Office of Research Affairs
At Rush, the research contributions of faculty generate meaningful publications, values-driven care, lifesaving drugs and leading-edge innovations, ranging from omics-based discoveries to the next breakthrough drug or device. Continuously, our research teams progress toward measured, peer-affirmed outcomes that improve quality of life and our understanding of the human condition.
The Office of Research Affairs, or ORA, exists to partner with faculty and staff as they seek funding, propose clinical studies, establish collaborations, steward funds, submit grants, negotiate industry contracts, and secure patents and licensing agreements. The ORA is headed by Thomas J. Champagne, Jr., MBA, chief research administrator, and has organizational reporting responsibilities to the Office of the Provost (associate provost for research) and the Office of Medical Affairs (vice president and principal business officer) at Rush.
The ORA is comprised of six distinct divisions intent on delivering high-quality service, support and counsel to the Rush research enterprise, faculty, staff and students. The divisions of the ORA, along with their respective leaders, include the following:
- Clinical Research Administration Allecia A. Harley, MPH
- Innovation & Technology Transfer Jay Vijayan, PhD, MBA
- Institutional Animal Care and Use Jeffrey P. Oswald, DVM
- Research Regulatory Operations Mary Jane Welch, DNP, APRN
- Sponsored Programs Administration Jennifer L. Garcia, BS
- Technologies Supporting Research Karl L. Oder, MS, MSRA
As Rush continues to invest more in the success of our faculty researchers, we are increasing our sponsored award base, adding research participants, investing in technologies, establishing new core facilities, strengthening research protections, and continuing to invest in state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. All of us in the Office of Research Affairs look forward to working with our faculty researchers as we continue on Rush’s strategic path forward.
Are you interested in volunteering for research work opportunities at Rush?