Melanie E. DeFord

Biography

Melanie DeFord is driven to bridge academic research vision with operational execution. Her work aligns ambitious research goals with sustainable institutional growth while fostering collaborations across the University of Notre Dame and with industry, government, and other partners.

As Assistant Vice President for Research within Notre Dame Research, Melanie leads operational efforts for centers, institutes, strategic research initiatives, and core facilities. Through the Research Facilities and Infrastructure unit, she oversees Research Facilities, Research Resources and Technologies, and Research Project Management, while also managing special projects on behalf of the Vice President for Research.

Among the most meaningful milestones in Melanie’s career are partnering with University colleagues to contribute to the formation of the Center for Transgene Research; serve on the University’s Carnegie Classification Committee; launch the 2008 and 2010 Strategic Research Initiatives (SRIs); lead the temporary shutdown and reopening of research laboratories during the COVID-19 pandemic; advance Indiana CTSI initiatives; and support the growth of other University research initiatives.

Melanie joined Notre Dame in 1988 and has since served in a wide range of academic and leadership roles. She was a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and served as Assistant Director of the W.M. Keck Center for Transgene Research. Additional positions have included Director of Operations, Strategic Research Programs Director, and Director of Grants Program Management within Notre Dame Research.

Melanie holds a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Wright State University and a Master of Science in Administration from the University of Notre Dame.