Note from the Editor | A Season for Change
This is a bittersweet column for me as it is my last as co-editor of the Catalyst. I’ve been asked to sit on the SRAI Board of Directors in an ad hoc position as Chair of the new Communications Committee. The Committee’s mission is to expand communications and, in some cases, explore new directions, such as podcasts and an amped up social media profile. You’ll see new and familiar faces working on the four areas represented by the Communications Committee. The Journal will still be headed by Nathan Vanderford. Tonya Edvalson will oversee the Social Media group. Our brand-new endeavor, podcasts, falls under the capable hands of Carla DeMarco. And finally, Karen Bone and Terry Campbell will be co-editors of the Catalyst.
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge my co-editor, Seema Dhindaw. Seema and I worked together on the Catalyst over the past several years. We didn’t get to spend a lot of time together (our years attending meetings only coincided once in recent memory), but we talked at least twice a month and emailed much more than that. Seema and I worked hard to keep you up to date with SRAI happenings, highlighting educational events, and celebrating our members. I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank Dilyana Williams, who recently left SRAI to finish up her MBA and explore full-time motherhood.
My change isn’t the only thing happening this month. The iSRA Virtual Annual Meeting kicked off on October 5 and runs until October 30. I had the pleasure of presenting a Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA©) Body of Knowledge Review session on October 5-7. There were a few hiccups as with any new presentation platform, but overall, the experience was a good one. I’m looking forward to the excellent content offered during the meeting. If you haven’t registered yet, I encourage you to do so. There are also some fun activities planned such as the iSRA Game Night (October 19 at 6:00 pm). Watch out for DSD’s Lady Killers team!
Even though I am signing off from the Catalyst, I’ll be around. I look forward to what the future holds for not only my committee, but for SRAI as a whole. I have New Orleans in my sights for 2021. I can’t wait to see you all there!
Authored by Katie Watkins, M.Ed., Associate Director, Research Admin
University of Akron
SRAI Catalyst Co-Editor
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