Title

Pre-Award Manager

My focus

I supervise our research administrators, review and write contracts, serve as a liaison between faculty and sponsors, as well as the ubiquitous “other duties as assigned!” I love that no two days are ever the same.

Where I came from…

Born and raised in Prairie Village, Kansas, I made my way to Research Administration via social services. I have a master’s degree in human development from the University of Kansas and spent over 20 years either providing direct residential youth services, consulting, training or evaluating direct care workers, or writing contracts between the state of Texas and subcontractors working with at-risk youth. I eventually made my way to the University of North Texas, where I was a research administrator for three months before becoming the pre-award manager. I was there for three years until I found my way home to the Kansas City area and UMKC! I couldn’t have been luckier that the manager job was posted at the same time I was trying to get back to the metro area.

What I love about working in Research Administration…

I love that no two days are ever the same! There are always new and different things to learn on any given day, even after being at UMKC for over 10 years. And the faculty here are working on very exciting, interesting projects. Not to mention, we have a great pre-award team who are eager to give their best to assist the faculty with their proposals.

Some favorite things…

When I’m not at work, I enjoy reading, gardening and exercising. I’ve been an avid walker for years and have recently taken up cycling. I’m looking forward to getting back out to explore the various bike trails around the city as well as checking out the Katy Trail.