On the Job with Research and Sponsored Projects

The Bulletin met with Nancy Loeb, a research development specialist in the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects.

What do people think you do?
When people hear that I’m a research development specialist, they think that I raise money for projects by knocking on doors. This is a misconception because I don’t do that type of fund-raising. That is the purview of the Development Office.

What do you really do?
I work with faculty to find external support for research projects and creative activities. I work with them on the submission of proposals to outside sponsors. My current portfolio consists of the Colleges of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science, Business Administration, Health and Human Services and Continuing Education. I’ve been a professional research administrator for over 26 years. I’ve worked at University of Rhode Island, Brown University, the Smithsonian Institution, UC Davis and now Sacramento State. I’ve been here for 11 years.

Describe your office
We currently have a staff of seven. We provide funding source searches, work on budgets with faculty, submit proposals and negotiate the terms with sponsors. We ensure that various compliance areas are covered, including the always-interesting human subjects arena. We do what is called pre-award activity. We have counterparts in University Enterprises who provide post-award management.

What is your biggest challenge?
Getting sponsors to realize that Sac State faculty are great, and just need the opportunity to show it. Our faculty have heavy teaching loads. They need funded release time to be able to do more research and provide those research opportunities for students.

What do you get asked the most?
I get asked about money all the time. “Are you the money lady?” is probably the most common question. People inquire about money for travel more often than anything else. I do not keep cash in my desk!