How long have you worked at UAMS? How long have you been in your current position?
I began my career at UAMS as a Research Assistant in 1994 when Geriatrics was a division of Internal Medicine. In 1996, Geriatrics became its own department. In 2000, with the establishment of the Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging facility, our researchers, physicians, educators, and staff members, who were scattered throughout the campus and at the Veterans’ Healthcare System, were finally able to be located in one building which fostered synergistic collaboration of our research, clinical, and educational programs focusing on the senior population. Over the past two decades, my roles within the Department of Geriatrics included serving as a Grants Manager and as an Assistant Administrator. I have been in my current position as the Administrator for the Reynolds Institute on Aging (RIOA) and the Department of Geriatrics since 2019.
What is your favorite part of the job?
How lucky am I to get to work with our faculty and to learn from them! We have world-renowned scientists in the areas of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, protein metabolism, nutrition and exercise for the elderly, and cardiovascular research. We are also very active in sponsored programs through HRSA funding to provide geriatric-focused training for interdisciplinary healthcare professionals and through community/foundation grants to expand our outreach programs on healthy cooking, diabetes management, and family caregiver support. We are collaborating with the Arkansas Department of Human Services, DAABHS, to bring awareness of opioid use disorder (OUD) among our mature adults.
By providing administrative support, our researchers can focus on the science. Our aging research and our training/educational programs for the elderly are so very important. This became even more evident when my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s many years ago. The wonderful team of healthcare providers at the RIOA Thomas and Lyon Longevity Clinic (formerly the Senior Health Clinic) provided exceptional continuity of care and our amazing scientists, led by Sue Griffin, Ph.D., are trailblazers in the study of Early Events in Alzheimer Pathogenesis. Having been a caregiver, I am especially grateful for the Schmieding Home Caregiver Training program at the RIOA that offers resources to those caring for loved ones with dementia.
Are there any challenges?
Rather than challenges, I see great opportunities in recruiting research faculty. We must continue to invest resources in our recruitment efforts to attract early and senior investigators and to retain our invaluable research scientists. For clinician scientists, it is so important to have protected research time so they can be engaged in translational research and scientific discoveries.
How does your work assignment interact with other areas on campus?
At the department level, I work closely with the Office of Sponsored Administrative Network (OSPAN), the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), and the Grants Accounting Office on day-to-day administrative matters, as well as seek their guidance on issues that may arise. It does take a village, as well as a team of grant experts, to submit proposal applications, meet all regulatory/institutional deadlines, and manage grant awards.
How do you handle problematic issues?
We should be proactive and plan ahead as much as possible. However, when issues and concerns arise, they must be addressed in a timely manner with a clear action plan to implement resolution. This involves effective and frequent communication to all those impacted. Within the UAMS research community, we have ongoing training opportunities available and leaders who can guide us in resolving problematic issues.
How many grants have been awarded in your department?
The Department of Geriatrics has a robust research portfolio comprising of P01, R01s, HRSA, DHS, VA Merit, non-profit foundations, and industrial sponsors. From 2020-2021, current year funding totaled over $6M with total grant support reaching $29M for all funding years.
How about after hours? What do you do for fun?
I spend quite a bit of time at work. So on weekends, I enjoy walking and listening to my favorite music to help unwind (The Eagles tops the list). Being outdoors energizes me. I also enjoy taking pictures and capturing moments in time (examples below).
I was born in Taiwan and came to the United States when I was 6 years old. At the age of 17, I became a proud U.S. citizen during my senior year in high school. It was only recently, in 2018, that I had an opportunity to travel outside of the U.S. for the first time. The destination was…Greece! I was so thankful to spend this time with my family and to explore the most breathtaking historical landmarks of Greece. I would love to travel to other countries and be immersed in the richness of the culture.
What personal skill or hobby don’t most people know about you?
There are those who love to cook, and there are those who love to eat. I am the latter. If you consider love of food a ‘hobby’, then I have excelled in this category. I am ‘skilled’ at grazing. It takes me a long time to eat anything (as I love to savor each bite), and I do eat throughout the entire day (my coworkers can attest to that).
Any last thoughts on your position as Department Administrator?
There is no place that I would rather be than at UAMS. UAMS not only embraces diversity and inclusiveness, it also celebrates our individuality. From our life experiences, we all bring unique perspectives that enhance the workplace. When we listen to each, we learn from one another. I am thankful that UAMS is committed to diversity engagement, and I am so very fortunate to be in the same department since joining UAMS. At the Reynolds Institute on Aging, we are not just colleagues and coworkers — we are a family. It is my hope and desire to continue my role at the RIOA for many years to come as we expand our Aging Research infrastructure, our clinical research and educational support. We will remain steadfast in our dedication and commitment to improving the health and healthcare of our beloved seniors throughout Arkansas.