitate interactions and joint communications initiatives between Research and Innovation, University Communications and other campus colleges and departments.





Kim Dick
Senior Web Content Manager
P: 919.515.7511



Mitch Sawaia
Research Program Specialist



Matt Simpson
Matt Simpson

Digital Communication Specialist
P: 919.515.4970


Jiyoung Park
Senior Multimedia Designer
P: 919.515.2189



Evan McNeill

Digital Content Coordinator

Education and Training

The Education and Training unit develops and implements education and training programs to serve the research community. Education and Training supports campus initiatives by linking educational activities directly to long-term strategic goals and applying various techniques to improve the quality and relevance of education and training for the research and innovation community across NC State University.



Kyle Mullaney
Kyle Mullaney
Director of Education and Training


Amy Baker
Amy Flippin
Instructional Designer
P: 919.515.1287




Human Resources



Heidi Barberan
Director of Human Resources
P: 919.515.4517


Roxane Wheeler
Human Resources Specialist
P: 919.515.6115


Sara Afeef
Human Resources Specialist