Traci Merrill Is Assistant Director for the Office of Sponsored Programs at the University

Traci Merrill - Statement of Interest
I was introduced to NCURA in January 2004 when I attended Fundamentals in Phoenix, AZ. At that time I was impressed with the breadth of knowledge of each of the speakers, the range of backgrounds of the attendees and the genuine desire of each individual to educate and inform their institutions’ constituents, and follow best practices.
I learned at that time that the core values and strategic goals of NCURA were at my core — to be a leader in professional development, knowledge exchange and individual development for research administration; to be a leading information resource for my institution; to provide resources and infrastructure to meet the goals and objectives of my institution; and to be respected and valued within the research community. In my desire to pursue a career in Research Administration I have participated in many NCURA webinars, conferences and, most recently, earned a Certified Research Administrator.
In May 2010 I was invited to speak at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Annual Conference for Corporate and Foundation Relations Officers. The session, “Culture Clash or Collaboration: Partnering with Your Sponsored Projects Office”, highlighted how a culture of collaboration can be built at a university. It is this collaborative relationship that helps tostrengthen our institutions.
NCURA has made a tremendous impact on my professional development. The individuals whom I have met and learned from have all shared the same goals. We each strive for perfection in supporting each other to provide the best services to our institutions and our researchers. We strive to educate and make our colleagues aware of developments in the field. We collaborate and communicate which also provides job satisfaction. It is for these reasons that I seek the opportunity to serve on the NCURA Regional Advisory Committee for Region VI. I would like to work collaboratively as a team that will affect others’ professional lives as those individuals touched mine in January 2004 in Phoenix, AZ.

BIO

Traci Merrill is Assistant Director for the Office of Sponsored Programs at the University of San Diego. During her tenure at USD she has been responsible for increasing research at the University by facilitating and assisting Administration, Deans and Faculty in the pursuit of increased research collaboration across USD disciplines as well as with local and national institutions. Merrill is a member of the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA), Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) and the Society of Research Administrators (SRA). She holds a Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) certificate, a Master's in Education degree from the University of San Diego and a Bachelor's degree from San Diego State University.