Name: Leigh-Ann Thompson
Position: Associate Director, Research Development
Office: Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
Institution: University of North Florida (UNF)
What attracted you to this work?
Originally, I started as a student in 2007 in the UNF research office. Since then I have been working in various units in this “one stop shop,” including pre- and post-award as well as compliance. I really enjoy the people I work with.
Across these units what I most liked was being able to help faculty secure research grants, hear about their work, and see things come to fruition. I also work in contracts and negotiating. I like helping them see the broader picture, not just the research side of their work but also to make sure they have everything they need to make them successful, such as on the budget side.
What’s your favorite thing about your work?
It’s never the same! There is always something new to learn. That being said, there are things that are familiar that I can carry over from different projects.
What’s a handy tool in your tool kit?
I am a person who likes the details of things. I like to create checklists and manuals to help internally in the office or for faculty, which can then be referred back to by myself or others to use.
What’s your wish for improving your work?
Helping others university-wide understand what “we” in the research office do. If there was a better understanding of the resources we can provide this would help the university to grow its research, expand our funding portfolio, and help ensure faculty feel supported and are successful.
How could our organization take steps to improve?
I appreciate webinars on different topics and on different funding sources. I have enjoyed some of the Friday seminars that have come through the Florida Alliance’s listserv, which I have also shared with faculty. I hope to see more of those circulated.
What role could you see playing someday in the Florida Alliance?
I enjoy being a team player and have served on many committees in the past. I would maybe connect best with the “Planning & Outreach Committee” and the “Communications & Networking Committee.”