2025 Future of the Field Honorees

I entered the research administration field by an opportunity, with over a decade of experience, I feel this profession truly aligns with my strengths and values. I take great pride in ensuring grant processes run efficiently and compliantly, supporting projects that create meaningful change for underserved communities worldwide.

Early in my career, I saw that while researchers excelled in innovation, they often struggled with funding complexities, compliance, and grant management. I was motivated to bridge that gap and support the research ecosystem.
What drew me most to this field is its dynamic nature, balancing regulatory requirements, financial oversight, and institutional priorities. I enjoy solving problems, improving processes, and working with multidisciplinary teams.

At a research-intensive university, I’ve embraced continuous learning, led initiatives, mentored peers, and contributed to policy development. Moving forward, I aim to deepen my impact in research administration by engaging more actively with global research communities.

I was drawn to the Future of the Field recognition by the opportunity to advance research security and administration in ways that combine innovation, policy, and impact. While my career in research administration is not long, I bring over a decade of experience with Fortune 500 companies, co-founding startups, and leadership roles at consulting firms. I began my journey as the first leader in research security at the University of Windsor, where I developed frameworks that became national models and earned recognition as The Peak Emerging Leader 2025 for Politics and Government. Today, I serve as the inaugural Assistant Director of Research Security, Innovation and Partnerships at Trent University, where I lead programs that safeguard research, enable growth in commercialization activities, and foster cross-sector collaboration. Looking ahead, I see my future in scaling AI-driven innovations, influencing national policy, and building global partnerships to redefine the standards of research administration.

After working in the private practice of law about eight (8) years I was looking to make a change in what I was doing.  After learning about openings in the field at UAB I was immediately drawn to the idea of research administration and saw it as wonderfully purposeful and meaningful work.  Since then, I have happily been in research administration for two (2) years, but going on much more!  To date, my proudest accomplishments include being selected as a Future of the Field Recipient, earning a promotion in my position, and being a small part of the team working to help build a curriculum for future research administrators.  With that, my goal is to continue growing in my position and the work of research administration to take on greater responsibilities and roles and perhaps publish some writing to support our field. 

I discovered research administration by chance, but it quickly became my calling. My passion for supporting knowledge creation comes from my own experience overcoming barriers to higher education. For over a decade, I have built a career grounded in resilience and innovation—most notably rebuilding VCUarts Qatar’s research services department after budget cuts, and championing arts and design research within systems often focused on STEM. I hold a Master’s in Research Administration from Johns Hopkins University and have earned recognition as a thought leader through publications, global conference presentations, and leadership roles with SRAI and NCURA. I’m especially proud of spearheading inclusive initiatives that amplify voices from underrepresented regions and disciplines. Looking ahead, I aim to strengthen research ecosystems by leveraging AI, driving policy change, and mentoring future research administrators. I believe research administration should not just facilitate research but transform institutions and communities through collaboration, advocacy, and innovative support.

I found research administration while looking for my next career after practicing law. It was a natural fit for me and I loved it right away. I am in my 13th year and still get excited to get to work every day. I feel very privileged to have worked with supervisors who trust my vision. I am also thankful for the fantastic team that works with me. They are brilliant and hardworking and accept every new challenge with a smile. Research administration is a team effort. 

After graduating from law school, I sought a meaningful, collaborative career where I could make a positive impact. Though initially unfamiliar with research administration, I quickly recognized its alignment with my goals. During my time in this field, I have supported transformative research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln by negotiating complex agreements, streamlining processes, and promoting operational efficiency. One particularly meaningful initiative I led was the development of a comprehensive Negotiation Playbook, which standardized our contract processes and improved consistency across the team. Looking ahead, I plan to complete my MBA, earn my CRA credential, and deepen my expertise in intellectual property, data rights, and leadership. 

Statement not available

Fourteen years ago, I stumbled into the research management field, and it became a perfect fit for me. I held the position of Grants Administrator in the Research Management Unit (RMU) at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, and have since advanced to the role of Deputy Director.  My professional advancement has been shaped by the guidance of my mentors and networks, alongside financial support from NIH and Wellcome. My proudest achievements include being instrumental in the establishment of the RMU which has transformed the research ecosystem as well as being recognised as a Research Management Professional by the International Professional Recognition Council. Looking into the future, I aspire to become a senior leader in research administration, contributing to innovative solutions that will enhance the efficacy and effectiveness of our operations. As a recent PhD graduate, I also plan to engage in research around research administration. 

