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Future of the Field – Where Are They Now?

SRAI Future of the Field highlights the rising stars who are making a significant difference in research administration. As nominations for the 2024 recipients open, we asked previous recipients how receiving this honor benefited their career.  

Marchon Jackson, Associate Vice President for Research, Office of Research, Howard University, SRAI At-Large Member of the Board of Directors

• Receiving the Future of the Field recognition has been a transformative milestone in my career, significantly boosting my confidence and opening doors to many new opportunities. This honor has affirmed my contributions to our field and connected me with a network of industry leaders and peers, fostering invaluable collaborations and mentorships. The increased visibility from this recognition has led to engaging speaking opportunities and contributions to esteemed publications, further enhancing my professional growth and learning.
  
  Moreover, this award serves as a beacon for aspiring professionals, highlighting the importance of innovation and dedication in our field. For future recipients, it promises recognition and a platform to amplify their voices and ideas, fostering a community of forward-thinking leaders. The Future of the Field recognition is not just an accolade; it's a catalyst for ongoing professional development and a source of inspiration for the next generation of industry trailblazers.

Carly Pigg, CRA, CPRA, Research Financial Analyst,  LSU Health School of Medicine

• Receiving the Future of the Field award has been a great benefit to me in furthering my career in Research Administration. Since receiving the award, I have transferred to a new role at the same institution but in the School of Medicine. This has been a promotion of sorts, and I am really excited to be on the ground floor of the change in direction of how the school manages, tracks, and oversees research within the school. I also have been tasked with creating and implementing an internal training program for the Business Managers within the school. My workload has grown tremendously, but this change has made me feel very fulfilled with this career that I have chosen. I know this is because of my recognition in the Future of the Field. 

Anita Sharma, PhD, Associate Director Research Services, The Office of the Vice-President Research, Thompson Rivers University

• I am immensely proud to have received the Future of the Field honor in 2022 from SRAI, recognizing my commitment to research development and management. This accolade not only led my institution to recognize me with a “Certificate of Excellence” but also garnered recognition from the Canadian Association of Research Administration, affirming my outstanding contributions. I am grateful for the support and eager to see more deserving individuals nominated in the upcoming round to continue fostering excellence within our profession.

Ella Christiansen, MBA, CRA, Assistant Director, Pre-Award, Boise State University

• Future of the Field has definitely benefited me and my career growth. Since being recognized in the inaugural cohort, I have had the opportunity to present with a panel of my peers at the 2023 SRAI Joint Section Meeting on the topic of how directors coordinate the mission of executive management with the goals of a researcher. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience presenting for the first time at a large conference as well as being able to collaborate on the presentation with directors at varying levels of an organization. I have also appreciated the efforts of SRAI to provide networking opportunities for the Future of the Field honorees at the meetings via an online community. It has been great getting to know more folks. The biggest change since receiving the recognition is that I have recently moved from a departmental leadership role to a central office leadership role at Boise State University which has allowed me to use my knowledge, experience, and expertise at a higher and broader level to help grow Boise State’s research.

Heather Darling, PMP, Sr. Program Manager, Crowe Lab, Vanderbilt Vaccine Center

• The Future of the Field recognition has benefited me in several aspects of my career growth. When I initially received notice of the honor, my supervisor was excited for me and contacted a report for our campus newspaper. The reporter wrote an article about my recognition, which was shared both in physical print form and digitally. I referenced it in several LinkedIn posts. It certainly helped to put my name out there within our local campus community and my LinkedIn network. A short while later I applied for, and was accepted to, a master’s degree program for Leadership and Organization Performance at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College. I referenced the honor within my application packet. I am extremely thankful for these opportunities! 

Ann Y. W. Fong, MBA, Head, Office of Research Services, TRIUMF Inc.

• The Future of the Field recognition has triggered in me a higher level of confidence and the desire to be a mentor to colleagues, not just in the research administration field but also in general. I am now a member of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee at my institution. I was also given the research security portfolio so in my day-to-day work I am now constantly looking at addressing issues and risks through the lens of how I can improve and advance research facilitation and management, so that researchers are protected and can work in a safe environment, while remaining compliant. 

Future of the Field nominations are now open! Nominate someone to be recognized as the Future of the Field today! 

Authored by SRAI