Carolyn Van Gemert serves as Senior Executive Assistant to the Vice Provost for Research, Michael Crair, and the Vice Provost for Research team. Carolyn provides high-level administrative and operational support for the university’s research leadership, helping to advance Yale’s research priorities through coordination, strategic planning, and executive support. She serves as a key liaison among faculty, administrators, staff, external partners, and distinguished visitors.
As Senior Executive Assistant, Carolyn coordinates high-profile meetings, events, interviews, and travel arrangements, often involving senior university leaders, faculty, government officials, and external stakeholders. Her work includes supporting executive searches, managing committee activities and university funds, organizing complex international travel, and providing historical and institutional knowledge that helps inform decision-making.
Throughout her tenure, Carolyn has coordinated major events and initiatives, supported transitions and process improvements, helped mentor and train administrative colleagues, and contributed to the development and testing of a new committee management system for the university. Her work has also included supporting the Senior Research Officers group, stewarding the Higgins Fund and Silliman Lectureship Committee, and assisting with office-wide operational and staffing needs.