The Vice President for Research and Graduate Education promotes research, sponsored programs, and graduate education across the full spectrum of academic disciplines and interdisciplinary activities carried out by UNC’s sixteen university campuses. He helps advocate for increased levels of external support from federal, state, and private sources and works closely with UNC General Administration staff and campus administration  to support a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship and to develop research and sponsored program agendas that are supportive of the mission of each.

Ms. Smith provides UNC General Administration and constituent institutions with a range of pre- and post- award services for externally funded projects. Services include identification of potential funding sources, direction of the grant application process, support for adherence to a variety of compliance activities, and provision of training and support.

Dr. Thornton coordinates multi-campus efforts to improve research administration in areas of strategic importance, including centers and institutes, technology transfer, and inter-institutional collaborations. She also manages responses to external requests regarding research expertise across the University, as well as levels and sources of funding.

Ms. Wallace directs implementation and usage of web-based sponsored research administration tools at UNC's sixteen universities. Manages responses to requests for information on UNC sponsored research and related data. 

Ms. Bhakta serves as the applications programmer for electronic sponsored research administration tools, including RAMSeS.  Sweta consults with campus users, provides technical support, and develops and implements technical solutions. 

Ms. Rich maintains the appointment calendar for the Vice President for Research and assists with scheduling meetings and coordinating meeting materials, audio/visual presentations, location, travel, and budget. She also manages listservs and contact information for Chief Research Officers, SPARC contacts, and technology transfer officers.

Ms. Wright works closely with Sarah Smith, Director of Sponsored Programs, to support sponsored program efforts at UNC General Administration.