Please welcome our FY22 NURAP Steering Committee Team, people who are behind NURAP@noon events, CRA study sessions, professional development opportunities, and updating you on all things-research administration. The following group is full of energy to bring you another great year of learning, networking, and support for your journey through research administration experience at Northwestern University.
FY22 Steering Committee brings together expertise from three campuses (Chicago, Evanston, and Qatar), and experience from various positions and fields: from administrative assistants, to research administrators and managers, business administrators and directors.
Executive Committee:
Yael Mayer, President
Research Projects Associate, Office for Research
Business Administrator, Center for Synthetic Biology, Evanston Campus
“It’s hard for me to be brief about NURAP, but simply put, NURAP is awesome! Being a part of NURAP continues to be such an honor and joy. This will be my third year serving as NURAP’s President and I am incredibly excited to work with this year’s Steering Committee members and Ad Hocs in support of research administrators across Northwestern. Research administration is forever changing and as research administrators we are expected to respond to these changes. It has been incredibly beneficial to have a network of NURAP members to lean on and guide me as I encounter new areas of research administration. I took advantage of the CRA training sessions in 2017 and went on to obtain my CRA certification that same year. The content provided in our NURAP@Noon sessions has been important throughout my career, from learning the fundamentals, to understanding more advanced topics in research administration. There are so many reasons why I enjoy being a NURAP member and being able to serve on NURAP’s Steering Committee. I am truly looking forward to what FY22 has in store working with all of you.”
Some of Yael’s hobbies include: going to the gym, football (Bear down!), her parents’ 1 year old pit bull (the cutest and sweetest), playing Mortal Kombat (she says she’s not that good…yet), and watching reruns of The Office (she has season 1-6 pretty much memorized).
In her role on NURAP Steering Committee, Yael also supports Programming Subcommittee.
Katie Stastny, Vice President/Treasurer
Senior Research Administrator, Basic Science Administration, Chicago Campus
“NURAP has provided me the opportunity to become a better research administrator by helping me to understand my job duties on a deeper and more detailed level, learn from other people’s areas of expertise and their experiences, as well as meet and collaborate with a wonderful group of individuals!”
Katie enjoys reading books from different genres (especially when she can do so by sitting on the beach by the lake!), paper quilling, and finding fun new shows to stream on tv.
In her role on NURAP Steering Committee, Katie also supports Membership and Continuing Education Subcommittees.
Marysia Galent, Secretary
Research Administrator, School of Communication, Evanston Campus
“Being part of NURAP community gives me a sense of belonging. I feel like I am part of something bigger, something good. From the moment I started my journey at Northwestern University in 2014, NURAP gave me so many resources, friends and opportunities, serving on the Steering Committee is my way to give back. Even though I am a semi-introvert, I absolutely love being part of the community, I enjoy learning from my peers and sharing my knowledge. I wouldn’t have grown (professionally and personally) if I did not get a chance to connect with NURAP folks.”
Marysia is an outdoor activities’ enthusiast, she is rock climbing, hiking, camping, and biking. She loves to explore the world with her two “tweenage” kids. Marysia is currently studying Ethnic Studies and she wants to help the world to be a better place – for everyone.
In her role on NURAP Steering Committee, Marysia also supports Communications & Outreach Subcommittee.
Programming Subcommittee:
Elizabeth A. Lance, PhD
Manager of Research Administration, Northwestern Qatar
“Serving on the Steering Committee has been an excellent way to meet and work with colleagues from across the university. This has been one of the most meaningful ways I’ve found to bridge the geographical gap between the Doha and Illinois campuses.”
Liz completed her PhD in Media and Cultural Studies from Newcastle University (UK) in June. Her research focuses on representations of women in the news media and on social media in Qatar.
Sarina Cavalier McBride
Research Administrator, ISEN, Evanston Campus
“NURAP has enhanced my networking opportunities. I have people I can comfortably reach out to with questions, discuss growth opportunities with as well as learn new ways to accomplish my work.”
Sarina’s hobbies are knitting, gardening and kayaking/sailing.
