Who Is Your SRAI Leadership: Meet the Midwest Section Secretary & President
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 for 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 members of the executive committee of the Midwest Section: Kimberly Pratt (Secretary) & Kevin Titus (President).
Kimberly Pratt, Midwest Section Secretary
What is your title and organization?
Senior Sponsored Projects Officer, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Why SRAI?
Ten years ago, when I was tasked with submitting monthly drawdown requests for my organization’s sole federal grant, I didn’t know that one day I would find an identity, and a career, as a research administrator. As time passed, I sought and gained additional responsibilities. The majority of my training and education was “on the job” as a solo research administrator at a science museum with a growing research focus. First, I became responsible for preparing the request, and then submitting financial reports. Then, I began to submit proposals on behalf of the investigators, and as some of those proposals were eventually awarded, I ended up managing those awards, grappling with federal compliance guidelines, and leading proposal development with new investigators. Along the way, I learned there was a lot I didn’t know. Lacking institutional guidance, I compulsively googled and read grant proposal and award guides, but I wanted to connect with others who were doing what I was doing (and could hopefully teach me a few things!). I joined SRAI in order to find that guidance and connections I was seeking.
What does volunteering for SRAI mean to you?
I enjoy volunteering with SRAI because it allows me to give back to the organization from which I’ve gained a lot of knowledge, experiences, connections, and friends.
What is the thing that you do in your Secret Life as a Research Administrator?
I am passionate about getting things done, and love to solve problems. You’ll find me at my computer most of the time, unless I’m in another meeting!
What makes you smile?
I have a slightly sarcastic sense of humor, so I enjoy funny memes and conversations with my colleagues, and anything my 6-year-old comes up with.
How do you find life-work balance?
I’m lucky to work for an organization that allows me to integrate work-life, and home-life, so I can be the best I can be in both areas.
What's your life philosophy?
The days are long, but the years are short.
Kevin Titus, Midwest Section President
What is your title and organization?
Business Director, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
Why SRAI?
Why not? My job is partially focused on research, so it helps me keep up to date.
What does volunteering for SRAI mean to you?
I learned a long time ago that we start as a sponge; absorbing information. At some point we need to transition to a fountain and share what we’ve absorbed.
Something that people don't know about you.
As a teenager, I broke into jail.
What makes you smile?
My kids and helping others.
Is the glass half empty or half full?
Definitely half full, with more root beer being poured in.
What's your life philosophy?
Life is good!
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