Colleague Corner – Get to Know David

Name: David Hopfe

Position: Director of Research Development

Office: Office of the Vice President for Research and Doctoral Programs

Institution: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)

What attracted you to this work?

I was excited to work at Embry Riddle, where I started as an Admissions Counselor. I was also passionate about data science, completed my MBA, and started to work for the Vice Chancellor and Chief Business Officer. In that work I did data analytics for the university.

I actually wasn’t looking for a position in research development but was recruited by a former VPR and offered the position of RD Coordinator. At the time, I had no clue what RD was or what they do. But from the moment I discovered what it meant to do RD, I was very enthusiastic about it.

What’s your favorite thing about your work?

I enjoy learning something new and meeting new people every day. When I learn what faculty are passionate about, it keeps me motivated.

As comes with this position, I like to work on many different projects and stay busy. I’m always reading Embry Riddle research news and similar news from other institutions. I’m fascinated by work in science, technology, and engineering and various research initiatives that connect with these disciplines. Before Embry Riddle I worked in the technology sector, and I appreciate the opportunity now to help others get funding for their research, to give back.

What’s a handy tool in your tool kit?

The first thing I thought of was the scheduling tool when2meet. I am always coordinating meetings with groups. Closely related, I often use Sharepoint and Microsoft Teams when working with groups going after larger research grants. It’s helpful to set up a Teams site to add participating faculty members and coordinators as well as to store all relevant documents–like the RFP, relevant data, and proposal drafts–and to communicate with members.

What’s your wish for improving your work?

Frankly, I need a team. I just hired a student, and you could call AI my second teammate, but there’s just so many different projects I’m working on that we could use additional hands.

How could our organization take steps to improve?

I think we could provide more networking opportunities, to strengthen the connections and bonds across Florida Alliance members. I think there is some hesitation to send things out on the listserv or to reach out and engage with other members. One of the ways we are working in the Mentoring Committee to address this is to create a Mentoring Directory, which will list what our Florida Alliance members have experience and expertise in that others can contact them about. 

I think once we’re expert at facilitating mentoring relationships through the organization’s new mentoring program, we can also expand to doing some more deliberate outreach to new institutions across the state who don’t currently have Florida Alliance members.