The Office of Research and the Office of Public Affairs are working together to help faculty members increase research opportunities and communicate the results.

This fall, the two offices will begin using a common database to gather and organize information from faculty members about areas of research and expertise. Francis Otuonye, associate vice president for Research and Graduate Studies, says this effort will provide a better flow of information into the Research Office, which could increase funding opportunities.

"As new faculty members join our university each year and inform us of their research activities and interests, we will be able to organize that information and access it more efficiently," says Otuonye.

The Office of Research, which reports to the vice president for Academic Affairs, serves as a focal point for matters relating to research and similar scholarly activities. It provides information about sources of support and background material for proposals, assists faculty in proposal development reviews, approves proposals for submission to funding agencies and executes awarded contracts.

Mark Lynam, who helps coordinate efforts to match faculty with available funding and support, encourages new faculty members to submit information.

"This database allows new faculty members to enter information about themselves when they arrive on campus," says Lynam. "In the near future, we will also work to update information already entered by current faculty members."

The Office of Public Affairs disseminates information about research and scholarly work to various audiences through publications and media relations. The database is also a source used by our News Bureau to keep abreast of faculty expertise on campus.

New faculty members are encouraged to learn more about adding themselves to the database by reading the two-page handout included in the orientation packet or by entering information online. Current faculty members will be receiving update forms later in the year.

To access the online form, go to www.tntech.edu/research or www.tntech.edu/publicaffairs (follow the link "Experts Guide," then "Submit to Guide").