M. Elizabeth Fini, Ph.D.
Vice Dean for Research

Director, Institute for Genetic Medicine
Professor of Cell & Neurobiology
Professor of Ophthalmology – Doheny Eye Institute

Office: KAM 504
Phone: (323) 442-7874
E-mail: efini@usc.edu

Biographical Sketch

Dr. Fini provides management support to the Office of the Dean.  She also heads the Office of Research Advancement. The ORA provides leadership for development and management of the research enterprise and support for the efforts of the faculty. The office coordinates research activities and operations across the school, integrating with university-level management. The office also develops and promotes cross-university program initiatives.

Gigi Petrovich
Executive Assistant

Office: KAM 506
Phone: (323) 442-2605
E-mail: gpetrov@usc.edu

Mrs. Petrovich is responsible for managing the office of the vice dean for research and for coordinating the different components of the research advancement department.

Specific activities include:

• Supporting the Vice Dean for Research, serving as the administrative manager within the Office of Research Advancement
• Supporting the Associate Deans, and Directors in the Office of Research Advancement
• Acting as the liaison between faculty, central USC departments including Human Resources, Development, and the central Office of Research Advancement
• Serving as the administrative manager to the Faculty Research Council, the Dean’s Research Cabinet and the Scientific Conduct Committee – all advisory committees to the dean.