Community & Member Engagement
Looking Back on a Journey of Growth: Adapting to the Dynamics of Research Administration
One research administrator shares how professional development, strategic connections, and flexibility have fueled their success.
The Journey Begins
My journey into research administration began with a mentorship that shaped the course of my career. I met my mentor, Sheleza Mohamed, through the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) mentorship program. From our earliest conversations, she spoke often and passionately about her work in grants administration. She was planting a seed, and her support laid the foundation for what was to come.
At the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, I began supporting an Early-Stage Investigator in the Biochemistry Department who held a Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) grant. While I had received NIH and other grants training, CPRIT was different. It had its own specific policies and procedures, and I read the guide in its entirety. I provided timely, policy-aligned support, ensuring accuracy in budgeting, reporting, and administrative oversight.
Over time, I supported a Welch Foundation Norman Hackerman recipient and a Principal Investigator with at P01 grant, further sharpening my understanding of sponsor-specific expectations and the intricacies of federal funding. Although I had prior experience managing compliance at the state level, federal compliance introduced a new level of complexity.
Building a Foundation for Success
To strengthen my technical foundation, I earned a certification as a Financial Research Administrator (CFRA), followed by the Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential. Studying for these certifications reinforced my knowledge of the NIH Grants Policy Statement, 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance, and introduced me to the Federal Acquisition Regulations. I also became a PMI-certified Project Management Professional (PMP®), which enhanced my ability to lead complex, deadline-driven projects with cross-functional teams and competing priorities. These credentials expanded my knowledge and improved how I supported Principal Investigators throughout the award lifecycle.
My current role supporting PIs at the American Heart Association has further deepened and broadened my experience, while continuing to build on the foundation established in academia. My career path has included pre- and post-award activities across a variety of sponsors—CPRIT, NIH, CDC, SAMHSA and more—each with distinct policies, procedures, and compliance requirements. I use project management as a strategic framework to manage grants, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and consistently meet critical deadlines.
Growing Through Change and Challenge
One of the most important lessons I’m still learning is to stay adaptable. Whether it’s navigating new funding mechanisms, managing diverse stakeholder interests, or keeping up with the ever-evolving regulatory landscape, each situation requires flexibility and strategic problem-solving. It’s not always about Having the answer right away—it’s about knowing how to research it, asking the right questions, and pivoting when necessary. I still consider myself a learner in this area, but adaptability has helped me to support my PIs and project teams effectively while keeping everything aligned with sponsor expectations.
Meaningful Connections & The Path Ahead
Over the years, I’ve found meaningful ways to stay connected and engaged. I’ve volunteered across professional organizations, served on committees, and co-presented at national and regional conferences as well as lunch-and-learns. Whether I’m sharing lessons learned, answering questions, or connecting with peers, I’m always looking for opportunities to give back and continue learning in community with others. I’m committed to supporting research initiatives, fostering meaningful connections, and remaining adaptive as the field continues to evolve. Let’s connect and grow together as we navigate this journey.
Authored by: