Conference Presenters

Mr. Joseph Cosico, MA, CRA, CCRC
Vice President
Research Operations
Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation

Joseph N. Cosico, MA, CRA, CCRC, is the Vice President, Research Operations at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation.  He has over 20 years of cardiovascular research experience including clinical research program development, IRB administration, FDA audits, pharmaceutical and medical device trial coordination. He has mentored clinical research coordinators and administrators. 

Ms. Dara Little, CRA
Director
Northern Illinois University
Office of Sponsored Projects

Dara Little, Director of the Office of Sponsored Projects at Northern Illinois University (NIU) holds a BS in Urban and Regional Studies from Minnesota State University - Mankato. She is a Certified Research Administrator and is actively pursuing her Master's in Public Administration at NIU. Dara has practiced research administration for over ten years. Prior to Dara's tenure at NIU, she held positions in the pre-award offices at the University of Minnesota and the University of Illinois Chicago. Dara is active in promoting the field of research administration through her work with the Society of Research Administrators International (SRA). Dara has presented at SRA meetings on topics ranging from eRA to Fundamentals of Research Administration. Dara is currently serving as the Past-President of the Midwest Section and is a recipient of both the Section's Newcomers and Founders Awards.

SRA Service:
Past President & Nominating Committee Chair of the Midwest Section

Kathryn Watkins-Wendell is the Director of Research Services and Sponsored Programs at The University of Akron, where she manages a staff of ten to direct University of Akron's pre-award functions. She oversees proposal submission, sponsor relations, budget preparation and research administration training/outreach. She has been an active member of SRA International since 2005. Kathryn has been involved in SRA through the Ohio Chapter, serving as past president and speaking as a Co-track leader at section meetings. She was awarded the SRA International Midwest Section New Member Award in 2010 and the SRA International Midwest Section Established Member Travel Award in 2011.

SRA Service:
SRA Distinguished Faculty & Past President of the Ohio Chapter