Robert Pilgrim, Ph.D.

Resume

ROBERT P. PILGRIM Ph.D.
Associate Director for Data Strategy and Insights, Division of Research & Innovation

Associate Director for Data Strategy and Insights at an R1 Institution, with over a decade of experience leveraging data and technology to support decision makers and strategic projects. Proven track record of transforming digital data into actionable intelligence. Proficient in a wide range of analytics tools, programming languages, and current AI developments.

Education

Associate Director for Data Strategy and Insights
Division of Research & Innovation, University of Arkansas, 2022–Present
Bridging university data, technology, and institutional domain knowledge using Tableau, Power BI, R, and SAS.

Administrative Data Manager
University of Arkansas, 2017–2022
Improved data and reporting structure. Created the University's "Research Analytics" site with interactive dashboards. Projects included Carnegie Classification reproduction, infrastructure benchmarking, and diversity analytics.

Data Analyst, Chemical Engineering
University of Arkansas, 2014–2016 (50%)
Life Cycle Assessment research using NASA MERRA climate data in HDF format for the US Pork Board.

Data Analyst, Division of Research & Economic Development
University of Arkansas, 2014–2016 (50%)
Supporting the Vice Provost with data projects and reporting from the Streamlyne ERA system.

Research Assistant, NORMES
College of Education, University of Arkansas, 2010–2014
Data analysis of state performance evaluations and "No Child Left Behind" school performance reports.

Data Analyst Intern, Chemical Engineering
University of Arkansas, 2009–2010
Cradle-to-farm-gate carbon footprint analysis of the US dairy industry. Responsible for data reduction, validation, modeling, and uncertainty/sensitivity analysis.

Ph.D. Research & Development, OPRA
Arkansas Center for Space & Planetary Sciences, 2006–2012
NASA-funded ($403K) spectroscopic probe for subsurface Martian exploration. Skills: 2D/3D modeling, fiber optics, numerical modeling, FEA, spectroscopy. Industrial partner: Space Photonics Inc.

Upward Bound Summer Program Math Teacher
University of Arkansas, 2008 & 2009

Project & Knowledge Management

Microsoft Project, Notion, Obsidian, Pivotal Tracker. Agile methodology. PKM systems (Building a Second Brain, GTD).

Data Platforms & Government Databases

  • Streamlyne — Backend analytics, predictive modeling, text mining
  • Academic Analytics — Front-end and custom backend reporting
  • GrantForward — Led adoption and migration (2019)
  • Digital Measures — Backend reporting and analytics
  • Carnegie Classifications — Reproduced scheme with enhanced benchmarking
  • IPEDS, HERD, Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates

Software & Tools

  • Power BI — 10+ years. Desktop, Mobile, gateways, embed, custom visuals, dataflows, R/Python embedding, Premium features, M language, tabular model optimization
  • DAX — 10+ years including external DAX tools
  • Excel — Advanced: Power Query/View/Maps, VBA, Ribbon-X, pivot tables
  • SharePoint — Site creation and Power BI integrations
  • Tableau, SQL/MySQL, SAS (15 years, Base SAS and macro programming)
  • eRA Systems — InfoEd, Kuali Coeus, Streamlyne
  • R, Python, C#, LaTeX, Gephi, Azure, Text Mining, ML
  • AutoCAD (FEA, 2D/3D modeling), Visual Studio, WPF

Repurposing Sponsored Research Data into Actionable Collaboration Network Analytics (Workshop Lead)
National Research Analytics Summit, 2025. Led a 45-person workshop on research network analytics.

Research Portfolio Analysis: Driving Change Through Strategic Alignment Leveraging AI (Presentation)
With Dan Harmon, University of Illinois. NCURA National Conference, July 2024

Hot Topics: New Advances in AI (Discussion)
With David Richardson (UIUC), Dan Harmon (Illinois), Kathleen Larmett (NCURA), Kim Moreland (UW-Madison). NCURA National Conference, July 2024

Data Models: Empowering Analytics in Lean Teams (Presentation)
National Research Analytics Summit, 2024

Research Collaboration Networks Leveraging Sponsored Research Data (Presentation)
National Research Analytics Summit, 2024

AI Basics: How Are You Using It in Research Administration (Discussion)
National Research Analytics Summit, 2024

The Role of AI in Research Administration (Presentation)
With Ashley Bens (Harvard), Dan Harmon (Illinois). Federal Demonstration Partnership, September 2023

The Role of AI in Research and Development (Presenter)
With Ara Tahmassian (Harvard). NCURA Senior Leadership Summit, August 2023

Data Visualization for Research Administrators (Presenter)
With Bryan Bachman & Dan Harmon (UIUC). NCURA National Conference 2023

Developing Executive Dashboards (Discussion)
With Bryan Bachman & Dan Harmon (UIUC). NCURA National Conference 2023

