The Office of Research Administration supports the School of Pharmacy’s research mission by managing pre- and post-award processes, facilitating faculty collaborations, and fostering innovation.

Our team oversees a robust portfolio that includes more than 200 proposals annually and more than $36 million in sponsored funding.

Working closely with internal research centers and key external partners, including the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Maryland, College Park, we help position the School as a national leader in pharmacy research and innovation.

What We Do

  • Pre-Award Management: Proposal development, submission, and compliance oversight.
  • Post-Award Management: Financial tracking, reporting, and ensuring sponsor requirements are met.
  • Research Partnerships: Facilitating collaborative projects with leading academic and industry partners.
  • Innovation Support: Assisting with licensing, intellectual property, and startup formation.
  • Research Centers and Facilities: Oversight of core research infrastructure and specialized centers.

Our Priorities

  • Standardize and streamline research administration processes.
  • Enhance professional development and cross-training for staff.
  • Strengthen research collaborations and partnerships.
  • Drive innovation with a goal of 10+ new patents and 5+ startups by 2030.
  • Achieve a Top 10 national research ranking by 2030.

Leadership

Fengtian Xue, PhD, Associate Dean for Research
Represents the School of Pharmacy in university-wide research initiatives and directs research strategy, translational projects, and faculty support.

Nicole Derr, MBA, Director, Research Administration
Leads all administrative operations related to research funding and compliance.

Our Team

  • Caitlyn Merwin, Senior Contracts and Grants Specialist
  • Steve Richards, Senior Contracts and Grants Specialist
  • Sandy Daniels, Senior Contracts and Grants Specialist
  • Trudy Robinson, Administrative Manager
  • Lijun Wang, Senior Contracts and Grants Specialist
  • Chen Zhou, Accountant

Contact

Fengtian Xue, PhD, at fxue@rx.umaryland.edu.