Crista Brawley named new associate vice president for research

Northwestern today announced that Crista Brawley will join the Office for Research (OR) as an associate vice president, effective Dec. 1. Her responsibilities will include oversight of key areas of research administration, notably the Institutional Review Board (IRB) Office, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Office, and research-related conflict of interest matters. Brawley will report to Vice President for Research Milan Mrksich as part of a senior leadership structure that includes six other associate vice presidents and one senior associate vice president, all of whom bring complementary expertise to support the strategic growth of Northwestern’s research enterprise.

Brawley comes to Northwestern from Rush University Medical Center where she most recently served as vice president for research operations and chief research administrator. In that position, she helped set the direction and strategy for the university’s basic, translational, and clinical research. Among her achievements in this role was establishing a new organizational structure for the institution’s Office of Research Affairs, which supports faculty and staff as they seek funding, propose clinical studies, establish collaborations, negotiate industry contracts, and more.

During her tenure at Rush University, Brawley also served as associate vice president for research regulatory operations, interim director for clinical trials, and interim associate vice president for research operations—roles that oversaw all aspects of research operations and regulatory oversight for departments that performed clinical trials, translational research, and basic science. Previous to these appointments, Brawley was director of cancer clinical trials at Rush, overseeing all operations and research for departments that perform clinical trials in oncology. Before joining Rush, she was director of business operations and research at University of Chicago Medicine’s Transplant Center/Department of Surgery and, earlier, director of research for the Department of Surgery.

“I am very excited to be joining the leadership team within the Office for Research,” Brawley said. “I believe my professional experience will allow me to make a valuable contribution to Northwestern, and I look forward to helping grow and enhance the University’s research mission.”

In addition to her leadership skills, Brawley brings a strong scientific background: She earned a PhD in biochemistry/cellular and molecular biology from Johns Hopkins University and completed postdoctoral studies in the Department of Biochemistry at University of Chicago, during which she earned additional distinction as a student scholar in the Marine Biological Laboratory’s highly competitive summer program. She also has been recognized as a mentor and team-builder. “I lead by example and focus on finding solutions,” Brawley said. “And as a scientist, I am a champion for innovative research and science.”

At Northwestern, Brawley will be responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective operations of critical parts of the research ecosystem. The IRB Office, for example, currently has more than 7,200 active protocols involving about 4,200 researchers. The IACUC Office has more than 1,000 active animal research protocols, while the Conflict of Interest Office supports the research integrity of nearly 4,500 active investigators on more than 10,000 research projects. As an AVP, Brawley also will keep the research leadership team informed about regulatory developments that impact Northwestern research, while maintaining and enhancing compliance with ethical and regulatory requirements.

“We are really excited that Crista Brawley is joining Northwestern to support our research enterprise in this important role,” said VPR Mrksich. “Crista’s knowledge and experience are an exceptional fit to help advance our large research portfolio while also ensuring that our researchers have the resources and expertise to successfully navigate a complex regulatory environment.”

Brawley’s experience includes developing and overseeing large teams in an academic research environment. Her strategic leadership has supported operational and regulatory excellence that spans basic, translational, and clinical research. She also has remained active in professional service and as a mentor, including as a member of the Association of Women in Science, the National Council of University Research Administrators, Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research, and the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA). Brawley is recognized by SoCRA as a Certified Clinical Research Professional.

By Matt Golosinski