Community & Member Engagement
Standing in My Light: My Journey in Research Administration
I was once told I’d never understand grants and contracts. Challenge accepted. With mentorship, grit, and a plot twist of passion, I turned confusion into confidence—and now I’m mentoring others to do the same.
When I first stepped into the world of grants and contracts, I was told it was too complex to fully grasp. In a previous position, someone even told me, “You’ll never understand it.” (Ouch, right?) It honestly felt like they were speaking a different language. I remember thinking, Maybe they’re right. It’s tough to be responsible for something when you don’t even have a clear breakdown of how it works.
But if there’s one thing about me—it’s that I don’t like being told what I can’t do. So, I dug in.
Under the mentorship of Sheleza Mohammed, I not only learned the intricacies of research administration but also developed a passion for it. She laid the foundation, but I had to take the knowledge and apply it—turning what once seemed overwhelming into something I truly enjoy. (And let’s be real, that was a plot twist I didn’t see coming!)
Now, as a Research Program Manager in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, I oversee all aspects of research administration—from grants and contracts management to procurement and oversight of industry-sponsored clinical trials. I work closely with grants and contracts personnel, administrative support teams, clinical research coordinators, and lab staff, to ensure our research projects run smoothly. Some days, that means being the go-to problem solver; other days, it means navigating a maze of policies and procedures—but honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in this profession? You never stop learning. Staying engaged with policy updates, national regulations, and institutional changes is essential because they directly impact research operations. Growth in this field is constant, and I love being part of something that’s always evolving.
Beyond my own career progression, I believe in paying it forward. The mentorship I received made all the difference, and now, I get to do the same for others. I’m an active mentor in the UT Southwestern Grants and Contracts Cohort Mentorship Program, where I help guide the next generation of Grants and Contracts Specialists—whether it’s offering insight, career advice, or simply being a sounding board for their questions.
When Sheleza reached out to invite me to submit an article for SRAI’s Catalyst, I was honored—and a little shocked. She encouraged me to stand in my light, and that’s exactly what I’m doing now. If you had told me years ago that I’d be mentoring others in this field, I would have laughed. But here I am, helping others navigate the same path I once found so intimidating.
Looking back, I can’t help but chuckle at how overwhelmed I felt in the beginning. I went from feeling completely lost to becoming someone others now turn to for guidance. Sheleza gave me the ingredients—I just had to put the recipe together. Now, I’m passing that knowledge on and helping others create their own recipe for success.
Wouldn’t have it any other way.
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