We are pleased to announce that Dr. Veena Naik joined Tarleton State University as the Senior Research Compliance Administrator. In this role, she will lead the university’s comprehensive research integrity and compliance portfolio, overseeing key programs such as IRB, IACUC, IBC, research ethics and misconduct, and financial conflicts of interest.
Dr. Naik comes to us with over 15 years of expertise in veterinary medicine, biomedical research and research compliance. She began her career as a veterinary clinician and faculty member, leveraging a solid academic foundation that includes a DVM, an M.S. and a Ph.D. in veterinary medicine.
As a senior fellow in comparative medicine and bioengineering at the University of Washington in Seattle and the University of Texas at Dallas, her research centered on developing transgenic animal models and stem cell systems to study aging, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndromes in humans. Additionally, she led innovations in microfluidics and computational modeling to enhance vascular biology research.
Dr. Naik transitioned into compliance leadership, guiding the implementation of rigorous safety and ethical practices across various areas, including animal research, human subjects research, hazardous materials, GMOs, zoonotic diseases and biotoxins. She has overseen and collaborated on critical compliance programs, including IBC, IACUC, IRB and broader research ethics initiatives.
Dr. Naik is committed to driving meaningful improvements in protocol submission and review processes to ensure efficiency, transparency and consistency across the research enterprise. She aims to enhance compliance frameworks while encouraging collaboration among faculty, staff, and students, nurturing a shared culture of accountability and ethical scholarship.
Please offer Dr. Naik a warm welcome as we are excited to have her be a part of the Division of Research, Innovation and Economic Development. She will be an essential member of the team.