Vivian was previously an OVCARE/GCI trainee enrolled in the MSc in Interdisciplinary Oncology Program at the University of British Columbia. She previously studied cancer driver mutations in endometriosis. After graduating, she transitioned onto a hands-on, hospital-based career as a Pathologists’ Assistant for a number of years before returning to work as the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative’s Research Manager.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
In simple terms, my role is focused on supporting our researchers, clinicians, and trainees behind the scenes, by tying administrative or operational loose ends where they exist. As a result, my typical day is highly dependent on what activities the rest of the GCI team members are working on as well as any current deadlines. Generally, I help prepare and submit grant applications, collaborate with institutes and funders to help researchers access their grant funding in a timely fashion, oversee ethics applications and compliance, and track and report on various research activities within the team. I am also in charge of overseeing funding opportunities offered through the GCI – this involves developing and updating competition guidelines, managing our applications portal, facilitating the adjudication process, and preparing award letters and feedback to applicants.
What is the most exciting thing about your work?
For me, the most exciting thing is being there every step of the process when it comes to the GCI’s funding opportunities. It’s immensely satisfying to work with our philanthropic partners to develop funding calls that align with donor wishes and that encourage the design of well-conceived and purposeful research projects that address important knowledge gaps or clinical problems in the field of gynecologic cancer. Once I’ve finished with helping researchers access their GCI award funds, I have the pleasure of collecting annual progress reports from all our GCI award recipients – I am always so amazed by the strides made by our team as a result of funds from our donors.
What’s one part of your work that people might be surprised by?
The amount of finance or money management that my work entails. I went into research management because of my love of scientific writing. While I do write, because I do a lot of award/grant oversight for the team, I am often working closely with Jeremy (our GCI Finance Coordinator) to ensure researchers have timely access to their grant funds and to keep track of these funds for the team. I also help create realistic research project budgets for a number of grant applications I support.
What advice would you give to someone interested in working in a role like yours?
Be open and vocal with others about your career interests! It was because of the honest conversations I’ve had with mentors – both old and new – that led to me transitioning from the hospital into my current role as Research Manager. This career path would not have emerged for me without those conversations.
What do you like to do for self-care?
Working a desk job that can be very mentally taxing at times – I find that I unwind best through endurance sports that get my blood flowing and help me clear my mind. These days I love to go on long-distance runs and climb with my friends.
We’re always looking to highlight the people behind our work. If you’re a GCI member interested in being featured, reach out at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca
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