Coffee Talks

Coffee Talks

Join us on your afternoon break for a casual conversation with peers to discuss and explore different topics from research administration. Coffee Talks are free for SRAI Full Members.  

  • Coffee Talks are a series of a one-hour virtual discussions.
  • Participants can earn a CEU (1 contact hour of education).
  • Subjects can range from hot topics in research administration to soft skills for the workplace.
SRAI's membership has a diverse roster of folks with many interesting perspectives and backgrounds. 

Let's get together and chat!

For questions, contact Debbie Appler.



Upcoming Coffee Talks

Goal Makers and Gifted Writers: SRAI Mentoring
November 4 | 2:00 pm ET

SRAI has an incredible knowledge base within our organization. Through our mentoring programs, we seek to pair those with that knowledge with those who are looking for guidance and to develop new skills.

The Odyssey Program pairs or groups experienced mentors with mentees who are looking for guidance on their career or developing new skills.

The JRA Author Fellowship Program pairs prospective authors with published Peer Advisors for a supportive fellowship.

This opportunity is for those interested in giving back to our colleagues as a mentor or learning more about finding ways to be mentored. Join us and ask our Discussion Leaders what it's like to be involved as a mentor or mentee, about their experience in an SRAI Mentoring Program, or any other question you may have about mentorship!

Content Level: All Levels

Learning Objectives:
  1. Learn why mentoring is important
  2. Find out about current SRAI Mentoring Programs: Odyssey Program and JRA Author Fellowship
  3. Learn what it takes to be a Mentor
  4. Learn how to get the most out of being a Mentee


Discussion Leaders:

Carla DeMarco
Research Communications and Grant Manager
University of Toronto Mississauga
JRA Author Fellowship - Fello


Holly Zink, MSA, ACRP-CP
Medical Research Writer
Department of Surgery
University of Kansas Medical Center
JRA Author Fellowship - Advisor

Marianna Gurtovnik
Director, Management Operations
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houtston
Odyssey Program - Mentee


Amy Sikalis
Director, Research and Science
University of Utah
Odyssey Program - Mentor

Moderator: Tonya K. Edvalson, OnCore Programs Manager, University of Utah Health
Please register here

Registration is free for SRAI Full Members. You need to register to receive the login information. 

Not an SRAI Member? Review benefits and become a member. 


Submit questions for the Discussion Leaders in advance to Debbie Appler at srawebinars@srainternational.org.

Inclusion: SRAI, We Put the "I" in DEI!
December 9 | 2:00 pm ET

SRAI membership actively volunteers in programming, governance, and training. This makes SRAI a premier organization for individuals to teach, learn, and grow. It appears that we embrace our diversity, but how can we ensure we continue to push inclusiveness in these volunteer opportunities? Can SRAI continue to meet the needs of all members? Does it now? Join us for a discussion on this topic!

Please register here

Registration is free for SRAI Full Members. You need to register to receive the login information. 

Not an SRAI Member? Review benefits and become a member. 


Submit questions for the Discussion Leaders in advance to Debbie Appler at srawebinars@srainternational.org.
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See what others are saying about Coffee Talks!


"Keep up the great work! Loved the interactive questions. Panelists were very adept at keeping the discussion on track and answering questions succinctly."
"I really enjoyed the format of this, and it was more interactive than I expected, which was nice. Great job!"
"I came away with several ideas that will help our office staff. I was happy I took the time to attend. An hour is manageable right now."
"The moderator of the session was exceptional. Exceptional!"