Centers and Institutes

The African American Research and Service Institute provides a framework and an interdisciplinary group of faculty from most of the university's colleges to conduct research and establish community dialogue in the areas of public education, health, and multicultural heritage.

Gary Holcomb, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Department of African Studies

Bentley Annex 311
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-1308; holcomb@ohio.edu

In September 2004, Ohio University 's Board of Trustees authorized the establishment of the Astrophysical Institute (ApI). The creation of the ApI recognizes the growth in astrophysical research at the university and will facilitate plans to increase Ohio University 's national and international reputation in this field. The astrophysics group in the Department of Physics and Astronomy has improved the university's astronomy curriculum, involved increasing numbers of undergraduate and graduate students in research, and forged a vigorous collaboration of faculty with active research programs that make use of major telescopes around the world and in space.

Doug Clowe, Ph.D., Director

Clippinger 333
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-0063; clowe@ohio.edu

The Charles J. Ping Institute for the Teaching of the Humanities supports activities involved in the teaching of the humanities. The Institute was founded in honor of President Emeritus and Trustee Professor of Philosophy and Education, Dr. Charles J. Ping.

Fred K. Drogula, Director

Ellis Hall 242
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 597-2102; drogula@ohio.edu

The Center for Law, Justice & Culture is an interdisciplinary academic community dedicated to advancing scholarship and teaching by integrating programs and uniting faculty and students who share a common interest in law's constitutive and formative role in cultural, political, and social life. For faculty, the center advances research excellence by fostering collaboration, grant acquisition, mentorship, and professional relationships with national leaders in the field. For students, the center provides opportunities to study law and justice from a liberal arts perspective, bringing together interdisciplinary viewpoints from anthropology, criminology, political science, sociology, and other departments across the social sciences and humanities.

Kevin Uhalde, Ph.D., Director

Bentley Annex 423
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-0220; lawcenter@ohio.edu

The Center for Intervention Research in Schools (CIRS) is dedicated to conducting cutting-edge research and providing innovative training experiences for students interested in clinical child psychology. Our research focuses on the evaluation of school-based interventions for youth with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other disruptive behavior problems, the development of innovative interventions that maximize success for youth and families, and the identification of factors most associated with positive outcomes for youth, families, and schools. The center is committed to providing high-quality training experiences that prepare undergraduate and graduate students to conduct interdisciplinary treatment outcome research. The center is also dedicated to developing collaborative, mutually-beneficial relationships with schools and agencies that simultaneously advance scientific knowledge and address community needs.

Steven Evans, Ph.D., and Julie Sarno Owens, Ph.D., Directors

Porter Hall 200
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio 45701-2979
(740) 597-3236 (toll free: 1-877-724-4241); info@oucirs.org

The Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics was established in 1991 to bring coherence to the several successful but diverse nuclear science activities taking place within the department. The institute is a perfect vehicle for sponsoring joint seminars, inviting visiting scientists, providing matching money for new initiatives with federal funding agencies and national laboratories, and generally promoting and supporting research in these fields.

Julie Roche, Ph.D., Director

Edwards Accelerator bldg. office 206; University Terrace
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-1982; rochej@ohio.edu

The mission of the Ohio Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies is to advance understanding of ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB) through an interdisciplinary learning and research community, by integrating cutting-edge science and technology with undergraduate and graduate education.

The core philosophy of OCEES is that the frontiers of EEB are advanced by integrating diverse conceptual and methodological approaches from different academic disciplines. An interdisciplinary approach stimulates new areas of research and collaboration and increases interchange among diverse faculty and students. Accordingly, the best preparation we can provide our students is engagement in research in integrative biology.

Willem Roosenburg, Ph.D., Director

Life Sciences Building 247
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-9669; roosenbu@ohio.edu

The Institute for Quantitative Biology serves to stimulate and focus interdisciplinary research and training efforts to quantitative biology. The field brings formal mathematical analyses and computer modeling techniques to the study of the complex systems and expanding databases of the life sciences. Participating departments include Biological Sciences, Mathematics, and Physics & Astronomy.

