Cara Kennedy

As the Director of Research Development, Cara Kennedy spearheads the expansion of the institution’s research funding portfolio and bolsters faculty research capabilities by leading two pivotal functions: Proposal Development and Management, and Strategic Intelligence Analysis. Operating under the guidance of the Associate Vice President for Research Development, she facilitates the entire lifecycle of complex, high-profile research proposals and enhances the competitiveness of early career faculty for prestigious awards. Additionally, Cara oversees a cutting-edge competitive research intelligence program, providing critical insights into federal funding priorities and UMD’s research strengths. With a commitment to team leadership, Cara fosters a collaborative environment, manages a high-performing team, and integrates strategic initiatives across the university to drive research excellence and institutional success.

Cara joined the Division of Research in 2018 after five years supporting the UMD College of Arts and Humanities as Grants Development Specialist. Cara holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Arizona State University and B.A. degrees in Psychology and French from Augustana College. Her research has focused on the design and evaluation of mental health and community development interventions both in the United States and in Haiti, and on the mental health impact of child servitude in Haiti.