UAMS Division of Research and Innovation Engages Researchers at Orientation and Administrative Showcase
| UAMS research faculty got to hear directly from Division of Research and Innovation staff during a fun and informative afternoon that featured brief presentations and concluded with a poster session and reception with drinks and light hors d’oeuvres.
The Faculty Orientation and Showcase was the brainchild of Shuk-Mei Ho, Ph.D., vice chancellor for Research & Innovation.
The inaugural UAMS Research Faculty Orientation and Administration Showcase was the brainchild of Shuk-Mei Ho, Ph.D., vice chancellor and director of the Division of Research and Innovation. She noted that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, her division hosted the popular Showcase of Medical Discoveries, but something was missing.
“It was a great opportunity for people to mingle, but one thing I noticed is that research faculty do not have a special orientation,” Ho said. “The general orientation doesn’t give research faculty information about who they should contact, how to get set up with a grant or how to manage their grants.”
The Sept. 12 Orientation and Administrative Showcase, held at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute’s Walton Auditorium and 10th floor rotunda, addressed those issues and more.
Attendees got to meet and engage with directors and managers from the division. The staff guided the attendees through the process of
Moe Elasri, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for Research and Innovation, kicked off the research faculty orientation session.
crafting clear and effective research proposals, navigating grant submissions, managing pre- and post-award activities, annual reporting, and grant financial management.
“It’s useful to be reminded of the various institutional resources available at UAMS,” said Samir Jenkins, Ph.D., research instructor in the College of Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology. “Being in the same room and able to converse with the different divisions also helps move projects forward and serves as a good reminder of connections from before the pandemic.”
“My compliments to those who presented and showcased the wide variety of services they offer to encourage further research at UAMS,” said Tracie Culp Harrison, Ph.D., RN, College of Nursing professor and holder of the Alice An Loh Sun Endowed Chair in Geriatric Nursing. “I most certainly felt the spirit of ‘We are here to serve your research needs,’ at the event. I took notes with intention to share with my team at our next department meeting. My sincere thank you to Dr. Ho and her excellent team.”
Attendees also learned about the essential steps in submitting animal protocols, accessing the MUSE platform, preparing IRB applications, and even making submissions to the federal Food and Drug Administration. They also heard
Suzanne Alstadt, DPA, CRA, (left), senior director, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and Ty Stephens, CPA, MBA, senior director, Research Administration, with their posters.
about the wide range of services offered by the Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine that can greatly enhance the success of their research projects.
During the reception, attendees met with the division’s directors, administrators and managers, engaging in more in-depth conversations while enjoying light refreshments and drinks.
Steven R. Post, Ph.D., a professor in the College of Medicine Department of Pathology, was among the attendees of the poster session and reception.
“These gatherings provide an opportunity for researchers and research administrators who support research to interact and develop more personal relationships,” he said. “Building these relationships benefits everyone involved in research.”
Moe Elasri, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for Research and Innovation, credited the efforts of the division’s team.
“The directors, managers and our core team at the Division of Research and Innovation put in the hard work to make this event a success,” he said. “This is a team effort.”
View the Research Administration Booklet, which summarizes the many Research and Innovation services and resources available to researchers.