Robert Nelsen, Research Administrator II with the College of Engineering’s Division of Engineering Research, has been named as the recipient of the Spring 2020 Unit Research Administrator Spotlight Award.
The award was established in fall 2017 and is sponsored by MSU’s research administration offices — Sponsored Programs Administration, or SPA, the Office of Sponsored Programs, or OSP, and Contract and Grant Administration, or CGA.
The award recognizes the professional contributions and quality of service of MSU’s unit research administrators and encourages excellence and exemplary service through the model of The Spartan Experience. Recipients of the award play an integral role in advancing MSU’s research mission and lead by example. The Research Administrator Spotlight recognizes such MSU Employees and serves as inspiration to others who aspire to the same level of service.
The recommendation panel included two faculty members, from the Council of Research Deans and Sponsored Programs Advisory Committee, a previous RA Spotlight Award recipient and two SPA, OSP and CGA staff members.
Nelsen, who has over 15 years of experience in grant or program management and grant writing said problem solving is what he enjoys most about his job.
Nelsen encourages research administrators new to the field to “make every effort to connect with new faculty because one's first experience with a research administrator can help pave the road to successful proposal outcomes.” He also advises research administrators to try new things and never fear asking questions.
Along with this honor, Nelson will be recognized with a plaque, certificate and a small financial token of appreciation. He is also featured in the Spring 2020 edition of the SPA Newsletter.