A long time ago, I thought my story was unique. Like many in our field, I did not set out to build a career in research administration. I fell into it…or maybe it found me. Over time, I realized that almost everyone I met had a similar origin story, often not realizing they were entering into a community and a profession that would shape their career. Many of those connections happen through the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI), whether virtually, in person at conferences and meetings, or through the everyday networking that brings our field together.
After finishing graduate school in 2001, I accepted a Grant and Contract Specialist role at a children’s hospital because of my background in finance. That role immersed me in every phase of the research lifecycle from proposal development and budgeting to award management, compliance, financial reporting, and closeout. It was complex, fast-paced, and rewarding work, whether it was celebrating with a PI when an award came through or knowing a clinical trial helped a patient and their family, and it laid the foundation for what has become a 23-year career.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work for a variety of organizations, including research hospitals, a consulting firm, and R1 universities, which has given me a broad perspective on the research enterprise and how our profession continues to evolve. I still remember standing at the copy machine assembling paper applications, chasing down wet ink signatures, and making that last-minute run to FedEx to meet a deadline. Since then, we’ve moved to fully electronic systems, implemented enterprise platforms, and adapted to an increasingly complex regulatory environment, from OMB circulars to 2 CFR 200. At the same time, research has become more global and interconnected, bringing both new opportunities and new challenges.
Throughout this journey, SRAI has played an important role in my growth. Early in my career I turned to SRAI for training, resources, and a sense of community. Over time, that involvement grew from attendee to presenter, and now to instructor, where I’ve had the opportunity to support training programs and work with research administrators across institutions. What has kept me engaged for more than two decades is the people. SRAI brings together professionals with different perspectives, experiences, and approaches, and that exchange of ideas has consistently helped me grow as both a professional and a leader.
I am seeking the role of Secretary as a natural next step in my engagement with SRAI and the broader research administration community. I believe strongly in giving back to the profession that has given me so much, and in helping ensure that SRAI continues to meet the needs of its members.
Looking ahead, I see SRAI’s future centered on connection, adaptability, and continued excellence. Our field will only grow more complex as regulatory expectations evolve, research becomes increasingly global, and institutions continue to modernize systems and processes. SRAI is well positioned to build on its strong foundation by continuing to foster meaningful international engagement, deliver high-quality and practical training, and create opportunities for professionals at all stages of their careers to connect and learn from one another.
It feels like the right time for me to step into a more formal leadership role. If given the opportunity to serve, I would bring both experience and a deep appreciation for this community, along with a few stories about the “old days,” to help support and prepare the next generation of research administrators.