I just left the Executives Luncheon for the UNO Research and Technology Park. I believe this was the first luncheon and it brought together the staff of the UNO Research and Technology Foundation, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, the Deans of the Colleges and the executives of the businesses located in the Research Park. It was very successful and should increase research and internship opportunities for our faculty and students.

The University of New Orleans has been selected to receive a grant worth approximately $280,000 from the Department of Defense to buy state-of-the-art defense research equipment. The grant will be used to support an Office of Naval Research project in which UNO researchers are designing and building a new type of robotic “eel” that is capable of operating in shallow water environments where Navy personnel could be at risk. UNO is the only university in Louisiana to receive a portion of the $54.7 million in grants given to 100 universities through the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program. The PI is Professor Brandon Taravella.

A couple of recommendations under "Recognize and Reward Translational Scientists" might be of interest to the faculy. Under the recommendations to individual scientists they suggest that faculty be aware of tenure expectations, clearly articulate their career goals, and negotiate department concurence. Having served on the university promotion and tenure committee I find this to be valuable advice. Translational research often crosses boundaries or resides in unusual surroundings. As a result, the promotion and tenure decision is complicated because the research and publications are often outside of the "mainstream". The faculty member needs to make sure that the committee(s) value the research and subsequent "journals" and not assume that normal processes are sufficient.