Downstate Health Sciences University

I became an RA completely by accident. I was just out of college, working for a temp agency, and figuring out what I wanted to do for work. Unfortunately, as soon as summer ended, I was coming off my parents’ health insurance plan and feeling the pressure to find something permanent and full-time. I lived close to Tufts University and applied for several entry-level positions. The one I got happened to be in the Office of Sponsored Programs – and the rest is history! I remember being overwhelmed by all the acronyms being used in the office but was determined to understand what was happening around me. Within 10 months, I was promoted to Grants Manager in Post-Award – and I was hooked. I couldn’t imagine another career!