Appointment of Interim Directors within Strategic Research Development and Animal Care Services

David P. Norton, Vice President for Research

UF Research is pleased to announce two new appointments within the leadership team.  Beginning August 7, 2023, Dr. Irene Cooke, Assistant Vice President for Research, will assume the role of Interim Director of Strategic Research Development for UF Research.  The Strategic Research Development unit identifies sponsored research opportunities, provides education and training in proposal development, and facilitates large interdisciplinary research initiatives within the UF community.  Dr. Cooke joined UF in 2012 as Director of Research Compliance for UF Research.  Since 2017, she has served as the Executive Director of Animal Care Services.  As Interim Director of Strategic Research Development, Dr. Cooke fills an important role within UF Research left vacant with the departure of Dr. Sobha Jaishankar earlier this year.

With Dr. Cooke’s transition to Strategic Research Development, UF Research is appointing Dr. Laura Eurell as the Interim Executive Director of Animal Care Services.  Dr. Eurell joined Animal Care Services as a veterinarian in 2011, becoming the Attending Veterinarian for the University of Florida in 2022.    She will continue as Attending Veterinarian.  Please join me in thanking Drs. Irene Cooke and Laura Eurell for their willingness to serve UF in these new roles.