Three Students Chosen as Research Administration Fellows

The University of Alabama Office for Research and Economic Development selected three students for its inaugural cohort of Early Career Research Administration Fellows.

The yearlong fellowship will expose undergraduate students to UA’s multifaceted research enterprise and offer firsthand training in this emerging career landscape.

The 2022-23 fellows, chosen from a competitive application process, are:

• Taye Allred of Dallas, Texas, who majors in psychology with a minor in neuroscience while part of the Blount Scholars Program. Allred will work with the Office for Sponsored Programs.
• Kourtney Davis of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, who majors in accounting. Davis will work with the Office for Contract and Grant Accounting.
• Caroline Justice of Montgomery, Alabama, who majors in public health in the Accelerated Master’s Program for Health Education and Promotion. Justice will work with the Office for Sponsored Programs.

“ORED is thrilled to be able to support this inaugural cohort of fellows. Individually and collectively, they are very impressive. We believe that this fellowship program will provide a great learning experience for the fellows and that they will contribute to ORED’s broad mission to support faculty, staff and students in their research and creative pursuits,” said Dr. Russell J. Mumper, vice president for research and economic development. “Another goal of the fellowship program is to create the next generation of research administrators as we believe this career path is exciting and highly valued.”

The ECRAF program is designed to provide undergraduate students with experience and training necessary to explore and potentially begin a career in research administration.

“I’m eager to learn more about the strategic procedures used by the Sponsored Programs division from professionals in UA’s Research Administration,” said Justice.

Applicants selected one of five research-focused areas: research communications and web development, sponsored programs, contract and grant accounting, compliance, and intellectual property and commercialization. Selected fellows will be immersed in ORED and receive training in a team environment as well as direct mentorship from national leaders in the field of research administration.

“I am thankful to have been selected for the Early Career Research Administration Fellowship program and am looking forward to learning how accounting is incorporated into the evolving field of research administration,” said Davis. “With this fellowship I can achieve my career goals and hope that one day I can assist students achieve their goals in the same way this fellowship will help me achieve mine.”

Allred said, “The opportunities which have been available to me to grow in all areas of my development as both a person and as a student at The University of Alabama continuously reaffirm my gratefulness for UA and my decision to become a part of this community. Joining the inaugural cohort of ECRA fellows, an incredibly unique opportunity, is yet another example of such opportunities that I believe sets UA apart. I am more than honored to learn from the ORED staff this academic year. Roll Tide!”

More information about the ECRAF program is online.