A 2019 study out of the Department of Environmental Science and Studies used spore traits in dust to track long-distance aerial dispersal of microbes. (DePaul University/Jamie Moncrief)
Recognized as an R2, or high-research-activity, institution of higher education, DePaul embraces a teacher-scholar model focusing on the interrelationships between teaching, research, scholarship and creative endeavors. To offer the campus community a higher level of service and support, the Office of Research Services has welcomed Jyrell Keys as DePaul's new director of award management.
Jyrell Keys is DePaul's new director of award management.
Keys is a DePaul alumnus with a master's degree in curriculum studies. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in organizational leadership. Keys previously worked at Northwestern University as the manager for research administrative services. He served as the lead research administrator for various faculty across the Feinberg School of Medicine. He has worked with both federal and non-federal funding opportunities, ensuring all applicable internal and external requirements are met.
“It is an important practice to spend ample time and effort to be reflective about the work being accomplished," Keys says. “This can allow for assessment of services, policies and procedures that not only can enhance operational efficiency but also create an environment with a focus on continual reflection and improvement."
In his new role, Keys is responsible for the administration of external grants and contracts, including the monitoring of regulations and expenditures, coordination of internal reviews, the assurance of compliance with federal, agency and university guidelines and budget negotiations. He also will serve as the university liaison with external granting agencies, working in collaboration with principal investigators, accounting and financial services.
The Office of Research Services has also formalized a strategic plan to further reinforce the following goals of Grounded in Mission and continue its support of advancing research and innovation at DePaul:
- Increase external funding;
- Create high-impact training and educational communities;
- Enhance support for innovation, technology transfer and commercialization;
- Encourage a culture of innovation and research;
- Expand and enhance student research support;
- Embed digital transformation into the future of research administration; and
- Improve branding and communication.
Read more about this strategic plan on
the Office of Research Services' website.