Devan Ray Donaldson, associate professor of information science for the Department of Information and Library Science at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, has been selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Enhanced Mentoring Program with Opportunities for Ways to Excel in Research Program at Indiana University’s Bloomington campus.
The EMPOWER program supports minoritized faculty to become successful in sponsored research and scholarly activity, and to achieve personal growth and advancement.
The one-year program sustains mentorship opportunities through grants, and is designed to help participants achieve career goals.
“There seems to be multiple programs and support for promotion from assistant to associate professor, but comparatively fewer programs and support for promotion from associate to full professor,” Donaldson said. “Being able to participate in the inaugural cohort of the EMPOWER program on the IUB campus is truly a Godsend.”
Donaldson’s goal is to reach the rank of full professor. A mentor, Titus K. Schleyer, professor of medicine at the IU School of Medicine, will provide assistance in achieving a high level of excellence in sponsored research. Donaldson will work with Schleyer to develop a plan for external funding on at least one grant proposal.
“To have Titus be willing to take time out of his demanding schedule to mentor me means a lot,” Donaldson said. “When I first looked at his CV, I was astounded by all his accomplishments. I am excited to learn from his stellar research career. In particular, I hope to learn from his model of how to attain a career with high external grant activity.”
Donaldson’s research focuses on researcher perceptions of data quality in electronic health record reuse.
"One reason Devan's work is so important is that it has high practical relevance for any and all efforts to reuse electronic health data for research," Schleyer said. "The insights he will be generating are essential for larger initiatives such as the Indiana Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the IU Research Data Commons, because he will help us create more value from this type of research."
EMPOWER is supported by the IU Research Office and theOffice of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs.
“I am very proud that Devan received this award,” said Noriko Hara, professor of Information Science and chair Information and Library Science. “It will help him advance his research and excel at Luddy. ILS is lucky to have him.”