UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Kimberly Brue, a marketing professional with decades of experience in science communications, will join Penn State as the University’s new assistant vice president for research and executive director for research communications, effective July 25. She will report to Senior Vice President for Research Lora Weiss, with a dotted line into the Office of Strategic Communications to work collaboratively on advancing the University’s reputation for research excellence and building support among key audiences and stakeholders.
“Penn State’s over $1 billion research enterprise is truly an engine for global impact, with researchers who are finding new, interdisciplinary solutions to challenges in fields from health care to energy and everything in between,” said Weiss. “I am excited to welcome Kim back to Penn State in her new role, and I look forward to working together to build excitement and support for Penn State research among our many audiences, including faculty, sponsors and influencers, by showing how our research discoveries and innovations contribute to the public good.”
In her new role, Brue will coordinate and develop communication strategies that highlight the breadth, depth and impact of Penn State Research, including each of Penn State’s interdisciplinary research institutes, entrepreneurship and economic innovation initiatives, the University’s Corporate Engagement Center and the Applied Research Laboratory. Working closely with the Office of Strategic Communications, Brue will work to raise awareness of how research from across the University is impacting lives and helping find innovative answers to global issues.
A Penn State alumna, Brue brings with her over 25 years of experience in strategic marketing and communications, with a focus on the life sciences. She previously served as senior vice president of marketing at the national boutique agency Marketri, where she was responsible for building the agency’s life sciences marketing group. She has also previously served in executive roles with the life sciences technology company P360, global pharmaceutical and health care company Sanofi, and biotechnology company Biogen Idec. In addition, she is president and founder of OrganixServices, her own life sciences communications consulting company.
“Kim is experienced as both a scientist and a strategic communicator, equipping her with the expertise to effectively tell the story of how Penn State research is helping to find solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges,” said Rachel Pell, associate vice president for Strategic Communications. “Our University’s research enterprise reflects both our academic excellence and our commitment to global impact as a 21st century land-grant institution, and we look forward to collaborating on communications strategies that continue to position Penn State as a leader in cutting-edge research.”
Brue holds a bachelor's degree in molecular and cellular biology from Penn State and a master’s in molecular biology from Georgia Court University. She also holds an MBA in pharmaceutical management from Drexel University and is a certified member of the Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals.