Lisa Nichols

Lisa Nichols, who has more than 25 years of experience working in federal, nonprofit and academic research environments, joined OVPR in January 2023 as its Executive Director of Research Security. Lisa oversees several important compliance functions, while playing a lead role in supporting U-M faculty with international research and other sponsored activities.

She provides administrative oversight of the following OVPR units and activities: Conflict of Interest, Export Controls, Research Information Security and U-M’s facility security/classified program. Lisa also works closely with U-M leaders to coordinate universitywide efforts around promoting international research collaborations in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws, regulations, policies and guidance.

Lisa advises the OVPR Leadership Team and U-M compliance administrators on national trends and enforcement activities impacting the research enterprise, including those involving international activities. She also drafts policies and procedures to implement research integrity, security and compliance requirements.

Lisa received a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Purdue University, and she previously served as the Senior Director of Sponsored Research Programs and Research Security at the University of Pennsylvania.