Scientific Quality Review Officer (SQR Officer)

Provides professional scientific oversight of the Peer Review Process and panel operations. Enforces Agency policy and requirements regarding the Peer Review Process. Oversees the transfer of peer review recommendations from peer reviewers to Area Directors, and the transfer of ARS responses to panel recommendations to peer reviewers. Dr. Frank C. Greene is the present SQR Officer .    Please click here to see Dr. Greene's biography.

The Rest of the OSQR Team

The OSQR team is responsible for providing administrative and clerical support for the peer panel review system, specifically in making logistical arrangements for peer panel sessions and ad-hoc or special reviews, including processing reimbursements for reviewer expenses and external reviewer honorariums. Also, developing and distributing correspondence and supporting materials, and providing travel services and support to reviewers.

Dr. Terence Lynch, Acting Peer Review Program Coordinator
Manages the day-to-day operations of the Peer Review System. Communicates and enforces Agency policy and requirements regarding Peer Review. Develops all review schedules, and provides direction to National Program Teams, Area Offices and scientific staff concerning time frames for developing programmatic direction and research project plans. Makes all logistical arrangements for peer panel reviews and coordinates the flow of information and materials to and from reviewers. Creates and maintains official Agency records concerning peer review.

Christina Woods, Program Analyst
Assists the Program Coordinator and SQR Officer in their duties described above.  Coordinates program review panel meetings and provides administrative and logistical support.  Analyzes, manages and evaluates the day-to-day procedural operations of the office to ensure the timely and orderly coordination of peer review panel meetings and to make recommendations to improve the efficiency of the program. Manages the OSQR databases, SOPs and the OSQR website.

Florence Evans and Linda Fuller, Program Assistants 
Assists Program Coordinator and SQR Officer in their duties described above. Coordinates program review panel meetings and provides administrative, logistical and travel-related support. Responsible for office administrative and program functions, including maintaining project records and office databases, preparing and distributing reports and other documents, and processing travel reimbursements.

Most importantly, they are responsible for following each peer review session from start to finish and specializing in about half of the projects in ARS.

Contact Information:
USDA, Agricultural Research Service
Office of Scientific Quality Review
Building 2 Room 1124
5601 Sunnyside Avenue
Beltsville, Maryland 20705-5142

Voice: (301) 504-3282
Fax: (301) 504-1251
E-mail: osqr@ars.usda.gov