The University Innovation Council is charged with developing and implementing the application process for the The Explorer Challenge 2.0, formerly known as the Strategic Innovation Fund. The cross-campus, interdisciplinary group will initially review and provide feedback on project pre-proposals and final proposals. The work of the Innovation Council is being coordinated by Dr. Jeanne Hossenlopp, Vice President for Research and Innovation.

Innovation Council Responsibilities:

• Review and edit the application process for the Explorer Challenge 2.0 
• Review and provide feedback on project proposals, including staffing office hours and workshops 
• Participate as a judge during the Explorer Challenge 2.0 pitch competition in the Spring
• The council meets monthly during the academic year

Innovation Council Members:

• Jack Goods, Marketing & Communication
• Nil Lodh, Faculty, Medical Laboratory Science
• Fikiri Deogratias, SJ, MBA & PhD student
• Shengtong Han, Faculty, Dental School
• Sarah Kluth, Graduate Student, Accounting
• Blake Ward, Staff, Information Technology
• Kelly Albrecht, Staff, Student Development
• John Wright, Faculty, Management
• Jacob Barnes, MBA Student
• Dinesh Sabu, Faculty, Communication
• Erin Folstad, Staff, Research & Sponsored Programs
• Mark Wozny, Staff, Information Technology
• Matt Prigge, Faculty, Library
• Julie Knox, Staff, Information Technology
• Nathan Hammons, Faculty, Law School
• Lee Za Ong, Faculty, Dental School
• Sara Spragg, Staff, Research and Innovation