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March 8, 2023

Getting to know: Research Administrator Lisa Vaughn

Lisa Vaughn joins the Division of Engineering Research

For Lansing resident Lisa Vaughn, being at Michigan State University has always been the silver lining. 

Photo of Lisa Vaughn
Lisa Vaughn

“I wanted to be a part of this entity that is the cutting edge of technology, research and resources,” she said. “It is an honor to be a part of it.”

Vaughn is a new staff addition in the Division of Engineering Research (DER) in the College of Engineering. She is excited to work directly alongside faculty in her role as research administrator.

“Right now, I am working with principal investigators that have submitted proposals for grant funding.  My responsibility is to enhance their success of receiving external funding.”

The DER office has eight staff members under Director Alex Delavan.

Vaughn joined the team in January from Child and Family Charities in Lansing, where she served as a program assistant, billing specialist, and human resources associate. While the positions were in a different field, Vaughn said her transition to research associate has been smooth. 

“It’s bringing my skill set and collaborating with the DER team to ensure we are in compliance with university and sponsor requirements,” she said. “Even though I’m not an engineer, I was drawn to the mission and what can be accomplished through research,” she said. “I feel like I’m part of something bigger.”

Vaughn is a graduate of Northwood University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in business administration. When not at work, she spends time with her husband, three children and their family dog. She is currently president of her children’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).

Written by Lia Bergin, student writer in MSU Engineering Marketing and Communications.

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