Dr. Sharmila Pathikonda
Associate Vice Chancellor for Research
Director for Research Development
979.458.0242
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Dr. Sharmila Pathikonda serves as Associate Vice Chancellor and Director of Research Development at The Texas A&M University System, providing leadership and coordination for research strategy across 12 universities and 8 state agencies. In this role, she advances initiatives that strengthen the System’s research enterprise, support collaboration among member institutions, and expand Texas A&M’s impact through partnerships and service.
With over 13 years of service within the A&M System, Dr. Pathikonda has played a key role in developing and supporting large-scale, multidisciplinary proposals – totaling over $4.5 billion in competitive submissions – to federal and state agencies. She works closely with researchers, deans, and administrators to align institutional priorities, build capacity, and facilitate partnerships that enhance the System’s collective competitiveness.
Her scientific and administrative experience spans research development, compliance, and education. As Acting Chief Research Compliance Officer, she provided interim leadership that ensured continuity of oversight and upheld the A&M System’s standards for research integrity and coordination across all member institutions. She has also contributed to education and outreach initiatives such as Project LISTO, which advances literacy-infused science instruction and teacher development in rural and non-rural school districts across the State of Texas. Additionally, she led the implementation of the inaugural Rural Resilience Summit, hosted by the A&M System, which brought together educators, researchers, and community leaders to strengthen partnerships that support rural communities across Texas. Deeply committed to the mission and values of the A&M System, Dr. Pathikonda is passionate about serving the System in any capacity where she can strengthen research, foster collaboration, and enhance opportunities for all members of the A&M System.
Dr. Pathikonda holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Biology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and an M.S. in Biochemistry, as well as a B.Sc. in Botany, Microbiology, and Chemistry from Bangalore University. Her academic and administrative background provides a strong foundation for developing strategic, data-informed programs that strengthen research across disciplines and regions.
Committed to the System’s land-grant mission, Dr. Pathikonda focuses on enabling research excellence, fostering collaboration among A&M institutions, and ensuring that the benefits of discovery extend across Texas and beyond.