Camelia Knapp

Dedicated and supportive academic leader, geophysicist, and administrator with over 25 years of experience advancing research, education, and institutional growth across major research universities. Currently serving as Associate Dean for Research in the College of Arts and Sciences at Oklahoma State University, overseeing research development across 23 departments and 6 interdisciplinary programs. Recognized for securing over $25M in competitive research funding, building strategic partnerships with federal agencies, industry, and foundations, and leading initiatives that increase faculty success, student engagement, and institutional visibility. Proven ability to align institutional research priorities with strategic plans, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and advance initiatives with high societal impact.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

•    Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) - geological and geophysical site characterization, monitoring, utilization strategies, and risk assessment.
•    Subsurface energy systems - geothermal energy, hydrogen storage, and next-generation energy-related storage technologies.

•    Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Geoscience

•    Data-driven geophysics

•    Gas hydrates - exploration, stability, and implications for both energy and climate.
•    Petroleum exploration and energy resources - conventional and unconventional oil and gas.
•    Geophysical exploration methods - marine geophysics, hydrogeophysics, and environmental geophysics.
•    Near-surface geophysics - applications to environmental, engineering, and sustainability challenges.
•    Applied seismology - imaging Earth’s crustal structure, composition, and physical properties.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP & ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

Associate Dean for Research, College of Arts and Sciences
Oklahoma State University | Oct. 2023 – Present

Oversee the CAS Research Office, including the Sponsored Programs team (9 officers and an Assistant Director) and research engagement initiatives across 23 departments and 6 interdisciplinary programs. Provide strategic leadership to advance research, scholarship, and creative activities, while aligning College priorities with OSU’s institutional mission. Share oversight of key research core facilities (Animal Resources, High Performance Computing, and Microscopy Lab), and serve as the primary liaison between CAS, the Vice President for Research, Graduate Coordinators, and the Graduate College. Advise faculty on research budgets, start-up packages, and strategic planning, while fostering undergraduate and transdisciplinary research initiatives.
Key Accomplishments

·         Strengthened and expanded the CAS Sponsored Programs Office, ensuring stability and professional growth.

·         Established the Program Director for Research Engagement to coordinate faculty and student initiatives.

·         Launched the CAS Research Faculty Fellows program to support strategic transdisciplinary research across Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, and Math & Sciences.

·         Created and administered the Transdisciplinary Research and Engagement for Novel Discovery (TREND) grant program, fostering collaboration, innovation, and the synthesis of diverse disciplinary approaches to address complex global challenges.

·         Increased CAS research external funding by 10% through strategic alignment and support of faculty.

·         Integrated CAS research priorities with both OSU and College strategic plans.

·         Introduced Pivot, a funding opportunity search platform, to expand faculty and student access to external research support.

Head, Boone Pickens School of Geology
Oklahoma State University | July 2018 – Oct. 2023

Led the Boone Pickens School of Geology (BPSoG), overseeing 25 faculty (17 tenure-/career-track, 7 endowed chairs, 5 adjuncts), 6 staff, 60+ undergraduate students and 50+ graduate students. Managed an operating budget of ~$2.5M, an endowment exceeding $18M, annual research expenditures of ~$3M, and a scholarship balance of ~$1.4M. Guided the School in developing a new strategic plan, expanding academic programs, diversifying funding streams, improving infrastructure, and increasing philanthropy and corporate engagement — while fostering a culture of shared governance, transparency, and innovation. Focused on faculty development and mentoring, cross-college partnerships, national reputation building, student success outcomes, operational excellence and governance.
KEY Accomplishments
•    Implemented transparent governance and data-driven decision-making processes, improving faculty engagement and operational efficiency.
•    Enhanced student success and professional readiness, with graduates securing competitive positions in academia, industry, and government.
•    Directed all aspects of the School’s $2.5M budget, including salaries, operating expenses, research funds, scholarships, endowments, and corporate giving.
•    Partnered with faculty and the Advisory Board to implement a revised strategic plan prioritizing program growth, student success, innovation in teaching, research expansion, and fiscal stewardship.
•    Tripled Bachelor of Science degree offerings, added new minors and concentrations, launched a Professional Science Master’s program and a graduate certificate, and enhanced the PhD program — resulting in national recognition of the graduate program.
•    Increased endowed scholarships by 35% since 2020, while significantly expanding the donor base through targeted philanthropy and corporate engagement.
•    Mentored early-career faculty through tenure and promotion processes, resulting in successful advancement and increased external funding success.
•    Strengthened interdisciplinary collaborations across CAS, Engineering, Agriculture, and external research partners to advance OSU’s leadership in energy transition and sustainability.
•    Raised the national profile of BPSoG by increasing faculty presence in international conferences, professional society leadership, and federal advisory roles.
•    Secured funding for signature initiatives, including a fully funded residential summer program for underrepresented high-school students and a 2,200 sq. ft. Student Synergy Room.
•    Modernized facilities, including completion of a $2.5M core research facility, construction of a computing lab and student synergy room, renovation of the conference room, creation of shipping and mailing facilities, and flooring upgrades.
•    Built partnerships with federal, state, and local leaders to advance Energy Transition research and interdisciplinary collaborations.
•    Strengthened alumni and external engagement by hosting recruiting booths, career panels, and receptions at national and regional conferences.
•    Responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by creating a Geology Task Force to ensure safety in 
•    Supported 7 student organizations in developing career workshops, short courses, and outreach events in collaboration with CAS and OSU.

