Concurrent Sessions

Friday, July 18 | 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

S1 - Data-Driven Dialogues: Transforming Research Support at PUIs

Join us for an engaging session exploring the findings from a pre-workshop survey conducted as part of an NSF-funded GRANTED workshop series. We'll dive into the data revealing how faculty, research administrators, and leaders at primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) feel about the current state of research support-or lack thereof-at their institutions. Discover the critical gaps in institutional policies and learn about potential strategies to enhance infrastructure, systems, and staffing. This session aims to spark ideas and discussions on how PUIs can elevate their research capabilities and impact.

Speaker(s):

S2: Project Management: Essential Skills for Research Administrators

Research administration, at its core, is about managing complex projects. From grant proposals and clinical trials to multi-institutional collaborations and data management initiatives, research administrators are constantly juggling timelines, budgets, resources, and stakeholders. This 75-minute session, "Project Management: Essential Skills for Research Administration," designed for both new and experienced research professionals, will provide a background on the psychology and management of project teams and a practical overview of project management. We will demonstrate how applying project management principles can optimize research administration processes and teamwork, leading to more efficient and successful research outcomes. This presentation will explore the five key stages of project management - Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closure - and illustrate how each stage directly relates to the unique challenges and opportunities within research administration. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how these principles can be applied to empower them in their daily work and contribute to the overall success of their careers. This interactive session will provide participants an opportunity to apply project management principles to real and hypothetical scenarios.

Speaker(s):

Lydia Klinger, Virginia Commonwealth University 
Ann Bell, Virginia Commonwealth University

S3: Don't Shut Up, Just Talk Already: Planning, Preparing, and Delivering a Conference Presentation

You've got things to say, and this session is your opportunity to practice saying them. We'll walk you through the steps of planning, preparing, and delivering a presentation, whether it's for a professional society conference, work training, 50th wedding anniversary, or other event. Volunteers will have the opportunity to present a 2-3 minute lightning talk during lunch. No pressure!

Speaker(s):

Carol Voelker, Virginia Tech

Friday, July 18 | 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Current Topics Roundtables - What is Happening Right Now?

Description Coming Soon! 

Speaker(s):

Jose Alcaine, Virginia Commonwealth University 

Cathy Short, Virginia Commonwealth University 

Keifer Pfister, Virginia Commonwealth University 

Julie Trembly, Virginia Commonwealth University 

Catherine Thompson, University of Virginia

Angela Behrend, University of Virginia

Jeanine Larson, University of Richmond

Friday, July 18 | 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM

Closing Keynote - Surviving in the New Normal

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