Getting to know Amy Hovious

Getting to know Amy Hovious

What do you do? 

Hi, I’m Amy Hovious, and I’m passionate about bringing people, technology, and ideas together to make a meaningful difference. As the Associate Director of Research Enablement, I have the privilege of leading a wonderful team that supports faculty, staff, and students by connecting them with tools, expertise, and opportunities to collaborate across campus. We focus on areas like research collaborative services, cloud enablement, regulated research support, and faculty engagement—all with the goal of making innovation easier and research workflows smoother. I’m deeply committed to servant leadership and a strengths-based approach, and I love finding human-centered solutions that help people grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact.

What originally attracted you to your role here?

I was drawn to my current role because it aligns with my passion for enabling collaboration and innovation in research. The opportunity to bridge technology with human-centered solutions really resonates with me, and I see the potential to make a meaningful impact by connecting people, tools, and ideas in ways that empower people at all levels.

What are you currently working on, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I’m currently working on strengthening our Research Technology Support Community to build a more sustainable research support ecosystem while also advancing cloud enablement strategies for all of campus. I’m also leading some outreach efforts to better align our services with faculty needs. What I enjoy most is seeing the direct impact of these projects—whether it’s helping researchers overcome barriers, fostering collaboration, or creating systems that make their work more efficient and innovative.

Is there a particular skill or area of expertise that you’re looking to develop further?

I’m particularly interested in honing my strategic planning skills, especially in the context of building sustainable ecosystems for research technology. I’m also expanding my skills in user experience and human-centered design, as I believe understanding how people interact with technology is key to creating solutions that truly serve their needs.

Have you had any mentors or role models who have influenced your career path?

Absolutely. My father, who was a bricklayer, inspired me with his work ethic and ability to build something lasting from the ground up. In my career, I’ve also had mentors who’ve emphasized the importance of servant leadership and collaboration, shaping my approach to creating spaces where teams can thrive and innovate.

What’s one thing you think your team/department does really well?

Our team excels at creating a collaborative environment where every voice is valued. We’re especially good at breaking down silos and ensuring that people have seamless access to the tools, expertise, and support they need to succeed. I’m consistently impressed by how well we work across teams to achieve shared goals.