Hamernik named interim associate vice chancellor for research

Deb Hamernik
Deb Hamernik

Deb Hamernik, who currently serves as an associate dean for the Agricultural Research Division, has been appointed interim associate vice chancellor for research effective June 1.

As interim associate vice chancellor for research, she will lead faculty development efforts related to research, create opportunities for faculty to network with funding agencies, collaborate with departments and colleges to facilitate strategic planning for research initiatives and oversee UNL’s research compliance efforts.

Kimberly Andrews Espy, current associate vice chancellor of research, is leaving UNL in June to become vice president for research and innovation at the University of Oregon. A national search for a permanent associate vice chancellor of research will begin this summer.

Hamernik is a professor of animal science and joined ARD in 2008. She has extensive experience administering external research funding, working with federal agencies and building interdisciplinary research teams. Previously, she held various roles with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, most recently as national program leader in the animal systems division of USDA’s Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service. She was a scientific review administrator with the National Institutes of Health and, earlier in her career, held faculty positions at the University of Arizona and UNL.

A native Nebraskan, Hamernik has a bachelor’s degree in animal science from UNL, a master’s degree in animal science from Washington State University and a doctorate in reproductive endocrinology from Colorado State University.

"Dr. Hamernik has a wealth of research and administrative experience and knows UNL well. We’re grateful that she has agreed to take on this leadership role for our university," said Prem S. Paul, vice chancellor for research and economic development. “We also wish Dr. Espy the best in her new role and are grateful for her great work at UNL."