Lean Research Administration

In the world of scientific research, the story of Henrietta Lacks stands as a towering testament to the complex interplay of ethics, race, and medical discovery. Rebecca Skloot's book, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks", unravels this narrative with a compelling mix of investigative journalism and rich storytelling. For research administrators, this narrative is more than a book; it's a crucial framework for understanding the past and shaping a more ethical future in medical research.

Henrietta Lacks was a Black woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge or consent in the early 1950s. These cells, known as HeLa cells, became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and much more. Yet, Henrietta's family remained in the dark for decades about the scientific breakthroughs her cells facilitated, living without the benefits of the advances their mother's cells contributed to.

Recently, I attended, presented, and chaired the Operational Excellence panel at the 6th European Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management. More info on the IEOM Society here.  As an added surprise, I also received an award for Operational Excellence.

National Research Administrator Day on September 25th recognizes the contributions made by research administrators every day.

Sponsored Projects and Research Office team members play a critical role when it comes to supporting project directors and researchers in their efforts to generate funding and advance science, as well as provide critical grant-funded patient care services. 

Research Administrators serve an important role in supporting research. They assist PIs and research teams, protect the institution, and guarantee sound stewardship of research dollars. Their roles are multifaceted. From study feasibility, to award management, contract negotiations, to invoicing, to compliance and review, Research Administrators serve the lifecycle of a research or sponsored project. They keep a project on course. Most importantly, their management allows others to maintain focus on their individual roles as well.

How did I become the equivalent of the Lean Kool-Aid man? I wanted to make complex processes easier for my team and for my customers, while respecting the people involved.