For professors and researchers in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, the application process for grant funds begins with administrative assistant Dania Diaz. Diaz works specifically with research administration, splitting her time between the Office for Research in the dean’s office and the Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media.
In the Dean’s office, Diaz helps researchers look for funding opportunities, adjust budget proposals and prepare and submit grant applications. In the TISM department, her work involves the documenting and accounting of the approved grants and making sure expenses comply with federal and sponsor guidelines.
The demands of her position require an attention to detail as daily challenges arise.
“New issues come up every day, and you need to be able to solve them to help the faculty member continue on with their project for their end goal, which is a successful project,” Diaz said.
“But at the same time, it includes meeting the needs and requirements of the sponsor and working within the framework of the university. So that’s a big challenge having to manage all those players.”
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