Mitchell Day, Director

Life Sciences Building (LSB) 241
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-4798; daym1@ohio.edu

The Center for Ring Theory and Its Applications will further the study of ring theory, a branch of Abstract Algebra, by promoting the growth and development of collaboration and communications with the external research community and internally through doctoral and master's students.

Sergio Lopez-Permouth, Ph.D., Director

Morton Hall 315e
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-1262; lopez@ohio.edu

The Center for Consumer Research and Analytics provides opportunities for students across the University to engage in high-impact, authentic, learning experiences focused on consumer research projects, many of which will utilize data analytics serving industry partners.

Jacob Hiler, Ph.D., Director
Department of Marketing

Copeland Hall 409B
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-2007; hilerj@ohio.edu

Center for Entrepreneurship*

The Center for Entrepreneurship aims to contribute to Ohio University’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by enhancing entrepreneurial education, university-based entrepreneurial activity and regionally focused venture development in southeast Ohio. The Center for Entrepreneurship and its partners host a wide variety of programs and events encouraging entrepreneurial development on campus and beyond.

Paul Benedict, Executive Director
Department of Management

Alden Library 301
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 707-1303; benedict@ohio.edu

Center for International Business Education and Development*

The Center for International Business was founded in response to increasing globalization in business. It provides life-changing experiences to help students excel in today's diverse and complex business environment.

Andrew Pueschel, Ph.D. SHRM-CP, Director
Department of Marketing

Copeland Hall 601
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(412) 656-3667; pueschel@ohio.edu

The AECOM Center for Sports Administration*

The AECOM Center for Sports Administration is home to the world's best programs for future leaders in sport. The Center was founded to serve as a resource to solve the increasingly difficult issues facing the industry and serves as a platform, bringing together various constituent groups associated with the Ohio University Sports Administration Program.

Matt Cacciato, Executive Director
Department of Sports Administration

Muck Business Annex 304
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 597-9069; cacciato@ohio.edu

Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership*

The Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership provides dynamic leadership and management focused programs designed to help students discover and develop their inner leader.

Jennifer Traxler, D.ODC, Executive Director
Executive in Residence

Department of Management
Copeland Hall 401
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(419)722-5245; traxlerj@ohio.edu

The Ralph and Luci Schey Sales Centre at Ohio University*

The Ralph and Luci Schey Sales Centre at Ohio University's mission is to develop Ohio University students as tomorrow's sales stars and leaders; to support sales leaders with value-added sales research and professional development opportunities; and to enhance the sales profession.

Scott Gregory, Managing Director

Copeland Hall, Suite 209A
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-2193; scottg1@ohio.edu

Adam Rapp, Executive Director

Copeland Hall, Suite 209A
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-9328; rappa@ohio.edu

The Institute for International Journalism (IIJ) is part of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, carrying out many of the school's international initiatives. Its goals are to prepare students to work as international journalists, support research on topics related to international journalism, enhance communication among journalists, students and media scholars, and cooperate with global partners in journalism education.

Jatin Srivastava, Ph.D.
Director, Institute for International Journalism
Professor of Journalism

E. W. Scripps School of Journalism
Scripps Hall 248
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
Tel & Fax: (740) 593-3136; srivastj@ohio.edu

Through opportunities available on air and online, hundreds of students from the Scripps College and across campus work at WOUB each year gaining real-world, hands-on professional development and media training preparing them to get great jobs after graduation.

Mark Brewer

RTVC Building 395E
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-4785; brewer@ohio.edu

The Barbara Geralds Institute for Storytelling and Social Impact's mission is two-fold: (1) to create and tell stories that have social relevance and impact; and, (2) to research all aspects of storytelling from inception, delivery through diverse means, and personal and public reactions to stories. The Storytelling Institute combines the practical art of storytelling with the academic study of narrative activity. It fosters traditional forms of storytelling and also envisions and navigates the future of storytelling in the rapidly changing digital age.

Lynn Harter, Ph.D., Co-Director

Scripps Hall 105 (Send mail to: Schoonover 400)
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 707-9047; harter@ohio.edu

The central purpose of the OHIO Center for Clinical Practice in Education, from 1990s to present, has been to foster and support outreach activities that connect the College with regional schools.

