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
Dorin Boldor
Professor
Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering
Maheshi Dassanayake *Co-Chair Fall '25
Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Jong Ham
Associate Professor
Department of Plant Pathology & Crop Physiology
Neil Johannsen
Professor
Department of Kinesiology
Seetharma Jois
Professor
Department of Comparative Pathobiological Sciences
Edward Laws
Professor
Department of Environmental Science
Charles Lee
Professor
Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences
Slawomir Lomnicki
Associate Professor
Department of Environmental Sciences
Heather McKillop *Co-Chair Fall '25
Professor
Department of Geography & Anthropology
Kelley Pace
Professor
Department of Finance
Hyojung Park
Professor
Department of Mass Communication
Raymond Pingree
Professor
Department of Mass Communication
Witoon Prinyawiwatkul
Professor
Department of Nutrition & Food Sciences
Tracy Quirk
Associate Professor
Oceanography & Coastal Sciences
Caprice Roberts
Professor
Department of Law
Alissa Rowe
Associate Professor
Department of Music
Darius Spieth
Professor
Department of Art History
James Stoner
Professor
Department of History
Shannon Walsh
Associate 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