The Office of the Vice President for Research will recognize 12 staff members from across the university for their significant contributions to the University of Michigan’s research enterprise.

This year’s recipients represent nine schools, colleges and units from across the university. Awardees will also receive a $1,000 personal honorarium.

“Our staff members are a driving force of everything we do as a research organization,” said Arthur Lupia, vice president for research and innovation. “We are able to achieve exceptional things because we have exceptional people at every level of our organization. I am very grateful for their incredible dedication and skill in supporting our collective mission to serve the world through research.”

Since OVPR launched its Research Staff Recognition Awards in 2001, nearly 140 U-M staff have been awarded for their expertise and commitment to the university’s research activities and operations.

The award recipients listed below will be honored at the Research Awards Celebration on May 14 in the Michigan League.

Research Staff Leadership Recognition Award

David Howell, director of University of Michigan Operations for the American National Election Studies and director of Studies for the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems, Institute for Social Research

Research Study Coordinator/Manager Staff Recognition Award

Kristen Pickup, clinical research coordinator lead, Medical School

Research Associate/Assistant/Technician Recognition Award

Lily Johns, research associate, School of Public Health

Research Data Management & Analysis Staff Recognition Award

C. Ann Vitous, lead research specialist, School of Information

Julie Gilbert, database administrator senior, School of Public Health

Research Staff Support Recognition Award

Gabriel Harp, director of research and creative practice, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning

Research Cores/Facilities Staff Recognition Award

Shawn Wright, lead engineer in research, College of Engineering

Research Administrator Recognition Award 

Melissa Wallace, research administrator lead, Institute for Social Research

Outstanding New Research Administrator Recognition Award

Rebecca Wren, research administrator, Office of Research, UM-Dearborn

Excellence in Research Safety Staff Recognition Award

Lisa Steiner, animal safety coordinator, Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine

OVPR Exceptional Staff Recognition Award

Nicole Sitek, assistant director, Office of National Labs, OVPR

OVPR Research Leadership Recognition Award 

Henry Dyson, director of faculty honorifics, OVPR

This year’s selection committee included Carly Bower, Tiffany Brutus, Neil Carver, Vess Clarke, John Corthell, Erin Czarniak, Peter Eldred, Janet Follo, Kim Gaedeke, Andy Satkowiak and Alena Stocking, with staff support from Angela Snow.