SDSU Research Foundation Company Profile

Background

Established in 1943, the San Diego State University Research Foundation (SDSURF) is a non-profit auxiliary organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the research, education, and community service objectives of San Diego State University (SDSU). As the largest auxiliary within the California State University system, SDSURF plays a pivotal role in facilitating SDSU's research endeavors.

Mission: To support and further the research, education, and community service objectives of San Diego State University.

Vision: To foster a culture of creativity and collaboration with integrity and respect for individuals, resulting in the delivery of superior service to support the university’s strategic aspirations.

Core Values:

• Service: Commitment to providing superior support to the university community to achieve SDSU’s goals.

• Collaboration: Engaging with stakeholders and employees to identify issues and design solutions.

• Innovation: Seeking inspired solutions to improve and adapt to emerging opportunities and challenges.

• Diversity: Promoting a culture of respect and acceptance of everyone.

• Integrity: Acting with the highest ethical standards, with honesty, integrity, and transparency.

Key Strategic Focus

SDSURF's strategic focus centers on facilitating and managing SDSU's expansive research enterprise. This includes providing comprehensive grant lifecycle services such as proposal budgeting and submission, award administration, human resources, payroll, purchasing services, and offering facilities to house research projects. The foundation ensures compliance with federal, state, CSU, and SDSU regulations, ensuring that funds are appropriately utilized to achieve sponsor objectives.

Financials and Funding

In the fiscal year 2023-2024, SDSU researchers secured a record-breaking total of over $229.8 million in grants awarded to the university and SDSURF for research, scholarship, and creative activities. This marked the third consecutive year of record research funding, with a nearly 20% increase compared to the previous year. The foundation administers approximately 1,500 active grants and contracts, reflecting its significant role in managing substantial research funding.

Pipeline Development

SDSURF supports a diverse range of research projects across various disciplines. Notable areas include health disparities in Hispanic, multilingual, and LGBTQ+ communities, environmental monitoring influencing policy recommendations, and advancements in energy efficiency and cybersecurity. These projects are often funded by prestigious organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, contributing to SDSU's reputation as a leading research institution.

Technological Platform and Innovation

SDSURF facilitates the development and commercialization of innovative technologies through its Technology Transfer Office (TTO). The TTO manages the protection of SDSU's research-based intellectual property and seeks to commercialize it through licensing to existing businesses and startups. Additionally, the foundation supports the ZIP Launchpad, an on-campus incubator that assists SDSU students, staff, and faculty in launching startup companies, thereby fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Leadership Team

• Hala Madanat: Vice President for Research and Innovation. Oversees SDSU's expansive research enterprise, supporting the development of the Mission Valley Innovation District and leading research advancement, support services, and technology transfer efforts.

• Michèle G. Goetz: Associate Vice President and CEO of SDSU Research Foundation. Responsible for the overall leadership, management, and operation of SDSURF, including facilities planning and management, human resources, risk management, sponsored research services, finance and operations, information systems, and communications.

• John Crockett: Associate Vice President for Research Advancement. Works with investigators and research teams to transform research concepts into funded projects, supporting faculty in building cross-organizational teams for large-scale projects.

• Mark Reed: Senior Associate Vice President for Research. Promotes and facilitates research, scholarship, and creative activities at SDSU through collaboration with faculty and administrators, improving planning, management, and administration of research infrastructure and programs.

• Rick Gulizia: Assistant Vice President for Research Support Services. Manages research authorization processes, ensuring compliance with legal and safety standards, and supports various compliance committees.

• Laura Buffard: Associate Vice President, Innovation. Oversees initiatives related to innovation and entrepreneurship, supporting the development of viable business models for faculty innovations.

• Cathy Pucher: Executive Director, Entrepreneurship Initiatives. Leads the ZIP Launchpad, supporting SDSU students, staff, and faculty in launching startup companies.

• Tommy Martindale: Director, Technology Transfer Office. Manages the protection and commercialization of SDSU's research-based intellectual property.

• Natasha Bliss: Director, Strategic Initiatives. Oversees strategic initiatives to advance SDSU's research and innovation goals.

• Sarah White: Director, Research Communications. Leads communication efforts to promote SDSU's research and innovation activities.