The school/college Partnership addresses five goals that focus on the improvement of classroom teaching, student engagement and student learning, mentoring, and inquiry:

1. To improve P-12 education for all students;
2. To provide increased opportunities and enhanced quality in field experience for prospective teachers in P-12 classrooms;
3. To construct mentoring relationships for prospective teachers as they learn through teaching, in the company of experienced mentor teachers;
4. To support and encourage continuing professional development for faculty and administration in PDS Partnership schools and in the Department of Teacher Education, Human and Consumer Sciences, and Educational Studies at Ohio University;
5. At an organizational level, to learn through Partnerships about how to best develop and strengthen the concept of Partnerships at Ohio University, in order to best support and sustain teacher learning in the interest of student engagement and learning, P-16 and beyond.

Marcy Keifer Kennedy, Director

Patton Hall 125A
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-9989; keiferm1@ohio.edu

The Child Development Center provides developmental childcare.

Kristen Mazzeo Barron, Director

The Ridges, Building 27, Horse Barn Lane
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
740-593-1819; cdc@ohio.edu

(740) 597-2784; mazzeo@ohio.edu

The Institute for Democracy in Education provides research and consultation services to agencies serving historically marginalized and underserved K-12 students, as well as their families and other caregivers. The institute conducts, sponsors, and supports culturally responsive research, program evaluation, and other related work such as providing technical assistance to educators, parent groups, and community organizations.

Linda Fife, Director

Patton Hall 406A
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 597-3364; fife@ohio.edu

The George Hill Center for Counseling & Research is the home of Counselor Education training.

Kristin Chamberlain Ph.D, Director

Patton Hall 432V
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-4460; chamberlain@ohio.edu

The Edward Stevens Center for the Study and Development focuses on literacy and language development initiatives.

Julie Francis, Ph.D., Director

Patton Hall 218
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-0677; literacy@ohiou.edu

Muhammad Ali, Ph.D., Director

Stocker Center 265
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(616)780-2667; alim1@ohio.edu

The Center for Advanced Systems and Transportation Logistics Engineering (CASTLE) serves the manufacturing community, government, and people of Ohio by developing manufacturing software systems integration strategies, systems and technologies and by disseminating the knowledge gained from their evaluation and synthesis.

Felipe Aros-Vera, Ph.D., Director

Stocker Center 277
Ohio University, Athens,OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-0415; aros@ohio.edu

The Avionics Engineering Center is a unique research organization specializing in aviation research. For 60 years, AEC has been active in Communications, Navigation & Landing Systems, and Surveillance (CNS) research for the FAA, NASA, and DOD.

Jay Wilhem, Director

Stocker Center (Need)
Ohio University, Athens,OH 45701-2979
(740) (Need); avionics@ohio.edu

Srdjan Nesic, Ph.D., Director

Stocker Center 181
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-1566; nesic@ohio.edu

The Center for Scientific Computing and Immersive Technologies conducts collaborative research in data science, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, image analysis, immersive technology, computational medicine, and bioinformatics. The CSCIT has an active research program in the field of bioinformatics and computational medicine, with significant research findings pertaining to cancer, tropical disease, diabetes, plant biology, 3-D genome architecture, gene regulation, and neuroscience. Research projects in immersive technology develop new ways of creating, displaying, and interacting with applications, content, and experiences to transform the digital experience by bringing together the virtual with users' sight, sound, and touch.

Lonnie Welch, Ph.D., Co-Director

Stocker Center 354
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-1575; welch@ohio.edu

Chang Liu, Ph.D., Co-Director

Stocker Center 321C
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-14249; liuc@ohio.edu

The Ohio Research Institute for Transportation and the Environment offers a multidisciplinary approach to solving environmental and transportation problems. Areas of research include: Acid mine drainage, field evaluation of bridges and pavements, human factors, noise abatement, Ohio SHRP test pavements, and subsurface exploration.