AI and Its Potential Impact on Research Administration (Discussion)
With Kim Moreland (UW-Madison), Dan Harmon (UIUC). NCURA National Conference 2023

Leveraging Research Data: Quantification of Research Collaborations (Presenter)
StreamlyneUp Conference 2022

Metrics for Decision-Making (Discussion)
With Dr. Barron Wolf (UK). NCURA National Conference 2022

Data Analytics for Research Administration (Discussion)
With Dr. Barron Wolf (UK). NCURA National Conference 2022

  • Ai4 Conference 2024 — Generative AI, cutting-edge applications, and best practices
  • University Accounting Certifications 2024 — 24 formal credit hours, University of Arkansas
  • Advanced Data Visualization & Storytelling 2023 — 12-week intensive with Kevin Hartman (former Google Chief Analytics Evangelist)
  • Systems Data Decisions Workshop — NCURA 2022
  • Strategic Planning Workshop — NCURA 2022
  • Workday Report Writer Training — Report Writer, Calculated Fields, Composite Reporting
  • Data Science & Data Engineering Certification — View certificate

Research Analytics Summit: Building Capacity, Empowering Skill Transfer, and Energizing a Growing Community
National Science Foundation, COI, $100,000 — Funded 2023. Details

Faculty HR Pipeline | Analytics for Equity, Phase 1
National Science Foundation, PI, $30,770 — Not Funded, 2023

Improving Cyberlearning of Algebra: The Automation of Murphy's Math!
National Science Foundation, COI, $548,088 — Not Funded, 2014

From Dark to Light: Leveling Up Research Analytics Expertise
2024, NCURA Magazine, August issue, p.33. Baron G. Wolf, Robert Pilgrim, and Lou Hurst

Design and Evaluation of a Fiber Optic Probe as a Means of Subsurface Planetary Exploration >>
Ph.D. Dissertation, 2013. R. Pilgrim

Fiber Optic Array Numerical Modeling and Optimization for Reflectance Spectroscopy of Small Targets >>
Advances in Space Research, 2012. R. Pilgrim, R. Ulrich

Numerical Modeling of Fiber Optic Bundles for In Situ Reflectance Spectroscopy >>
42nd LPSC, 2011. R. Pilgrim, R. Ulrich

Dynamic Temperature Fields Under the Mars Landing Sites and Implications for Supporting Microbial Life >>
Astrobiology, 2010, Vol. 10 No. 6:643-650. R. Ulrich, T. Kral, V. Chevrier, R. Pilgrim, L. Roe

Global Warming Potential for Production of Milk in Five Regions of the United States
SETAC Europe 19th Annual Meeting, 2009. Z. Niederman, G. Thoma, M. Matlock, J. Popp, R. Ulrich, D.S. Kim, et al.

Optical Probe for Regolith Analysis (OPRA) – Phase II
NASA PIDDP Submission, 2009. R. Ulrich, R. Pilgrim. View

Subsurface Spectroscopic Probe for Regolith Analysis >>
40th LPSC, 2009. Pilgrim R., Ulrich R., Leftwich M. Poster

Experimental Study of the Effect of Wind on the Stability of Water Ice on Mars >>
Icarus, 2008. J.D. Chittenden, V. Chevrier, L.A. Roe, K. Bryson, R. Pilgrim, D.W.G. Sears

Optical Design of OPRA >>
39th LPSC, 2008. Pilgrim R., Ulrich R., Leftwich M.

Temperature Fields at Mars Landing Sites: Implications for Subsurface Biology >>
39th LPSC, 2008. R. Ulrich, R. Pilgrim, V. Chevrier, L. Roe, T. Kral

Water Buried Beneath the Surface of Mars
Meteorite Magazine, 2007. R. Pilgrim

Research Title: Design and Evaluation of a Fiber Optic Probe as a Means of Subsurface Planetary Exploration

View dissertation | View images

  • Funding: $400,000 — NASA PIDDP (Award #NNH06ZDA001N)
  • PI: Dr. Rick Ulrich | Industrial Partner: Space Photonics

Courses

Astronautics, Astrodynamics, Astrobiology, Astronomy, Cosmology & Large-Scale Structure, Stellar Atmospheres, Stellar Physics, Planetary Systems, Planetary Atmospheres, Advanced Numerical Methods, Mathematical Methods in Physical Sciences, IT Investigative Techniques, Partial Differential Equations, Geophysics, Environmental Dynamics, Contemporary Physics

Experimental Experience

  • FT-IR Spectroscopy (Nicolet 6700) with fiber optic probe integration
  • Finite Element Analysis for subsurface probe design
  • Level 1000 clean-room experience (Space Photonics)
  • Designed and built fiber optic probe for the Keck vacuum chamber / Andromeda planetary simulation chamber, enabling dozens of subsequent publications