University of California, San Diego

I started my career in a lab as a lab manager for an infectious disease lab for about 12 years. I worked in managing clinical trials for vaccine development but as my career progressed my family life required that I switch to a less demanding career. I thought what profession could I transition to that would still utilize some of my research skills but offer a more consistent work schedule. That is when I transitioned to Research Administration. I feel now I am bridging the gap between researcher and administrator. I can utilize my research experience to help administrate post award duties.

After I immigrated the the USA from the Netherlands in 2002, I found a job at the University of New Mexico (UNM) in Albuquerque, where I started to work with various contracts and grants of the faculty I worked for. Next to that I also dealt with unrestricted accounts of course. I felt the the various contracts and grants were very interesting as they required a good eye for detail, and I could really help my faculty by making sure all rules and regulations were followed. At that time I interacted with the various people in the central offices. In 2017 we moved to San Diego, as I found a job as Award Accountant / Research Administrator, at the Office of Post Award Financial Services (OPAFS), later renamed Sponsored Projects Finance (SPF) department, which is a central office. I think here I finally found my place, and I truly enjoy my job making sure everything is in compliance.

I became a RA by accident. I had worked in the Non-profit field and just finished my MPA. I knew I wanted to go into a rewarding but decent wage earning area. So, I applied for aa RA position with zero experience. The hiring manager took a chance on me and said the RA is not a difficult area to work in. He hired me knowing I had the educational and judgment skills and gave me a chance! Now, 15 years later in the RA field and I lOVE it!