Vanessa Richardson

The Burrell College of Health Sciences' Strategic Plan (2025-2029) provides a framework for institutional decision-making and priorities, continuing the college's mission to educate a diverse osteopathic physician and healthcare workforce committed to improving healthcare quality and access in underserved communities. Building on past achievements, the plan outlines five overarching strategic focus areas: Learning Environment, Recruitment and Retention, Student Support, Professional Development and Outreach, and Growth. The plan aims to prepare culturally competent healthcare professionals dedicated to serving underrepresented communities, particularly Native American and Hispanic populations in the Southwest.

The Council reviewed updates regarding Office of Research and Sponsored Programs activities, including the Student Researcher of the Year competition and AOA grant deadlines. Updates were provided on research laboratory management, including capital equipment surveys, facility maintenance, and chemical inventory updates. The Distinction in Research program's progress was also addressed. During the session, the Council evaluated a request for the Student Research Support Fund, which was deferred pending further documentation. Additionally, the Council reviewed 15 Faculty Summer Research Experience applications, approving several projects while deferring others for further information or clarification regarding research objectives and faculty mentorship capacity.

The meeting focused on updates regarding the impact of COVID-19 on research activities, including laboratory operations and the formation of an IRB subcommittee to guide the safe resumption of research. New capital equipment was reported as delivered for the Bioscience Research Lab. Discussions also covered the 2021 Summer Research Experience applications and the allocation of unused funds for lab safety. Additionally, the Council reviewed updates on student research programs, including the Distinction in Research initiative, student training grants, and plans for a Research Town Hall meeting.

The meeting included updates on the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, research laboratory preparations for the Summer Research Experience, and the medical student research program. Key discussions centered on the selection of a distinguished researcher speaker, student townhall scheduling, and the recruitment of judges for the manuscript competition. Additionally, the council reviewed the organizational structure of the research office and discussed proposed amendments to the Strategic Plan to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements, specifically addressing cultural competency, health disparities, and research collaboration between campus locations.

The meeting included announcements regarding upcoming deadlines for summer research proposals, an update on GrantScape research tools, and the implementation of an Ethical Research Oversight Course. The council approved the capital purchase of a ParvoMedics True One Metabolic Measurement System. Discussions were held on developing standard operating procedures for whistleblower policies and updates to existing research laboratory protocols. Additionally, the council reviewed and approved funding for student travel to support a presentation.