Responsible for all operational oversight of the research enterprise at Saint Louis University. This includes the Office of the VP for Research, the SLU Research Institute, and the Taylor Geospatial Institute; over 100 staff members and $130M of operational and research growth funding. This role oversees SLU’s research growth strategy and the implementation of university-wide initiatives. Areas of oversight also include the Research Innovation group including technology transfer; the Research Development group overseeing internal investments in research; and the Research Operations group including management of sponsored awards and contracts.Key Accomplishments Include: - Spearheaded the strategic planning and execution of a comprehensive growth plan for research, leading to doubled expenditures ($42M HERD in 2016, $90M in 2023), putting SLU on track to achieve the highest research classification, Carnegie R1, by 2025.- Created and implemented SLU’s “big ideas” program which resulted in the creation of eight interdisciplinary institutes. Spanning every college at the university, these institutes have created high-quality paid research experiences for hundreds of students and created jobs across disciplines and experience levels.- Increased institutional capacity to attack larger problems, apply for multi-PI and center-scale grants, and partner externally to achieve scholarly and community impact. This has resulted in SLU’s ability to secure over $125M in philanthropic funding.

The University of Chicago Research Computing Center provides resources for researchers to perform high-end research computing. The RCC enables breakthrough research by providing access to centrally managed resources and high-level scientific and technical user support, education, and training to help researchers and students make full use of modern technology. As Chief of Staff for the RCC, I manage and direct all programs and business operations at the center. These responsibilities encompass strategic planning, program development, reporting, process planning, relationship building and accelerating the growth and success of the RCC.

The University of Chicago’s research enterprise consists of over 2000 faculty researchers and $450M in sponsored research. The Office of the VP for Research, Innovation and National Laboratories provides institutional resources and infrastructure to support research across the University, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, and the Marine Biological Laboratory. Arete is a “Research Accelerator” at the University of Chicago. Arete Catalyzes new initiatives by bringing together interdisciplinary teams to develop transformative approaches for addressing complex and pressing scientific, societal, and global questions. As Executive Director for Arete, I led the strategic development and coordination of large scale interdisciplinary research programs across the University and its affiliates. Key components of my work with Arete included: Developing business plans and sustainable business models for research programs; Identifying research teams and opportunities; Provisioning resources for early stage research; And analyzing macro trends in federal funding budgets and prioritiesSee more:http://arete.uchicago.eduhttp://www.uchicago.edu/features/arete_transforms_faculty_ideas_into_action/

The University of Chicago section of Hematology and Oncology has a robust research agenda comprising of Phase I, II, and III clinical trials. I was the data manager and study coordinator for an average of ten concurrent clinical trials in gastrointestinal (GI) oncology and mesothelioma. As the liaison between all stakeholders, I managed communication and data flow, established priorities, identified areas of risk and developed contingencies and solutions. Clinical trials require routine program and data audits; I led in the preparation of documentation for study audits and pharmaceutical site visits for both the GI Oncology and Mesothelioma programs.

Ziopharm Oncology, Inc. is an entrepreneurial biotechnology firm focused on discovering and developing novel therapies for cancer treatment. While at Ziopharm, I worked with multiple groups including clinical operations, regulatory compliance, and chemistry, manufacturing and controls. As a Clinical Assistant, I ensured regulatory compliance for clinical documentation and developed technical guidelines and standard operating procedures for managing such documentation. I also held responsibilities in initiating and maintaining vendor relationships and developing metrics for the selection of new vendors. Working with the regulatory team, I have experience in preparing Investigational New Drug Applications for both United States and Canadian regulatory bodies.