Issam Khoury, Ph.D., Director 

Stocker Center 222
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-0010; khoury@ohio.edu

The Center for Pipe and Underground Structures  helps solve the major challenges presented to the pipe industry through demands from users/customers, market competitiveness, federal and state environmental regulations, aging infrastructures, and expanding global markets. By aiding industry in developing and testing new designs, manufacturing prototypes, and bringing improved designs to the market, and by educating students for careers in the field of pipes, Ohio University and ORITE occupy a central place in the future of the pipe industry.

Issam Khoury, Ph.D., Director 

Stocker Center 222
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-0010; khoury@ohio.edu

The Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment will help foster partnerships between universities, business, governments, and community groups and will help meet the region's need for economic development and utilization of the region's energy resources while ensuring environmental protection and public health and safety. The Institute integrates the efforts of multiple centers: the Center for Air Quality and the Ohio Coal Research Center, and Biofuels Research Lab.

Jason Trembly, Director

Stocker Center 251
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 566-7046; trembly@ohio.edu

The Center for Air Quality collaborates with regional industries, universities, and government agencies to conduct interdisciplinary applied research in air quality modeling, ambient monitoring, and health risk and emissions data to help improve air quality–and quality of life–for the Midwest region and beyond.

Kevin Crist, Ph.D., Director
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Stocker Engineering Center 159A
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-4751; cristk@ohio.edu

The T. Richard and Eleanora K. Robe Leadership Institute provides a focal point in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology for the understanding of leadership and to promote generally effective leadership among the students, faculty, and administrators of the College.

Greg Kremer, Ph.D., Director

Stocker Center 253
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-1561; kremer@ohio.edu

Ohio Valley Center for Collaborative Arts (CoArts) is devoted to community development through arts-based engagement and social practices. Working with faculty, staff, students, and community partners, CoArts develops applied research and learning projects addressing the priorities of our local communities.

Angela Sprunger, Director
College of Fine Arts

Seigfred Hall 
Athens, OH 45701-2979
sprunger@ohio.edu 

The Appalachian Institute to Advance Health Equity Science (ADVANCE) fosters social science and health services research to promote health equity based on a wide range of social factors and supports research collaboration across Ohio University and with our partners.

Cory Cronin, Ph.D., Director
Department of Social and Public Health

Grover Center W359
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593--0447; croninc@ohio.edu

Berkeley Franz, Ph.D., Associate Director
Department of Social Medicine, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

Irvine Hall 210
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-2137; franzb@ohio.edu

The Diabetes Institute is a collaborative group of research scientists, clinicians, professors, educators, health administrators and students with a common interest in diabetes. The institute stimulates collaborative research across colleges and disciplines at Ohio University in the area of diabetes and strives to create mentors and research opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate training as well as pre-tenured faculty. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those affected by diabetes and related diseases through innovative basic and translational research, progressive clinical care, education and community outreach.

Elizabeth A. Beverly, PhD
Professor
Co-Director of the Diabetes Institute
Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Ralph S. Licklider, D.O.
Endowed Professor in Behavioral Diabetes Department of Primary Care

Ohio University of Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Athens, OH 45701
Office phone: (740) 593-4616
Email: beverle1@ohio.edu

Vishwajeet Puri, Ph.D.
Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Ralph S. Licklider, D.O. Endowed Professor in Diabetes
Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Diabetes Institute
Co-Director, Diabetes Institute

Academic & Research Center 202d
1 Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701 - 2979
Phone: 740-593-2326
Fax: 740-593-1163
E-mail: puri@ohio.edu

The Infectious and Tropical and Disease Institute seeks to improve health through research, disease surveillance, and education.

Mario Grijalva, Ph.D., Director

Irvine Hall 333
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-2530; grijalva@ohio.edu

The Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute whose mission is to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, serves as an interdisciplinary catalyst for cutting-edge research. There are two research “centers” nested under the OMNI umbrella: 1) OMNI’s Center for Healthy Aging, and 2) OMNI’s Injury and Pain Research Center. The research across these centers has an overarching aim of developing interventions that enhance physical function and wellbeing, and ultimately reducing disability and pain-related suffering. 

