Dr. Almesha L. Campbell is the Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Jackson State University, overseeing Sponsored Programs, Grants and Contracts, Research Compliance, Technology Transfer, Federal Relations, and International Programs. With more than a decade leading Technology Transfer and Commercialization, she has strengthened JSU’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Since 2016, she has secured nearly $12 million in federal funding as PI or Co-PI on major NSF and NIH initiatives. Dr. Campbell co-led the creation of the JSU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship—home to the XR Academy, makerspace, eSports Lab, and other cutting-edge resources—and launched programs such as JSU Innovation Fellows. A national leader, she is the first Black person and first HBCU representative to chair the AUTM Board of Directors. She also guides major partnerships, including PACRI and Google’s TechWise program. Dr. Campbell holds degrees from the University of Central Florida and Jackson State University and is widely recognized for her impact on research translation, innovation, and inclusive economic development.