University of Iowa

I was in the management/finance business for almost 25 years. I got burned out and was looking for something new during the pandemic. I reached out to a recruiting firm that connected me with the Division of Sponsored Programs at the U of Iowa. I interviewed with them to become a budget reviewer. It was overwhelming at first, but I quickly caught on and was hired full-time later that year. There is something new every day, and I still have a lot to learn, but have never been happier in my job!

I recently joined the team at the University of Iowa Department of Sponsored Programs after 15 years of prosecuting felony offenses for the State of Iowa. I am happy to be back at my University supporting the missing. It feels like coming home.

After spending 15 years in higher ed communication, I was recommended — if not lovingly and forcibly coerced — to start a career in research administration. I had no tangible experience aside from my own innate qualities that, as it turns out, are fundamental in RA: unfettered curiosity, desire to learn, and a love for puzzles. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to learn new skills every day while earning a living that positively contributes to an industry so vital to modern society.