Introducing the New Catalyst Sections & Feature Editors
Operations & Workflow Management
We would like to introduce ourselves as the new co-editors of the Operations & Workflow Management section of the Catalyst. This section focuses on the core functions that drive the efficiency and effectiveness of research administration. This section will explore best practices for managing administrative operations, ensuring smooth workflow processes, and supporting faculty and administrative staff. Key topics include optimizing resource allocation, maintaining operational continuity, and implementing technological solutions to streamline day-to-day tasks. The goal is to provide research administrators with practical strategies to improve their organizational effectiveness, enhance collaboration, and create a well-functioning research environment. The co-editors will be:
Anita Sharma, Ph.D., who is the Director, Research Services in the Office of the Vice-President of Research at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. She has over eleven years of experience in research development and administration. She brings expertise in strategic planning, program and researcher development, grant facilitation, managing Tri-Agency Institutional programs, and overseeing internal awards administration. She has received the Canadian Association of Research Administration (CARA) Research Management Excellence Award, the CARA Spirit of Kindness Award, the CARA Unsung Hero Award, the SRAI Future of the Field Award, and the TRU Board of Governors' Excellence Award twice for her outstanding service and leadership in research administration. She has published multiple articles on research development and administration topics, including in the Catalyst and the Journal of Research Administration. Anita serves on the SRAI Diversity, Engagement and Inclusion Committee. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve as a co-editor and looks forward to positively contributing to SRAI alongside her colleague and co-editor, Mark.
Mark Lucas, CRA, who is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Departments of Neurobiology and Computational Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in Los Angeles, California, USA. In his role at UCLA, he oversees research administration in the neuroscience and computational arenas. He has 35 years of experience in research administration. He has served on the SRAI Catalyst Committee for the past five years. He is President-Elect for the SRAI Western Section and was appointed SRAI Distinguished Faculty in 2024. He has spoken internationally on management, research administration, and engagement. He looks forward to serving as a co-editor alongside his colleague and co-editor, Anita.