In each monthly issue of the Catalyst, the “Who is your SRA Leadership?” column introduces you to the SRAI leadership, committee members and volunteers. This virtual platform serves as a good starting base to meeting the members of the SRAI community. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other and we at the Catalyst want to hear from you! Share your story! Contact us to be featured in a future column, or nominate a co-worker or colleague to share their story.
In this issue, we will feature 5 of your colleagues: Lynda Olin, Josy Combs, Catherine Diaz-Khansefid, Tonya Edvalson and Linda Dement.
Lynda Olin, President, Western Section
What is your title and organization?
Proposal Development Coordinator, Washington State University Vancouver
How many years have your worked in Research Administration?
More than 20 years.
When did you join SRAI?
2011
Why SRAI?
I am a member of several RA Professional Development organizations, but SRAI is the one that first welcomed me with open arms and opened the doors and encouraged me to get more involved. When I started to meet and get to know other SRAI colleagues, it felt like home – like long-lost cousins.
What does volunteering for SRAI mean for you?
As they say, “It takes a village.” That’s how I feel about SRAI and helping colleagues have the opportunity to learn and grow. But it’s not at all one sided – I get so much in return from my colleagues. We all learn and grow together and some of the bonds of friendship that have resulted from my involvement in SRAI are very strong.
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
We have to go into the WABAC machine for this - anyone remember Sherman and Mr. Peabody’s Wormhole Activating and Bridging Automatic Computer? In the 70s and 80s I did some modeling. I was Miss August for the Delta Chi fraternity calendar when I was a Junior in college.
What makes you smile?
My fur babies, my family, my friends, and music (primarily Sirius Classic Vinyl). What makes me drool like a fool? Books. I have over 2,000 in my home library.
Is the glass half empty or half full?
It’s filled with wine, so if you keep pouring, it won’t really matter, will it?
What’s your life philosophy?
Oh, so many! Here are a few:
Imagine – Lennon
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace – Hendrix
No answer is also an answer – Hopi
All is for the best in the best of all possible worlds – Voltaire (Candide)
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere – Buffett
Josy Combs, Pacific Northwest Chapter, President Elect
What is your title and organization?
Subaward Administrator, Team Lead, University of Washington
How many years have you been in Research Administration?
More than 17 years.
When did you join SRAI?
2008
Why SRAI?
I appreciate the diversity of SRAI’s membership.
What does volunteering for SRAI mean for you?
I believe volunteering helps keep the RA community growing and strong.
What makes you smile?
Dogs, puppies, flowers, kids.
Is the glass half empty or half full?
Half full.
What’s your life philosophy?
It’s all good.
Catherine Diaz-Khansefid, Northern California Chapter, President
What is your title and organization?
Chief Administrative Officer, University of California, Davis
How many years have you been in Research Administration?
25+ years.
When did you join SRAI?
About 1997.
Why SRAI?
Our jobs are very unique, so having a forum where we can share information, network and learn from each other is valuable.
What does volunteering for SRAI mean for you?
Volunteering with SRAI means I might be able to help others in my field. It’s a forum where friendships are developed, and where networking can also equate to career-building.
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
I am a Sheperdess (a female who manages a flock of sheep). I raise, show, and sell Dorper Sheep.
What makes you smile?
Family, friends and sheep.
Is the glass half empty or half full?
Half-full
What’s your life philosophy?
I still believe in the FFA and 4-H creeds. Beautiful documents that apply to any generation.
Tonya Edvalson, Membership Committee, Chair
What is your title and organization?
Clinical Research Compliance Officer, University of Utah
How many years have you been in Research Administration?
19 years.
When did you join SRAI?
2010
Why SRAI?
SRAI has given me a broad understanding of research, not focusing on one aspect of how research is coordinated. When I started with SRAI, I was working as a compliance manager and fit in well with the research integrity group. However, over the years my position evolved where understanding contracts, award compliance, and other laws and regulations were important. I realized that they all intertwine more than I had ever realized and we all need to understand each other’s roles more than ever in this ever-changing profession. SRAI had networking and education opportunities built in where I fit right in! Aside from the technical skills I have learned with the programs available, I have met people who will be lifelong friends.
What does volunteering for SRAI mean for you?
After my first Annual Meeting, I began signing up for volunteer opportunities. It has made the difference in how SRAI has enriched my professional growth. I have achieved things I would have never imagined. I could have never imagined myself speaking at International meetings or feeling confident enough to lead initiatives that make a difference in an organization of over 5000 people across the globe. However, within six (fast) years of being a member, I was elected to President-Elect in my Section and planning a Section meeting where over 300 members were counting on us to have a good professional experience. I am now chairing the Membership Committee and was recently inducted into the Distinguished Faculty. In these positions, I am meeting more people and getting them involved, seeing them grow like I did. It’s a phenomenal experience.
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
When I was a sophomore in high school, I was an officer in our chapter of the Future Homemakers of America (FHA). For the most part, I can’t cook unless it comes in a box and has instructions. It’s so sad, but true. I married the right guy because without him we would starve. I excelled in one of their categories, however. I won the state competition in the job interview category and went on to nationals in Cincinnati, Ohio. That seemed more fitting.
What makes you smile?
My husband, my two sons and my three dogs make me the happiest. Spending time laughing with them while we watch movies and go on road trips are memories I hold dear. When I can take time away with friends, I always have a great time. Anytime I can laugh at the simple things, especially at myself, I’m game!
Is the glass half empty or half full?
It is always half-full. No matter the challenges that I am given, there are always lessons that I can take from them and come out better on the other side. But, I am human so I’ll be real. It doesn’t mean I won’t gripe about them a little, but I do come to a place where I can stop and regroup, realizing where the lesson is in the challenge.
What is your life philosophy?
The reason I am here is to make life better for as many people as I can. We are all better when we are looking out for each other.
And we present one of our great volunteers from the Western Section:
Linda Dement, SRAI Volunteer
To read about Linda Dement, please click here.
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