We received heartfelt and descriptive nominations for the February 2024 staff members of the month! To nominate someone for recognition, please email Melanie Kirk.
Ashley Palmer, Grants and Contracts Manager
"In our view, Ashley's exceptional contributions, particularly in her role in training our research administration team members, truly merit this acknowledgment.
From the moment Ashley joined the Surgical Sciences grants team, her passion for research administration has been palpable. She doesn't just fulfill her duties; she embodies them with a level of dedication and expertise that is truly inspiring. Ashley has taken it upon herself to elevate our department's capabilities by imparting her knowledge and skills to numerous team members, particularly the surgical sciences grant team.
The impact that Ashley's training has had on our team cannot be overstated. She has developed tailored training programs that address the unique needs and challenges of navigating the complex landscape of grant administration not only to benefit the research administration team, but also to enhance our everyday operations benefitting faculty, staff, and everything in between. Her sessions cover everything from grant proposal development and budget management to compliance requirements and post-award reporting and the department is better off because of her.
What sets Ashley apart is not just her proficiency in research administration, but her ability to connect with others on a personal level. She approaches every training session with genuine warmth and patience, ensuring that everyone feels supported and encouraged in their learning journey. Ashley's expertise shines through as she simplifies intricate concepts, provides practical examples, and offers personalized guidance to each staff member.
Moreover, Ashley's contributions extend beyond the immediate impact on grant staff. Faculty members and other research staff have also benefited significantly from her expertise and guidance. Ashley's willingness to share her knowledge and provide ongoing support has empowered our entire research community to navigate the complexities of grant administration with confidence and efficiency.
Beyond her technical skills, Ashley brings a sense of camaraderie and positivity to our team. Her infectious enthusiasm fosters a collaborative spirit, where everyone feels empowered to contribute and excel. It's no exaggeration to say that Ashley's presence has had a transformative impact on our research community, significantly enhancing our capacity to secure and manage grants effectively.
In light of her outstanding efforts and the profound difference she has made, we wholeheartedly endorse Ashley for the Staff Member of the Month recognition. Her hard work, dedication, and genuine care for others make her an invaluable asset to our department, and we can think of no one more deserving of this honor."
- Lindsey Klages and Melissa Murad, Senior Grants and Contracts Managers
Melissa Rodgman, Clinical Research Coordinator
"Melissa is an experienced and compassionate Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) who has worked with the Division of Surgical Oncology for several years. Her knowledge led her to an especially good catch earlier this week when she was in a patient chart in the course of her research duties and noticed some irregularities that had not yet been acted on. Melissa let the patient’s team know right away and he was called in for evaluation, which likely helped the patient avoid some serious if not fatal health outcomes. Melissa is a wonderful CRC, and her diligence, kindness, ingenuity, patient advocacy, and operational acumen is a credit to SOCR and the Department of Surgery."
- Adi Molvin, BSN, RN, Assistant Research Practice Manager