Rupa Iyer, PhD

Biography

Rupa is the Vice President of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development and Professor of Biology at Tarleton State University. She is spearheading the planning, implementation, and oversight for a university-wide strategic initiative to expand research and innovation and promote partnerships to simulate economic development.

During her tenure, Rupa oversaw record high research expenditures, streamlined sponsored research administration, and established the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Institute, Institute for Rural Research and Economic Development and the first EDA funded Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Tarleton State and the North Central Texas region. A fellow of AAAS, she earned the Outstanding Women in Science Award from AWIS.

Formerly a Fulbright Specialist and NSF Program Director, Rupa is on APLU's COR Executive Committee, and NSF's advisory committees for Environmental Research and Education and Committee for Equal Opportunity in Science and Engineering. Prior to Tarleton State, she was the Founding Director of Biotechnology programs at the University of Houston, garnering millions for the first ATMAE-accredited biotechnology program.

Recognized for teaching excellence, Rupa is dedicated to broadening STEM participation and implementing cost effective global solutions for environmental issues. She earned her Ph.D. from Michigan State University, focusing on soil microbiome exposure and adaptation in biotechnology.