Written by: Roshni Singh, Career Stories team
From Principal Investigator to Research Development Leader
In the April 2026 career stories, we had the opportunity to speak with Carol Thornber, who highlighted her journey from being a PI to an RD expert. Carol, currently the Dean of the School for the Environment at University of Massachusetts Boston, started as a junior faculty member navigating the cycle of writing, submitting, and revising grant proposals. With multiple grants to write and the disconnection with the grant knowledge, she found the RD office very helpful and eventually transitioned into a role working closely with the RD office, reporting to the Vice President for Research and Economic Development. With this new role, Carol discovered that supporting researchers and removing barriers to success fulfilled a professional need she had not previously recognized. Hence, she stayed in RD, expanding her office to support 300-400 grad and undergrad students.
With her faculty network, Carol was able to build trust with the faculty members by inviting RD staff to faculty meetings, meeting new faculty, meeting individual leaders/Deans, and asking what they needed for their school.
Carol emphasized that with federal funding uncertainty, the RD support is needed more than ever to pull proposals together successfully and keep all parts moving in the right direction. However, her proximity to state offices, the governor’s office, and her relationship with state and city-wide officials have made the job a little easier, allowing faculty to pivot to focus on statewide opportunities.
A longtime NORDP member, she credits the organization with helping her find a welcoming professional community through mentoring programs, annual meetings, and service opportunities. Looking ahead, she believes research development professionals can play an even greater role as trusted connectors between faculty and institutional leadership, particularly during times of funding uncertainty. Her advice is simple: build trust, listen carefully to faculty needs, and remember that research advancement is always a team effort.
When reflecting on her legacy, she points first to the many graduate students she has mentored throughout her faculty career. Seeing former students succeed in academia, industry, and public service remains one of her most meaningful accomplishments. Their achievements represent a lasting impact that extends far beyond her own research and scholarship.
Carol is happy to answer any questions you have for her so please feel free to contact her at Carol.Thornber@umb.edu
NORDP News 