Joanna Downer, PhD, Associate Dean for Research Development in the School of Medicine, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP). Formed in 2010, NORDP is dedicated to building and supporting a community of research development professionals whose work advances, strengthens, and grows their institutions’ research enterprise. Dr. Downer’s term is effective now and will end in 2023. She has been a member of NORDP since 2010 and has served as co-chair of the Professional Development Committee since 2016.
Earlier this year, Dr. Downer was named a 2019 Rising Star by the organization in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the organization and great potential for future contributions to the organization and the research development profession. In 2009, Dr. Downer founded the Duke University School of Medicine’s Office of Research Development, which is charged with facilitating large multi-investigator grant applications. Since its founding, the office has supported more than 150 complex research grant applications resulting in more than $411 million in awards to date, with tens of millions still in review.