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Life is like looking through a piece of stained glass — each moment a vibrant fragment, refracted and reshaped by the unique perspectives and experiences that define who we are. 

For David Hatchett, UNLV vice president for research, creating custom stained glass artwork is more than just a hobby, it reflects his journey and approach to life. Since his upbringing in a small Central California farming community, Hatchett has made it his mission to expand his worldview through travel, exploring serene hiking and nature destinations, and prioritizing personal and family time to help him bring his best self to work.  

Hatchett’s commitment to work-life balance is a key part of his overall well-being and success. The insights he’s gained from these experiences shape his approach to advancing and strengthening UNLV’s research infrastructure through his leadership of the Offices of Sponsored Programs, Research Integrity, and research facilities.

Room for Growth and Opportunity

Overseeing the research division of a top R1 research university, as classified by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, requires a strategic and focused approach. Since he was appointed interim vice president of research in 2022, Hatchett has simplified and streamlined processes for faculty researchers, and he's advocated for more flexible research and biosafety spaces. 

“As an institution, we are rapidly running out of flexible research space; by that, I mean spaces that can adapt over time to meet new research needs,” he said, noting that the Science and Engineering Building, built 15 years ago, was that last facility built solely for research.

As UNLV expands its research enterprise, developing additional research facilities is vital for long-term sustainability.

“Currently, we have two adaptable buildings — the SEB and the Advanced Engineering Building (AEB) — designed with this flexibility in mind,” Hatchett continued. “But we need more of these spaces, especially with our expanding health-focused research, which requires specialized facilities, such as a vivarium space for animal models. These are essential elements I consider for UNLV’s long-term growth.”

Increasing UNLV’s research capacity is just one of the many priorities Hatchett has set for strengthening the university’s position as a hub of innovation and discovery.  

Building a Culture of Collaboration

Interdisciplinary research is a cornerstone of UNLV’s mission, and Hatchett emphasizes that collaboration among researchers from diverse fields is the key to the future of research.

"Interdisciplinary research is here to stay. It’s a major focus for us right now, and in the future, it’s where things are headed,” Hatchett said, adding that faculty should concentrate on applied research, using their findings to solve real-world problems. 

"There's an expectation that faculty will shift their research toward real-world applications, industry, and product development. This transition heavily relies on interdisciplinary scholarship; there’s no way around it. We need multiple perspectives to tackle complex problems and as a result of these key collaborations, products that benefit the community will emerge."

Currently, 13 funded faculty opportunity awards support interdisciplinary research groups. These groups are expected to apply for grants to secure additional funding, with the ultimate goal of developing into sustainable interdisciplinary groups, according to Hatchett. 

MORE: UNLV's Interdisciplinary Research Areas

UNLV’s research infrastructure quickly accelerated post-pandemic following the decision to keep labs open during those tumultuous years (some other research universities are still trying to catch up). Now, the challenge, Hatchett said, is to sustain rapid research advances through scaleable services and resources. 

“We have to ensure that the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) grows alongside our research efforts. Last year, we submitted $521 million — half a billion dollars — worth of grants, which is unprecedented for UNLV. If we continue to receive funding at our usual rate, it means we can expect higher award amounts coming in, which we've already begun to see.”

Hatchett added that there is a conscientious effort to reinvest the returns from research activities back into future research. “I think that’s going to be critical for our growth over time," he explained. "We won’t always secure the positions we need exactly when we need them, so we must stay ahead of the growth, rather than trying to catch up to it.”

Supporting an intricate research network requires the latest technological advances.

In partnership with Kivanc Oner, vice president for digital transformation and chief information officer, efforts are underway to build a robust computing infrastructure that can support advanced research initiatives.

“Kivanc is a great colleague and collaborator. He and I share a vision for cyberinfrastructure that fully supports research,” Hatchett said. “We jointly embarked on a path to identify, evaluate, and reimagine cyberinfrastructure at UNLV to assist faculty with their computational and data research needs.”

Groundbreaking Grant Funding 

Tackling the world’s biggest challenges calls for bold innovation and strong partnerships to increase funding opportunities.

One example Hatchett points to is UNLV's partnership with Arizona State, the University of Utah, and the Desert Research Institution as leads on the National Science Foundation (NSF) Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine.

“The collaborations developed with the group extend beyond the Engine and provide additional opportunities in terms of research and community engagement.”

The partnership positions UNLV well to submit large competitive grant applications, valued upward of $100 million. 

Recently, the research division has reported a slew of impressive grant awards to advance research in areas such as nuclear and geological science and low-dose breast cancer radiation.

A Balanced Life of Leisure and Laboratories 

Hatchett has come a long way since his days helping his dad with construction projects and picking boysenberries in the Central California farmlands. As a first-generation college graduate, he was inspired to pursue a career in chemistry thanks to the encouragement of a physics and chemistry teacher. A chemistry kit he used to conduct experiments sealed the deal. He earned a bachelor of science degree from California State University, Stanislaus, and received his Ph.D. in physical/analytical chemistry from the University of Utah.

Hatchett is what some may call a Renaissance man. As a professor of chemistry and radiochemistry, he’s funded to continue his research which involves the use of electrochemical methods and ionic liquids in the recovery of strategically important materials. 

When he’s not in the lab or his office strategizing the future of research on campus, you'll find him channeling his creativity into pursuits like baking the perfect loaf of sourdough bread or creating stained glass artwork, the latter of which is displayed in his cabin, nestled between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon in southern Utah. Before dedicating a permanent space for his stained glass creations, Hatchett gifted completed pieces to family and friends.

His outdoor adventures include his wife, Carolyn Hatchett, who is the chemistry stockroom manager for the chemistry and biochemistry department. Together, they plan summer getaways to escape the busy city life, retreating to their cabin to enjoy nature and conquer hiking trails. They are planning their next big adventure to South Africa to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. 

Reflections from a Researcher to Researchers

Hatchett believes in the importance of defining one’s own self-worth, independent of others' opinions. It’s almost like a superpower, he says, that opens up a realm of possibility to push the boundaries of creativity, ambition, and personal growth.

"It's really important to define your trajectory and decide where you're going—don’t let others tell you what you can or can’t do. That’s the best piece of advice I can give you."