Research Development Institute Director Sandra Justice
Sandra Justice, director of the USF Research Development Institute, has been named a Distinguished Faculty member by the . The SRAI Distinguished Faculty designation recognizes individuals who have demonstrated sustained excellence in research administration education, mentorship, scholarship, professional service and leadership within the global research enterprise. This distinguished honor is reserved for individuals whose contributions have had a lasting impact on the profession and on the development of research administrators and research leaders.
Over a career spanning more than two decades, Justice has become a nationally recognized leader in research development, grantsmanship training, faculty development and workforce capacity building. At USF, she has led innovative initiatives that strengthen research competitiveness and support faculty success, helping to advance the university's growing research enterprise. As lead instructor for the , she has delivered practical, high-impact training to more than 1,000 participants representing over 200 institutions. Her work has equipped faculty members, research administrators, and emerging research leaders with the skills needed to secure external funding and build successful research careers.
Beyond USF, Justice has contributed extensively to the national research administration community. She serves as a principal investigator on multiple National Science Foundation granted awards, collaborating with institutions across the country to strengthen and expand the research administration workforce. Within SRAI, she has served as a presenter, panelist, symposium judge, mentor, ambassador and most recently co-chair of the Research Law Certificate Track.
Justice's influence also extends through her dedication to mentorship. Through her work with SRAI, as well as the National Organization of Research Development Professionals, National Council of University Research Administrators, Florida Research Development Alliance and institutional programs, she has helped cultivate the next generation of professionals who support research and innovation. In addition to her educational and leadership contributions, Justice has advanced scholarship within the field as an author fellow and member of the JRA Editorial Board, helping shape the professional literature that informs research administration practice.