Melissa Mizwa
Assistant Director, Administration & Strategic Communications, Sponsored Research (Central unit but Chicago campus-based)
“Working in a role where I don’t have much day-to-day interaction with those outside of the Office for Research, I appreciate the opportunity that NURAP provides to regularly engage with colleagues’ various schools and units and to better understand how my work impacts them.”
Melissa spends much of her free time swimming, biking, running, and baking – endurance sports and carbs go hand-in-hand.
Communications & Outreach Subcommittee:
James Bruning
Administrative Assistant 3, School of Communications, Evanston Campus
“I’m really hoping to create a more collaborative and interactive environment for all NURAP’s members and hopefully to the University as a whole. Updating the website and using all of Northwestern’s technical opportunities to broadcast resources and topics to NURAP in an easier and more fluid manner, that are also more easily accessible. I’m hoping to improve my relationships with people from other departments and schools to gain some perspective on other branches at Northwestern.”
James’ spare time is usually filled with some type of sport (golf and tennis are at the top of the list), a new interesting show (15 years too late he’s starting Lost), or enjoying time with his friends in Chicago.
Continuing Education Subcommittee:
Setong Mavong
Research Administrator, FSM-DOM-Pulmonary & Critical Care, Chicago Campus
“NURAP was instrumental for my early career in research administration, providing training, guidance, and a community.”
Setong has a 14yr old beagle mix named Ellie.
Lauren Rudolph
Senior Research Administrator, FSM-DOM-Pulmonary & Critical Care, Chicago Campus
“I credit NURAP with helping me to pass the CRA exam, and I appreciate how many learning/networking opportunities it provides to the NU research administration community.”
Outside of work, Lauren’s almost one-year-old daughter and dog keep her busy.
Membership Subcommittee:
Belinda Beach
Research Administrator, Hematology/Oncology, Chicago Campus
“I have been involved with NURAP for three years. I started out as an ad hoc member and then progressed to full member. NURAP is the place where everyone in research administration belongs. It affords members the opportunity to access current and beneficial industry information; contribute by way of membership; lead one of the many subcommittees dedicated to improving individuals as professional in research administration; and network with peers that you may only connect with via email, if at all.
NURAP has been an awesome resource for me in terms of navigating research at Northwestern. I have found NURAP members to be very welcoming without being a clique. It is very unique in that not many institutions have such a community for research staff. I remain excited about NURAP’s mission to support all involved in research administration via resources, engagement and professional development awards. The professional development awards provide financial support to attend either virtual or in-person professional/skill-building/career-related conferences, courses, and meetings at either the national or local level.
NURAP is evolving and as the research landscape shifts so is NURAP. If you were familiar with NURAP years ago, you might think it is the exact same wonderful NURAP that it was some years ago; however, I challenge you to revisit our offerings and your community. NURAP remains a wonderful community and it continues to grow and advance.”
Regime L. Dean
Research Administrator in the Sponsored Project & Research Catalyst (SPARC) Central Department in the Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago Campus
“It is an honor and privilege to be a part of the NURAP steering committee and to generally be part of NURAP. This group will give me the opportunity to meet different administrative professional across campuses at Northwestern and will help me to grow as a research administrative professional by networking with my fellow committee members and continuously sharing resources that we all can use across the spectrum of the research administrative field.”
Regime enjoys meditation and some crafting of DIY projects in her spare time in addition to going on long walks with her dog, whose name is Kujoe.
This year, we are very pleased to have the following energetic and enthusiastic group of Ad Hoc Members joining NURAP Steering Committee:
Oolka Dixit
Research Administrator, WCAS- Psychology, Evanston Campus
Ad Hoc to Membership Subcommittee
“I started my career in Research Administration in 2018 at FSM as an ARA. At first, it was challenging as my prior career experience had been in executive operations within the for-profit higher-ed sector but, networking with NURAP members made me feel a sense of community and NURAP events helped me build upon my RA skillset . Now that I have been an RA for over 3 years, I hope to share my knowledge and experiences with others in this field.”
Oolka loves traveling and tries to take at least 2-3 trips a year- however, the pandemic has put a damper on that for now. She also loves scary movies and often watches them by herself because no one else will watch them with her – scaredy cats.
