Council on Research
The Council on Research advises the Office of Research & Economic Development on a variety of research issues, and provides funding for internal awards recognizing excellence in research at LSU.
LSU is Louisiana’s flagship institution for research and plays a leading role as a catalyst for change in the State, nation and world. University researchers are at the forefront in developing new technology, scholarships and programs, providing education and training for the State’s population, and developing a new generation of leadership to take Louisiana into the next century.
As a public Carnegie designated R1 (Very High Research Activity) University in Louisiana, LSU has more than 2,000 sponsored research projects underway at any given time. In order to provide effective leadership and progressive assistance, the Council on Research serves the Office of Research & Economic Development in an advisory capacity. The Council is concerned with increasing the sponsored program funding, facilitating research and creative efforts and ensuring that LSU’s organized research and public service units are models of excellence.
Mission Statement
“ The Council on Research at Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College is a catalyst for discovery, knowledge and progress. Guided by its longstanding commitment to the highest standards of excellence in the support of research and learning, the Council pledges to provide the stewardship necessary to sustain and strengthen the University’s capabilities and to promote the use of those capabilities in service to society. ”
Faculty Award Programs
The Council on Research recognizes faculty excellence in research through two award programs, the Rainmaker Award and Distinguished Research Master Award.
Nominations are accepted during the Fall semester through the ORED Internal Grants Portal.
Council on Research Membership
Members of the Council on Research are nominated by their respective dean to the VP for Research & Economic Development, and represent their college on relevant matters. Generally, members are tenured faculty who maintain an active research, scholarly, or creative agenda, serving a three-year term.
Council Members
Udeni Balasuriya
Professor
Department of Veterinary Medicine
Dorin Boldor
Professor
Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering
Maheshi Dassanayake *Chair
Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Rodrigo Diaz
Associate Professor
Department of Entomology
Jun Heo
Professor
School of Mass Communication
Neil Johannsen
Professor
Department of Kinesiology
Chunyan Li
Professor
Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences
Slawomir Lomnicki
Associate Professor Department of Environmental Sciences
Heather McKillop *Chair Fall '24
Professor
Department of Geography & Anthropology
Kelley Pace
Professor
Department of Finance
John Pardue
Professor
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Raymond Pingree
Professor
School of Mass Communication
Alissa Rowe
Associate Professor
School of Music
Subramaniam Sathivel
Professor
Department of Nutrition & Food Science
James Stoner *Chair Spring '24
Professor
Department of Political Science
Scott Sullivan
Professor
School of Law
Shannon Walsh
Professor
School of Theatre
Ex-Officio Members
Robert R. Twilley
Vice President
Office of Research & Economic Development
Stephania Cormier
Associate Vice President
Office of Research & Economic Development
John Flake
Associate Vice President
Office of Research & Economic Development
Janna Oetting
Associate Vice President
Office of Research & Economic Development
William Shelton
Special Assistant to the Vice President
Office of Research & Economic Development
Graca Vicente
Special Assistant to the Vice President
Office of Research & Economic Development