June 21, 2018
Research administrators receive certification
Four K-State staff members recently became Certified Research Administrators, or CRAs:
- Theresa Hogenkamp, department of computer sciences;
- Shay Strubinger, College of Agriculture;
- Ann Ulmer, College of Agriculture; and
- Joni Wenderott, Sponsored Programs Accounting.
All four obtained certifications this month, bringing the total number of CRAs at K-State to 21. Certification required applicants to meet educational and experience criteria and demonstrate a mastery of the research administration body of knowledge by passing an examination. CRAs must be recertified every five years.
K-State's CRAs help researchers with all aspects of sponsored projects, including development and administration, research compliance, legal and regulatory requirements, budget development, contract development and negotiation, facility management and sponsor interfaces and more.
"Passing the rigorous CRA examination is the culmination and demonstration of a research administrator's commitment to continuing professional development," said Paul Lowe, associate vice president for research and director of PreAward Services. "Using the CRA platform as one component of a curriculum to develop a well-trained cadre of research administrators to support our faculty's quest for increased funding directly aligns with K-State's 2025 goals."
Certifications are offered by the Research Administrators Certification Council, which was formed in 1993. Members of the council are committed to continuing improvement of research administration and to assisting in education and training of others. They come from a variety of settings, including higher education, private business, research institutes and foundations, governmental organizations, hospitals and national professional organizations.
K-State has more CRAs than any other Kansas institution. K-State ranks third among Big 12 and fourth among 2025 peer institutions in the number of research administration professionals who have achieved certification.