Interim Director of Research Development and Strategic Initiatives
habbott@kennesaw.edu
Vibrant individual with skills in research development and more than 15 years of experience in interdisciplinary science involving the chemistry of solid surfaces.
As a research development professional, I help faculty identify appropriate funding opportunities, provide grant-writing training, and assist faculty with writing compelling and fundable proposals. I also develop networking opportunities between faculty and potential collaborators, both internal and external. Through my work on interdisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers, I understand how to effectively communicate with individuals with a wide range of backgrounds.
My scientific research includes the application of spectroscopy and mass spectrometry
to answer fundamental questions in astrochemistry, the origin of life, and heterogeneous
catalysis. I have experimental experience designing, building, and using ultrahigh
vacuum systems and with a wide variety of analytic techniques including RAIRS, TPD,
P-NMR, XRD, TGA, SEM/EDX, ICP-OES, LEED, and XPS. My computational experience is primarily
with applications of transition state theory, density functional theory, and ab initio
calculations using Mathematica, Gaussian, and Unix operating systems. Additionally,
I am proficient with OriginPro, SigmaPlot, and Excel for data analysis.
Sierra Hovet
Research Development Specialist
shovet@kennesaw.edu
Sierra Hovet possesses more than nine years of experience as a scientific editor and writer. For eight years, she worked with Dr. Zion Tse, the director of the Medical Robotics Lab at the University of Georgia and later at the University of York. She supported the lab’s activities by writing and editing research articles, grant applications, internal funding bids, and fellowship applications. Several of the successful grant applications she wrote for Dr. Tse allowed him to become a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and gain an Academy of Medical Sciences Professorship. When Dr. Tse co-founded the International Symposium on Medical Robotics, Sierra created a successful venture fund support request, and the first annual symposium went on to be hosted by the Georgia Institute of Technology. In her current role as a Research Development Specialist for KSU, Sierra is committed to helping faculty identify grant opportunities and write competitive proposals.
Katrina Colbeck
Administrative Assistant
kcolbeck@kennesaw.edu
Katrina Colbeck is a skilled administrative professional with extensive experience
supporting departments and divisions through effective office management and communication.
She excels in creating and proofreading professional documents, coordinating meetings
and events, and managing records and correspondence with precision. Known for her
organizational expertise, Katrina efficiently oversees office operations, including
supply management and shipping logistics. Her proactive approach and commitment to
excellence ensure smooth operations and exceptional support for faculty, staff, and
guests.
