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 introduce you to the executive committee members of the Canadian Section: Jennifer Freeman, Sally Gray and Devin Kreuger.
Jennifer Freeman, Canadian Section President
What is your title and organization?
Director, Office of Research Services,
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
How many years have you worked in Research Administration?
15 years.
When did you join SRAI?
2004.
Why SRAI?
I joined SRAI for two reasons:
- My former VPR, and a past SRAI President, Michael Owen, introduced me to the organization and encouraged me to become actively involved.
- The organization promotes and encourages the engagement of international representation and perspectives. This breadth of knowledge and perspectives within the organization is highly valuable to develop and refine professional research administration skills.
What does volunteering for SRAI mean for you?
Volunteering has been a catalyst to developing a professional network (aka - friends) around the world of research administrators. Further, volunteering has meant that I have had the opportunity to give back to the community that has given me so much over the years.
What is one thing people don't know about you?
I am an avid mountain, cyclocross and road cyclist. In addition, I still participate in adult downhill ski racing. On the rare occasion, I still play the flute.
What makes you smile?
My children, but also nature and the outdoors.
Is the glass half empty or half full?
Half full.
What is your life philosophy?
Always try. Trek forward never back.
Sally Gray, Canadian Section President Elect
What is your title and organization?
Director, Research Office
How many years have you worked in Research Administration?
20 years.
When did you join SRAI?
I've been a member on and off for years.
Why SRAI?
SRAI provides different training and networking opportunities from CARA, my national association.
What does volunteering for SRAI mean for you?
Volunteering is a way of giving back, of honouring the people who were unstinting in advice, help and support when I first started in the Research Office.
What is one thing people don't know about you?
Most of my free time is spent creating with fibre – I quilt, knit, spin, embroider and weave.
What makes you smile?
Spending time with family, and anything fluffy.
Is the glass half empty or half full?
It doesn’t really matter.
What is your life philosophy?
Life is too short for regrets. Take care of yourself or you’ll never be able to care for others properly.
Devin Kreuger, Canadian Section Immediate Past President
What is your title and organization?
Director, Office of the Vice-Principal Research, University of Toronto, Mississauga
How many years have you worked in Research Administration?
19 years.
When did you join SRAI?
2003.
Why SRAI?
I’d been active in the Canadian Association of Research Administrators since 1999, and I wanted to expand my scope beyond the Canadian environment. SRAI has opened up my perspective on the global research landscape.
What does volunteering for SRAI mean for you?
Volunteering with SRAI is a way for me to contribute to a profession that I love. It has also allowed me to broaden my own skill set, as I’ve been called upon to learn new things in order to succeed in my volunteer activities.
What is one thing people don't know about you?
I read tarot cards as a fundraising activity for the United Way. Plus, my likeness has been used as the King of Wands in a tarot deck created by my favourite tarot artist.
What makes you smile?
RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Is the glass half empty or half full?
More importantly: Is this beer?
What is your life philosophy?
Keep Calm & Knit a Scarf
And we present one of our great volunteers from the Canadian Section:
Sivagowry “Gowry” Lewis
To read about Sivagowry “Gowry” Lewis , please see the Member Spotlight here.
#Leadership#Membership