As Associate Dean, Dr. Zavisca's chief goal is to foster an environment in which research and scholarship can thrive. She directs research development initiatives in SBS, in cooperation with the Social and Behavioral Sciences Research Institute (SBSRI) and UA's Research Development Services (RDS). She advises on college priorities and policies in relation to research, and is also the primary point of contact for research ethics and compliance issues and for research center governance in SBS. She works with units across the university to connect SBS researchers with scholarly, governmental, and public communities. Dr. Zavisca is available to consult with faculty on developing their research agendas, identifying and applying for resources to support their research, building research collaborations, and navigating UA's research infrastructure. Dr. Zavisca is also responsible for graduate affairs in SBS and collaborates with UA's Graduate College on initiatives related to graduate student funding, professional development, and placement.