DMU Expands Research Team with New Director Appointment

WEST DES MOINES, IA (04/16/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences welcomed Kellie Sheets, M.B.A., FACHE, CRA, as the director of research operations, compliance and strategy in April. With over 18 years of experience, Sheets brings a wealth of leadership experience across various areas, including regulatory compliance, financial management, business operations, research administration, strategic planning, data management and stakeholder engagement. The director role is new to the Office of Research.

"We are thrilled to welcome Kellie to our team in a key leadership role," says Pravin Mishra, Ph.D., M.B.A., executive director of research at DMU. "Her extensive experience across regulatory compliance, financial management, research administration, and strategic planning aligns perfectly with our strategic vision to grow and strengthen our research enterprise."

With a Bachelor of Science degree in computer information systems and management from Metropolitan State University of Denver and a Master of Business Administration in health care management from Regis University, Sheets began her career at National Jewish Health in Denver. Her professional journey has led her to positions with Banner University Medical Group in Tucson, Arizona, and Seattle Children's. Sheets made the move to DMU after serving as a grants manager for Pacific Northwest Research Institute in Seattle.

The move to Des Moines allows Sheets to fully immerse herself in research support and collaborate with faculty and the community. She is excited about the potential she sees in the department's capabilities.

"I'd like to increase our research and grant funding, not just looking at federal awards, but also everything else, understanding where our strengths are, and going out and working on research collaborations," Sheets says. "I'd like to expand into compliance and strategy and expand our services, as far as research support that can help our faculty."

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