I am a professional in research administration with two decades of experience supporting faculty at top liberal arts colleges in the United States, including a recent appointment as Director of Sponsored Research at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. In addition to supporting faculty on their own grants, I have served as a principal investigator on a federal grant for research administration capacity-building and am currently on the leadership team of a similar grant for a program called NSF GRANTED.

ISM emerged as the ideal program for me because of its longstanding track record with hybrid education (important as I began my doctoral studies during the pandemic!), its international focus, and its thoughtful design for the needs of working professionals. At this stage of my life, I needed a program that would fit into the life and career I had already built. I am now ABD and in the early stages of writing my dissertation.

What has been your most memorable experience at ISM so far?

Though there are many fascinating courses and professors I could discuss, I want to highlight the wonderful support I have received through the ISM Mentorship Program. The Academic Programs Manager made a perfect match when selecting ISM PhD alumnus Rebekah Placide as my mentor. Rebekah was one of the references whose testimonial convinced me to choose ISM, and she has been patiently guiding me through my ISM journey since July 2021.

How do you think ISM is helping you achieve your career goals?

ISM has helped me acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the workplace – both today and in the future. Through ISM’s coursework and rigorous assignments, I have developed more advanced research and writing skills, making it second nature now to write substantial reports on complex topics. I have also become adept at synthesizing leadership theories and using them to analyze organizational situations. Additionally, I have appreciated opportunities to develop skills in strategic management, negotiation, finance, and data analysis.

What are your future aspirations after completing your program at ISM?

My long-term career aspiration is to have a systemic impact and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion through my work in institutions, particularly in higher education. More immediately, I aim to leverage the knowledge gained through my coursework to continue building the capacity of the faculty grants office at my small liberal arts institution. My goal in pursuing a terminal degree is to expand my career options and to be prepared for opportunities that may allow me to have an impact in areas that align with my unique strengths.