Meet Aimee Jo Gibney
Aimee Jo Gibney, PhD
Assistant Director, Proposal Strategy & Development
Aimee Jo Gibney is a research development strategist who partners with Purdue faculty to advance complex, interdisciplinary proposals across a range of funding agencies. With more than 15 years in higher education, Aimee Jo Gibney, PhD, brings a relationship- and communication-driven approach to research development. She helps research teams bring structure to collaborations, strengthen proposal strategy, and translate promising ideas into compelling narratives.
For Aimee Jo, successful proposal development starts well before the writing. One piece of advice she shares frequently with researchers is to view their idea through the sponsor’s lens first. “The strongest proposals begin with a clear understanding of the problem that needs to be solved,” she says. “The technology or solution matters, but it shouldn’t be the starting point.”
Recently, Aimee Jo supported a successful DOE-funded project led by Dr. Seungjin Kim and his team focused on the future of small modular reactor technologies. She describes the team as fantastic collaborators and says helping advance the successful effort was especially rewarding.
“The strongest proposals connect great ideas to the priorities that matter most to the funding agency.” – Aimee Jo Gibney
Find more proposal tips through 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑆𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑠, a monthly Tuesday Tip highlighting insights from Purdue’s research and research advancement community on communication, collaboration, and grant-writing strategies for success.
Recent Project Highlight
“Working with Dr. Kim and his team on the DOE-funded effort was an opportunity to bring research strategy, collaboration, and narrative development together around an ambitious vision for the future of small modular reactor technologies.”
A Few Questions with Aimee Jo
What is your favorite part of partnering with Purdue faculty on proposals?
Winning!
What is one big myth or misconception faculty have about the proposal process?
One big myth is that funding agencies are looking for solutions to a researcher’s problem. Most often, sponsors fund solutions to their problems.
What might your colleagues be surprised to learn about you?
Despite being a self-described terrible cook, Aimee Jo can assemble furniture, wire an outlet, and hang a ceiling fan. And, as a Pennsylvania native, she was once nominated for Miss Flaming Foliage.
What is the single best piece of advice you give to researchers drafting their first concept paper?
Begin by framing the problem that you are trying to solve—not with the technology or solution that you are proposing.
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
Planning a trip to the redwood skywalk: Redwood Sky Walk | Eureka, California | Redwood Sky Walk
Need proposal development support—or assistance with another research need? Connect with the Office of Research through Office of Research Support.