Jean Ostrom-Blonigen has been named project administrator at NDSU for the North Dakota Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, known as ND EPSCoR. 

Ostrom-Blonigen oversees ND EPSCoR programming and operations and assists in crafting the program’s next strategic plan to the National Science Foundation. ND EPSCoR, a North Dakota University System program, provides research funding for doctoral dissertations, new faculty start-up awards, science infrastructure, support for women in science and engineering, as well as programs for undergraduates and student work experience in technology and science opportunities in the private sector.

Ostrom-Blonigen brings extensive higher education experience to her new role. She previously served in numerous positions, including chief information technology planning officer for NDSU and for the North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, North Dakota; interim assistant vice president for information technology services; director of special projects and internal auditor in the office of the president at NDSU; and several positions in finance and administration, such as business office manager, co- and interim- budget director, director of special projects, and internal auditor.

She earned a doctorate in philosophy and a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from NDSU, a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Minnesota State University Moorhead and an associate degree in business administration from North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton. She is also a certified public accountant.

She began her position effective Oct. 13.