Dr. Narayanan Parameswaran Named Executive Vice President for Research

Rosalind Franklin University announces the appointment of Narayanan (Nara) Parameswaran, PhD, MS, BVSc, as its next executive vice president for research, effective Dec. 2, 2026. Dr. Parameswaran’s success in translational research, faculty development and external partnerships aligns with RFU’s commitment to advancing biomedical discovery and community impact.

“Nara brings a proven record of developing partnerships across institutions and health systems that connect research with healthcare, industry, philanthropy and communities,” said RFU President Aron Sousa, MD. “His expertise will continue to strengthen our research enterprise, which is fundamental to RFU’s mission of improving the wellness of all people.”

Dr. Parameswaran joins RFU from Michigan State University. He currently serves as senior associate dean for research and professor of physiology in the College of Human Medicine, overseeing research activities spanning eight campuses and approximately $130 million in sponsored awards.

That experience gives Dr. Parameswaran direct insight into the challenges facing academic research institutions — from securing competitive funding to navigating increasingly complex research environments. He also brings a strong commitment to building collaborative teams and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to join Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science as the executive vice president for research,” Dr. Parameswaran said. “I look forward to working with President Sousa, university leaders, faculty, staff and students to build on RFU’s research strengths, create new opportunities for discovery and collaboration, and ensure that our research makes a meaningful difference in advancing the university’s mission.”

Dr. Parameswaran’s own research focuses on inflammation, innate immunity and gut-bone interactions. He has authored more than 95 peer-reviewed publications and earned sustained research support from the National Institutes of Health, foundations and industry partners. His experience combines the perspective of an accomplished investigator with a keen understanding of the people, systems and partnerships essential to advancing successful research programs.

Those capabilities will support RFU’s research enterprise, including the university’s Innovation and Research Park, which brings academic and industry scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs together in a collaborative research environment, and Helix 51, RFU’s bioscience incubator for startup, early-stage and international life science companies.

Janice Urban, PhD, will continue to serve as RFU’s interim executive vice president for research until Dr. Parameswaran arrives in December.

Dr. Parameswaran earned his BVSc in veterinary medicine from Madras Veterinary College in India, an MS in veterinary physiology and pharmacology from The Ohio State University, and a PhD in physiology from Michigan State University. He completed postdoctoral training at Michigan State University and Thomas Jefferson University.