by Ann Comer-Woods, ±«Óătv Research & Innovation
The ±«Óătv has been awarded a five-year, $3.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation to build a pipeline of skilled research administrators to meet the evolving demands of the field. The Bridge the Unmet Industry Learning Demands for Research Administrators (BUILD) program is a collaboration among ±«Óătv, University of Central Florida and Florida A&M University.
Undergraduates at the participating institutions complete four online courses on research administration and research development topics that can be downloaded from the Digital Commons and uploaded into their institution’s learning management system. Upon completion of all courses, electronic portfolio and passing the comprehensive examination, students will receive a Certificate of Foundations of Research Administration and Research Development.
“This NSF grant represents a transformative opportunity to cultivate the next generation of research administrators,” said ±«Óătv Research & Innovation Vice President Syliva Wilson Thomas. “The BUILD program will empower students with the skills, mentorship and experience needed to become leaders in the research enterprise.”
Led by the ±«Óătv PIs Sandra Justice and John Johnson from the Research Development Institute and Joy Harris of ±«Óătv Information Technology, BUILD will create a connected network of both those entering the research administration field and experienced professionals. This innovative program will combine low-cost asynchronous coursework with effective retention strategies, including peer support, mentoring, learning cohorts and e-portfolios.
“The BUILD program represents a significant advancement in enhancing the research environment,” Justice said. “By focusing on increasing awareness, improving access to targeted instruction, and providing essential support networks, we are committed to developing a strong community of future research administrators.”
BUILD will bring together multiple institutions with differing levels of research activity and resources to create effective virtual education that will fit any research support environment, establishing a model that can be implemented nationwide and contributing resources that are shareable, instructional and empirical to support effective education. Outcomes include asynchronous courses, an online textbook, mentor orientation materials and an open access repository of curated educational resources.