Research administrator spotlight: Elaine Payne

With National Research Administrator Day taking place annually on Sept. 25, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Sponsored Programs Administration is highlighting one of UNMC’s extraordinary research administrators, Elaine Payne.

Working in the UNMC College of Pharmacy since 2000, Payne gradually transitioned into working with faculty on research grant submissions. She enjoys being a research administrator because there are always new challenges to tackle and she very rarely gets bored.

“Something I like best about my job is getting new funding,” Payne said. “When new investigators get a new grant — and very rarely do grants get funded on first submission — we celebrate when we get that award notice. It’s so great when we can bring in new funding.”

Research administrators serve an important role in assisting the facilitation of research at UNMC. While their responsibilities are varied and multifaceted, anyone who aids in the pursuit and management of external funding within a college, institute or department may be a research administrator

“Elaine is amazing at keeping track of all the details and never lets anything fall through the cracks,” said Carrie McAdam Marx, PhD, professor of pharmacy practice and science and assistant dean for experiential education in the UNMC College of Pharmacy.

National Research Administrator Day is a time to acknowledge the contributions made by research administrators. UNMC scientists are encouraged to commemorate all who help make UNMC research possible.

“I think it’s very important to tell them how much you appreciate them,” Payne said. “When researchers get new grants, they often thank lab staff but sometimes forget to thank the administrator who got the grant together and got it submitted.”

Ideas for ways to thank a research administrator are available on UNMC’s research administrator day website. Or take Payne’s advice.

“Candy bars and chocolate are always good,” Payne said.

Madison Gray, JD, previous Sponsored Programs Administration director who passed away this July, worked to bring attention to Research Administrator Day at UNMC. Gray encouraged everyone to recognize, appreciate and celebrate the many ways research administrators support UNMC research.

Said Payne, “I think it’s great that they now have a day to recognize research administrators. This is only something that has come about in the last few years, and there’s a lot of times we’re working right up to the deadline on a grant and growing a few extra grey hairs, so I’m glad there’s a day to recognize research administrators.

“I just hope researchers acknowledge their research administrators. Appreciate the ones you have and try to keep them around.”