Director, Earth Sciences & Resources Institute (ESRI)
University of South Carolina | 2013 – 2018

Directed the Earth Sciences & Resources Institute (ESRI), a major applied research unit with a $10M+ annual budget, supporting faculty, staff, and students engaged in interdisciplinary energy, environment, and natural resources research. Oversaw research development, financial management, strategic planning, and external engagement, while aligning the Institute’s mission with federal priorities, state needs, and university strategic goals.
KEY Accomplishments
•    Rebranded and refocused ESRI’s mission to align with national priorities in energy transition, carbon storage, and environmental sustainability, strengthening its reputation and competitiveness.
•    Directed a $10M+ operating budget, overseeing contracts, grants, and partnerships with federal agencies, state governments, industry sponsors, and foundations.
•    Expanded interdisciplinary research collaborations across USC departments and with external institutions, growing ESRI’s funding portfolio and research capacity.
•    Strengthened industry partnerships and built sustained relationships with major energy companies, enhancing applied research and workforce development opportunities.
•    Increased student engagement in research through funded assistantships, internships, and experiential learning programs, particularly for underrepresented groups.
•    Improved infrastructure and operational capacity, including IT, laboratory, and field resources, enabling more competitive research projects.
•    Enhanced ESRI’s national and international profile by organizing and contributing to conferences, workshops, and professional networks.
•    Mentored research staff and early-career faculty in proposal development, grant management, and project leadership, leading to increased funding success.
•    Advanced a culture of shared governance, fiscal accountability, and data-driven decision-making to ensure sustainability and growth.

Undergraduate Director, Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences
University of South Carolina | 2006 – 2009

Provided academic leadership for undergraduate programs in Earth and Ocean Sciences, overseeing curriculum development, advising, and student success initiatives. Collaborated with faculty and staff to enhance teaching quality, streamline program requirements, and improve student recruitment and retention.
KEY Accomplishments
•    Revised and modernized the undergraduate curriculum, aligning courses with disciplinary standards and student career pathways.
•    Expanded student research and experiential learning opportunities, integrating field-based training and faculty-mentored projects.
•    Strengthened academic advising structures, improving student progression and degree completion rates.
•    Promoted student engagement through career workshops, outreach events, and professional development activities.
•    Built collaborative ties with other USC departments and external organizations to enrich undergraduate training and visibility.

University Service and Leadership
University of South Carolina | 2003 – 2018

•    Chair, Faculty Budget Committee – Served as liaison between university administration and faculty on budgetary matters; advocated for faculty perspectives in budget policy and ensured transparency in the budgeting process.
•    Chair, Carolina Core – Scientific Literacy – Led curriculum development to advance student competencies in communication, analytical reasoning, problem solving, scientific literacy, and ethical/global citizenship.
•    Co-Chair, Faculty Welfare Committee – Guided reviews of faculty welfare policies including compensation, benefits, and workplace environment, ensuring fair and transparent practices.
•    Co-Chair, Faculty Advisory Committee – Provided faculty and administration with strategic advice on institutional policies and operations.
•    Panel Chair, University Committee for Tenure and Promotion – Oversaw development and approval of departmental criteria, reviewed all tenure and promotion cases, and delivered final recommendations to the president.
•    Additional University Service:
o    Member, Udall Scholarship Committee 
o    Member, Fulbright Evaluation Committee 
o    Member, Women Faculty Organization Steering Committee 
o    Member, College of Arts and Sciences Computing Committee 
o    Mentor, Women’s Connections Mentoring Network