I came into research administration through my background in office management. Completely new to grants, higher education, and the world of basic and translational research. What started as a leap into the unknown quickly turned into a passion. I fell in love with the fast-paced environment, the constant learning, and the privilege of working closely with PIs to support impactful medical research. Over the past three years, research administration has become home.

I’m proud to have earned my CRA within two years of entering the field and to be recognized by faculty and colleagues for delivering outstanding service. Leading both the pre-award and post-award non-financial team has been a rewarding opportunity to mentor others while improving processes and strengthening relationships across the research enterprise.
What’s next? I’m excited to continue growing as a leader, deepening my expertise, and helping shape the future of research administration through collaboration, education, and service.

I started my career in research administration just over 8 years ago as a front desk assistant for UVA School of Medicine's Office of Grants and Contracts. I quickly became interested in research administration and pursued as many opportunities as possible to gain more knowledge and experience to progress professionally in the field. I am proud to have been a part of many projects to improve tools and processes, support submissions for large collaborative projects, and, most recently, to represent my colleagues as a member of Virginia Tech's Administrative and Professional Faculty Senate. Being a recipient of SRAI's Future of the Field award is my top achievement and highest honor. Starting in the Fall 2025 semester I will begin my journey towards earning a PhD in Public Administration and Public Affairs from Virginia Tech. I'm passionate about using data-driven insights to improve organizational policy processes for research and innovation.

In fall of 2019, I completed my Master’s in Music and took a gap year, during which I accepted a part-time position at a research center assisting with procurement. That experience introduced me to research funding, FAR, allowability, and different “colors of money.” I continued working even after beginning my doctoral program in music, but soon realized I found more fulfillment in supporting researchers than in the practice room. I felt I was contributing to meaningful work that advanced society. Eventually, I made the difficult decision to leave my music studies and transition into a full-time research administrator role, where I’ve focused primarily on post-award management. Since then, I’ve earned my Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential and returned to school in an asynchronous online doctoral program for Educational Leadership and Policy. My dissertation explores the different reporting structures of central research offices and its perceived impact on institutional research efficiency.

Like most members of this community, Research Administration sort of fell into my lap. Though I was a full-time graduate student, I also started this career facilitating awards, grants and travel scholarships with non-profits for investigators at every level. Then, in May 2020, I decided to take a leap of faith and learn about the administrative side of scientific research with hopes of building a well-oiled laboratory of my own. Within the first 6 months of working with the Basic Science Administration department at Northwestern University, I had settled into this career where I found my intellect, high drive, communication and organizational skills would be found better suited. My career aspirations and professional achievement goals in the next 5-10 years is to remain a positive change agent in training, development, and research education, seeking recognition that helps institutions and organizations create successful programs that prepare Research Administration teams for success.

I entered the field of research administration with a strong foundation in finance and project management—but it was the dynamic, mission-driven environment of global health that truly shaped my path. Supporting multidisciplinary teams at institutions like the Aga Khan University and managing large-scale initiatives funded by organizations like the Gates Foundation and UNICEF, I discovered how impactful research can be when backed by sound strategy, compliance, and stewardship. One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is helping to streamline grant operations in complex global consortia, ensuring both accountability and agility in diverse cultural contexts. What drives me now is a commitment to nurturing research management capacity in low- and middle-income countries, mentoring early-career professionals, and continuing to bridge science with equitable systems. Looking ahead, I aspire to take on a global leadership role—contributing to institutions that prioritize innovation, integrity, and community impact.

I came to the “Future of the Field” because I’m passionate about where research administration is headed and want to be a part of shaping it. My career in this field started after nearly a decade in nonprofit grant management, where I learned the nuts and bolts of funding strategy, compliance, and stakeholder relationships. That experience made the transition into research administration a seamless progression.  

The accomplishment I’m most proud of is helping secure grants that directly impact our local community. Seeing the positive effects of those projects has been incredibly rewarding.

Next on my horizon: completing my master’s degree in research administration at the University of Central Florida, earning my Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential, and publishing in SRAI’s Catalyst. My ultimate goal is to help build a supportive, well-trained research administration team that empowers faculty to pursue ambitious projects with confidence and clarity.