OMNI investigators direct many pre-clinical and clinical research-based OMNI-affiliated laboratories. The pre-clinical laboratories include, but are not limited to, the Osteoarthritis Research Laboratory, the Skeletal Muscle Function and Physiology Laboratory, the Bone and Experimental Pathology Laboratory, the Functional Neuromuscular Genomics Laboratory, the Biomaterials and Additive Manufacturing Laboratory, the Skeletal Muscle Metabolism Laboratory, and the Functional Morphology, Biomechanics and Physiology of Feeding Laboratory. The clinical research laboratories include, but are not limited to, the Neuromuscular Biomechanics and Health Assessment Laboratory, the Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, the Clinical Psychophysiology Laboratory, the BRAIN Lab, the Social Neuroscience and Pain Laboratory, and the Musculoskeletal and Neuroimaging Research Laboratory. Through partnerships OMNI’s Musculoskeletal and Neuroimaging Research Laboratory has access to a low-tesla, weight bearing MRI as well 1.5 and 3.0 Tesla magnets.  

OMNI is consistently striving towards development of innovative, integrated, and interdisciplinary team-based science that has the potential for bench-to-bedside-to-community impact. OMNI’s active extramural research grants enterprise exceeds $20-30 million. Ten of OMNI’s scientists’ work has been cited more than 2,000 times, and five of OMNI scientists’ have received more than 10,000 citations. Seven OMNI scientists have been ranked in the top 2% of their field based on career long citation (Ioannidis et al., PLoS Biology, 2020). OMNI trainees also have an outstanding record of accomplishments. With many of our trainees having secured many training grants from highly prestigious agencies (e.g., NIH, American Heart Association, etc.), and landing high sought after faculty positions at R1 institutions.

Brian Clark, Ph.D., Director

Irvine Hall 250
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-2354; clarkb2@ohio.edu

The Academic Achievement Center (AAC) offers support services that assist all OHIO students towards improving retention, engagement, and academic performance. The AAC also offers support for students on academic probation.

Elizabeth Fallon, Ph.D., Director of Academic Assistance

Alden Library 230
Ohio University; Athens, OH 45701
(740) 593-2644; aac@ohio.edu

The Institute for Applied and Professional Ethics (IAPE) aims to advance practical ethical and moral understanding and judgment among the students and faculty of Ohio University, the larger academic community, members of the professions, business managers, public officials, policymakers, and the general public, through research and educational activities (such as public lectures, panel discussions, seminars and workshops) promoting interdisciplinary discussion and collaboration. "Applied ethics" is construed as including moral, social, and political philosophy.

Christoph Hanisch, Ph.D., Director

Ellis Hall 212
Athens, OH 45701-2979
hanisch@ohio.edu

The Contemporary History Institute, created in 1987, offers a unique course of interdisciplinary study -- mainly on the graduate level -- in the application of post-1945 history to current policy issues.

Alec Holcombe, Ph.D., Director

Bentley Annex 405
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(510) 366-1260; holcombe@ohio.edu

The Edison Biotechnology Institute combines internationally recognized expertise in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology into an integrated system of basic and applied research for human medical, drug discovery, and agricultural applications.

Shiyong Wu, Ph.D., Director

Konneker Research Laboratories
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-4713; wus1@ohio.edu

The Institute for the Empirical Study of Language is the home for research on the processes of perception, production, and acquisition of language.

Emilia Alonso-Marks, Ph.D., Director
Professor Emerita of Spanish and Latin American Studies

Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 591-4404; markse@ohio.edu

The Nanoscale and Quantum Phenomena Institute is an interdisciplinary institute founded to nurture, spotlight, and formalize nanoscience and nanotechnology research at the university. Participating departments include: Physics & Astronomy, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, and Chemical Engineering.

Saw Hla, Ph.D., Director
Department of Physics and Astronomy

Clippinger Laboratories 139
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979
hla@ohio.edu; URL:http://www.phy.ohio.edu/~hla  

Center for Public and Social Innovation

Faith Knutsen, Director

Ridges Building 19, Room 243
Ohio University; Athens, OH 45701
(740)593-0830; knutsenf@ohio.edu