Dear OSU students, faculty and staff,
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Irem Tumer has been selected to serve as Oregon State University’s vice president for research effective immediately. Dr. Tumer brings experience in all aspects of the university’s research enterprise to the vice president role. She has a strong record of advocacy for excellence in scholarship and creative activity, and is a proven leader in supporting innovation, developing deep partnerships and maximizing the university’s impact.
Dr. Tumer has served as interim vice president for research since October 2018.
As vice president, Dr. Tumer supports and advances OSU’s research and innovation enterprise and works with other leaders and faculty across the institution to advance the benefits of research activity to serve Oregon, the nation and world.
Since her interim appointment, Dr. Tumer has worked to enhance a research environment that promotes creativity, entrepreneurship and collaboration and provides support for university-wide research efforts. She has been engaged in implementing OSU's fourth strategic plan with a focus on affirming our commitment to engaging in exceptional research, discovery, innovation and engagement. Research funding at Oregon State University increased by more than $10 million in the last fiscal year to almost $450 million, setting a university record and marking the third time in four years that OSU’s research awards have totaled more than $400 million.
Prior to her interim appointment, Dr. Tumer led the College of Engineering's Office of Research as associate dean for research. She joined OSU in 2006 as a professor in the School of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (MIME) and a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. She received her undergraduate, master's and doctorate degrees in mechanical engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to joining OSU, she worked as a senior research scientist and program manager at NASA Ames Research Center, where Dr. Tumer formed and led a research group in complex system design and managed multiple research programs.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Tumer on her appointment.
Sincerely,
F. King Alexander
President