As Syracuse University’s largest school with over 300 faculty spanning the sciences, mathematics and humanities, the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) is a key contributor to the University’s R1 Carnegie designation, signifying very high research activity. In 2023 alone, A&S’ research and related expenditures exceeded $19 million. While funded research keeps faculty on the cutting edge of their fields, there are many administrative duties related to managing their grant awards. To support A&S researchers in the fulfillment of these duties, the College has named Behrang (Ben) Samadi as the inaugural director of research administration.

According to A&S Associate Dean for Research Stephen Maisto, by assisting faculty throughout the grant process, this new position aims to reduce some of faculty’s non-research activity, allowing more time and resources to focus on their research or scholarship.

“There are many administrative aspects both in applying for research funding and in managing awards,” says Maisto. “Ben will assist A&S faculty in all phases of pre- and post-award project administration and management.”

Samadi will work closely with faculty to bring their research ideas to fruition and effectively execute their sponsored projects by:

• partnering with principal investigators to anticipate and resolve any administrative challenges that may arise throughout grant lifecycles to ensure compliance with funder and other requirements and maximize efficiency in grant operations;
• partnering with the Office of Sponsored Programs on faculty grant proposals to ensure complete and on-time submission; and
• overseeing fiscal administration and financial reporting of research grants in concert with College budget staff and the Office of Sponsored Accounting.

Samadi, who started on April 15, comes to A&S from Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation, one of Malaysia’s highest rated private universities, where he was a project manager, program leader and associate professor of marketing and management. Through his dual roles as a project manager and professor, he is versed in both the business and academic aspects of higher education. In addition to his background in business analysis, stakeholder management and strategic planning, Samadi also has expertise in securing research funding, leading research teams and publishing work in high-impact journals – skills that will serve him well in this new position, notes Maisto.

“Based on his extensive experience working in a similar role at other universities and the high level of praise for the quality of his work, Ben will be a major asset for our faculty,” says Maisto.

Samadi’s addition affirms A&S’ commitment to supporting faculty and student research. Together with Melissa Whipps and Sarah Workman, directors of proposal development in A&S and the University’s Office of Research, their efforts will continue to further the research mission of the College and University by increasing the volume, scope, success and management of grants.

Learn more about A&S Research.