Research, Innovation & Strategic Initiatives

Where bold ideas become lasting impact.

At Allen University, discovery belongs to every student with a question, every faculty member with a vision, and every community ready for change.

Work with RISI Contact the office
Rooted in a legacy1870

Allen has always opened doors to opportunity. RISI carries that mission into a new era, led by a scientist who has secured more than $8.7 million in external funding.

Meet Our Leader

A scientist who knows how to win the work.

Dr. Oluwole A. Ariyo became Allen’s Chief Research Officer in July 2026, leading sponsored programs, research compliance, workforce development, and strategic partnerships. A plant molecular virologist by training, he brings both laboratory rigor and a proven record of bringing resources to campus.

  • Leadership Fellow2026–2027 Fellow, Senior Leadership Academy, Council of Independent Colleges and American Academic Leadership Institute
  • Peer reviewerCommission on Colleges and Universities
  • Workforce CoordinatorAllen’s designated coordinator in a regional alignment initiative of more than 170 institutions
  • Before AllenAssistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, Stillman College
  • EducationPh.D., University of Ibadan, with doctoral research at DSMZ, Braunschweig, Germany · Postdoctoral fellow in molecular biology, University of South Carolina
Request a meeting with Dr. Ariyo →
  • $8.7M+in external funding secured
  • 170+institutions in the regional workforce initiative where he represents Allen
  • 3countries of scientific training: Nigeria, Germany, and the U.S.
What We Do

Driving scholarly and institutional growth.

RISI drives scholarly and institutional growth across the university, from the first idea to the final report.

  1. Office of Sponsored Programs

    Fund the work.

    We help faculty and students identify funding opportunities, develop competitive proposals, and manage awards with integrity.

  2. Innovation

    Think across lines.

    We champion innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration and entrepreneurial thinking.

  3. Strategic Initiatives

    Build for the long term.

    We align the university’s resources and partnerships with its long-term vision.

  • Find funding
  • Develop proposals
  • Manage awards
From Idea to Award

We walk with you every step.

Every grant follows the same path. RISI supports you at each stage, so the work stays on time and on track.

  1. Find fundingSearch federal, state, and foundation opportunities that fit your idea.
  2. Plan the proposalRead the guidelines, outline the project, and talk with RISI early.
  3. Build the budgetMap personnel, equipment, travel, and other costs to the sponsor’s rules.
  4. Internal reviewRISI reviews your proposal and budget before it leaves campus.
  5. SubmitThe proposal goes to the sponsor through the official system.
  6. AwardIf funded, review the terms and set up the award.
  7. Manage & reportTrack spending, meet reporting deadlines, and close out with integrity.

Tip: the earlier RISI hears about your idea, the stronger your proposal can be.

Why It Matters

Research changes what’s possible.

It prepares students, empowers faculty, and enables Allen to address the challenges that matter most to our communities.

  • For studentsSolve complex problems and pursue graduate study and careers with confidence.
  • For facultyAdvance knowledge in your field and bring discovery into the classroom.
  • For communityAddress the challenges that matter most to the people Allen serves.
Researcher Toolkit

Start your funding search.

Trusted, official places to find opportunities. Found one? Bring it to RISI.

Research Compliance Basics
  • Human subjects researchResearch involving people, such as surveys, interviews, or data, typically needs ethics review before it begins.HHS Office for Human Research Protections ↗
  • Responsible conduct of researchMany sponsors expect researchers to complete training in research ethics and integrity.CITI Program ↗
  • Conflicts of interestDisclose outside interests that could affect, or appear to affect, your research.NIH guidance ↗

Questions about requirements for your project? Contact RISI before you begin.

Join Us

RISI is ready to help.

Pick the path that fits you. Each one opens an email to the RISI team.

Questions

Good to know.

When should I contact RISI?

As early as possible, ideally as soon as you find an opportunity. Early conversations give you time to plan a strong proposal.

Can students get involved in research?

Yes. RISI helps connect students seeking research experience with opportunities across the university. Reach out to start the conversation.

Does RISI help with budgets?

Yes. Through the Office of Sponsored Programs, RISI helps faculty and students develop competitive proposals, including the budget.

What happens after a grant is awarded?

RISI helps you manage the award with integrity, from setup through reporting and close-out.

Can outside organizations partner with Allen?

Yes. Partners looking to collaborate on research, innovation, or community work can contact RISI directly.

Contact Us

Let’s talk.

Questions about funding, proposals, research, or partnerships? Reach out to the RISI team.

Honoring our legacy. Inventing our future.

Contact RISI