Marymount University has reached a significant milestone in its Strategic Plan trajectory as it has been designated a Research University for 2025 by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation. This recognition reflects the institution’s commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation and addressing pressing societal challenges through impactful research initiatives.
The classification was determined based on Marymount’s 2023 annual research expenditures of $2.6 million and the awarding of 63 research doctorates. This marks a significant step towards the University achieving Research 2 (R2) status, a longtime strategic goal. R2 institutions are distinguished by high levels of research spending and doctorate production, requiring an annual expenditure of at least $5 million and the awarding of at least 20 research doctorates.
“We set a strategic goal in 2019 to become a research-intensive institution, and our new Research University designation is a direct result of our efforts,” said Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University. “It is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, students and research leaders whose innovative and applied research is making a tangible impact in our communities. It is also an important step towards attaining R2 status, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing knowledge that serves society.”
Marymount’s research profile has expanded significantly in recent years. In 2024, its grant portfolio increased by $6 million, bringing its overall research portfolio to $21 million. This funding supports diverse interdisciplinary projects shaping the future of health care, artificial intelligence, ethics, workforce development and more.
Following the retirement of Dr. Rita Wong, who dedicated 30 years to advancing Marymount’s mission through academics and research, the founding director of Marymount’s Center for Optimal Aging—Dr. Patricia Heyn—has stepped into the role of Interim Vice President for Research. Under her leadership, the University remains focused on strengthening its research infrastructure and expanding faculty and student engagement opportunities.
Over the past few years, University researchers have led several noteworthy studies:
- The National Security Agency (NSA) selected Marymount to build and operate a cybersecurity clinic through a $1.5 million grant. The initiative, led by Diane Murphy, aimed to increase the cybersecurity capabilities of small businesses and nonprofits in the DMV region by helping them prevent, detect and respond to cyber threats. Marymount was one of just four institutions nationwide to receive the NSA grant.
- Marymount was one of only 15 universities nationwide to receive the National Institutes of Health’s AIM-AHEAD Program for AI Readiness grant. The newly formed AI Health Equity Lab, led by Nathan Green, is spearheading this initiative alongside the Center for Optimal Aging and Center for the Innovative Workforce. The grant enables Marymount to establish cross-disciplinary research labs focused on grant writing, training and AI-driven health research.
- A $1.46 million award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) is supporting Marymount’s STEM Scholars Program, a need-based scholarship initiative that helps students in STEM majors persist in their studies and pursue essential and fulfilling careers. The program is designed for students of Biology, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering or Information Technology who demonstrate financial need and academic potential in their chosen field.
- A $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is funding 84 fellowships for students in Marymount’s School of Counseling as they prepare to serve high-needs populations and meet the demands of a growing profession. Fellows are awarded a $10,000 stipend for a two-semester internship placement in a medically underserved area.
- Marymount’s Julie Ries teamed up with the nonprofit Up Ending Parkinson’s to explore how rock climbing enhances mobility, balance and mental health for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Preliminary results demonstrate that climbing significantly improves motor function and quality of life, challenging preconceived notions about the limitations faced by Parkinson’s patients. This groundbreaking research has gained national recognition, including being spotlighted by CBS News Sunday Morning.
- In collaboration with VHC Health, Marymount’s Malek School of Nursing Professions and Theresa Gaffney have created an initiative to accelerate the development of a diverse, practice-ready nursing workforce. Funded by a $500,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Health, this ‘Earn to Learn’ program expands nursing student enrollment, strengthens faculty capacity, increases clinical rotation sites and provides one-to-one RN mentorship. Upon graduation, Nursing students will also have enhanced access to employment opportunities in Northern Virginia.
Marymount’s commitment to research excellence is further reinforced by the work of its three interdisciplinary research centers, which serve as hubs for scholarship and collaboration.
- The Center for Optimal Aging drives and advances gerontological innovations, discoveries and solutions to promote a meaningful, enriched and dignified life for all.
- The Center for Professional Ethics convenes the thought and executive leadership of the Marymount learning community through research, education, advocacy and advisory services for impactful responses to questions of professional ethics, organizational integrity and responsibility, principled leadership, integral ecology and global social justice.
- The Center for the Innovative Workforce is a multidisciplinary research hub that informs workforce education, planning and policy and advances solutions to transform, build and sustain a high-quality, resilient and diverse workforce that can meet society’s changing needs.
“We believe research is a vital tool for innovation and societal progress,” said Marymount University Provost Dr. Pamela Slaven-Lee. “Our recognition as a Research University positions us to further expand our research enterprise, engage our students in transformative inquiry and meaningfully contribute to the global body of knowledge.”
Both undergraduate and graduate students at Marymount have many opportunities to participate in research activities with faculty. Undergraduate students can also apply for acceptance into the Honors Program, where undergraduate research with a faculty mentor is a priority.