Gloria Frazier
Research Administrator, FSM-Basic Science Administration, Chicago campus
Ad Hoc to Communications and Outreach Subcommittee
“I am excited and honored to be an Ad-Hoc member on the Communications and Outreach Subcommittee. As a new member on the subcommittee, I see the time and commitment involved are ways to pay it forward. Hopefully, we will continue to promote and encourage professional development and equity for the community as two hallmarks and pillars of the institution.”
Gloria has been with Northwestern University since the fall of 2018 and prior to this she was a Grants and Contracts Administrator at The University of Chicago for ten years. Gloria enjoys travelling and have visited 19 states and 10 countries. She travels because of the enjoyment from the cultural exchanges taking place and has met some wonder people and learned some things along the way so that is a bonus. Along with travel, Gloria enjoy coffee, cooking, reading, watching foreign dramas and movies; and currently she is trying to encourage a green thumb.
Den Gonzales
Manager Research Administration, Basic Science Administration; Feinberg School of Medicine
Ad Hoc to Communications & Outreach Subcommittee
“NURAP has provided a network for me to share with and gain knowledge from my fellow research administrators across all campuses. I hope to use my experience to help me manage my staff and to mentor newcomers entering into the field.”
Den and his wife are recent empty nesters. Though they are sad that their kids have moved away, they’re excited about the next chapter of thier lives. They are still in the planning stages but hope to travel more and to possibly leave Chicago behind for the west coast.
TJ Hubbs
Senior Research Administrator, Movement Disorders Division, Department of Neurology, Chicago Campus
Ad Hoc to Communications and Outreach Subcommittee
“I joined Northwestern two years ago after starting my career in research administration and adjacent areas at University of Florida. At UF, my job title was never “Research Administrator,” but I did always work as an administrator in the research realm, and it was very hard to find resources and support because my job titles were all over the place. NURAP is really something special in its mission to bring together people doing a huge variety of work to support Northwestern’s research enterprise, and I’m excited to be a part of bringing us all together regardless of our job titles.”
TJ is a dog person but doesn’t have a dog. Please send them photos of your dog. TJ is also relatively new to Chicago and loves being outside, so if you have favorite places in or around the city, they’re always looking for new weekend adventure ideas.
Sam Mombou
Assistant Director for Proposals and Award Acceptance/Sponsored Research
Ad Hoc to Continuing Education Subcommittee
“NURAP’s mission and reach have led me to join this fine group. The support available to the research community is overwhelming, and it has translated into a steady increase in research funding over the years.”
Kimberly Mater
Research Administrator, Feinberg School of Medicine/Department of Medicine, Chicago Campus
Ad Hoc to Membership Subcommittee
“I love my job in Research Administration and have always wanted to join NURAP since it was a great resource when I joined Northwestern University in 2013. I finally decided this year was time to get involved since I am now officially an “empty nester”. I am thrilled to be a part of the membership committee because I enjoy meeting staff that are new to research administration. The RA community at NU is amazing and were very gracious to share their experience with me as a new RA and I am always willing to do the same. I am just sorry it took me so long to volunteer!”
Marta Wasko
Associate Research Administrator, BSA, Chicago Campus
Ad Hoc to Continuing Education Subcommittee
“I am new to the research administration and I am very impressed with the NURAP organization, support it provides, and share of the knowledge it offers to the members. I am excited to join the organization and I believe that I will gain a new knowledge and grow professionally by participating in the meetings, contributing to the efforts and by networking with like minded individuals. I am grateful for this opportunity.”
Marta loves biking, cooking and jazz music and art. She used to practice martial arts, but took a couple years off and is currently exploring new styles and looking for a new dojo.
Applications to join NURAP Steering Committee are released in Spring Quarter. Contact NURAP@northwestern.edu with any questions regarding joining the Steering Committee next year.
You can join NURAP Steering Committee as Ad Hoc Member at any time during the year. Being an Ad Hoc Member gives you an opportunity to support NURAP Community, gain NURAP leadership experience, with less commitment than regular Steering Committee Member. To join as Ad Hoc Member contact NURAP.
THANK YOU past NURAP Steering Committee Members:
Angelina An
Supported Membership Subcommittee
Catherine Cotter
Supported Communications & Outreach Subcommittee
Nga Y Du
Supported Programming Subcommittee
Rebecca McNaughton
Supported Communications & Outreach Subcommittee