Alexandra Smith
Research Administrator
San Marcos,TX
Summary
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) with over 8 years of experience in research administration, financial compliance, and sponsor guidelines interpretation. Skilled in navigating the intricacies of institutions of higher education and the State of Texas, specializing in pre-award grant management, budget development, sponsor compliance, and internal controls. Demonstrated ability to optimize institutional efficiency through the implementation of training programs, improving budget estimation accuracy, and providing structured learning opportunities for research administrators. Committed to fostering mentorship and collaboration to ensure that faculty and staff have the necessary resources for successfully navigating research administration processes.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Proposal Coordinator
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX
03.2017 - Current
- Manages proposal submissions, overseeing the preparation, review, and submission of an average of 5 proposals per week, ensuring compliance with sponsor guidelines and institutional policies.
- Conducts Just-In-Time (JIT) requests and coordinates account setup, ensuring sponsor categories align with financial systems to minimize cost transfers and reduce audit risk.
- Processes amendments requiring re-routing, collaborating with compliance teams to verify approvals and institutional requirements before finalization.
- Ensures compliance with institutional policies and procedures, including OMB Uniform Guidance, sponsor-specific regulations, and internal review processes.
- Develops and maintains Texas State’s OSP systems and resources, including the OSP Budget Development Spreadsheet, enhancing financial tracking and usability.
- Collaborates with OSP post-award teams to ensure award financial setup aligns with award terms and conditions, is accurate, and mitigates potential audit risks.
- Mentors and trains new pre-award staff, providing guidance on best practices in research administration, federal compliance, and proposal development strategies.Leads training and education initiatives, developing and delivering courses on budget development, compliance, proposal best practices, and financial risk mitigation. Training materials are designed with PIs in mind, ensuring they understand key financial and compliance concepts.
- Serves as a representative for OSP on the Research Administrators Network (RAN) Advisory Council, offering feedback and guidance from a central office perspective while organizing professional development and networking events.
- Served as Quiz Master for two RAN events, leading Research Administration-themed trivia sessions to engage and educate participants in an interactive format.
Project Manager, Clean Rivers Program
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
San Marcos, TX
11.2012 - 03.2017
- Led the development and implementation of Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) and annual agreements with four Texas river basin authorities to ensure regulatory compliance and project integrity.
- Collaborated with river authorities and TCEQ regional offices to organize annual water monitoring meetings, coordinating basin-wide water quality monitoring plans.
- Monitored contract deliverables for compliance with the Uniform Grant Management Standards (UGMS) and reviewed quarterly progress reports to verify financial and project compliance.
- Assisted in contractor audits, working with the Quality Assurance Officer (QAO) and Quality Assurance Specialist (QAS) to track and resolve corrective actions.
- Reviewed and refined annual basin water quality reports to ensure accuracy and clarity.
- Managed project closeout, ensuring the finalization and proper retention of contracts and compliance documentation.
Laboratory Manager
Texas State University
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Managed lab operations, trained students in research protocols, and ensured compliance with safety standards
Hydrologic Technician (Intern)
U.S. Geological Survey
01.2005 - 12.2005
- Conducted field data collection and water quality analysis for federal hydrologic studies
Skills
Master of Science in Population and Conservation Biology
Texas State University
Graduated December 2009
Certification in Environmental Science and Technology
Austin Community College
Completed December 2005
Bachelor of Science in Zoology, Minor in Geography
Texas State University
Graduated January 2000
Additional Information
Professional Affiliations
- Member, Advisory Council: Research Administrators Network (RAN) Advisory Council, Texas State University
- Member: National Council of University Research Administrators
Certifications and Skills
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA), 06/01/23
- Expert in OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)
- Federal and Non-Federal Policies
- Advanced proficiency in Excel (financial modeling, automation)
- Experience in training development and curriculum design
Training And Professional Development
I have developed and delivered training to Research Administrators at Texas State University.
- Budget Development Series: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced Budget Development.
- Audit & Compliance: Risk mitigation strategies, financial compliance, and sponsor guidelines.
- Specialized Budgeting: NIH Modular Budgets, USDA Budgets, and Travel Budget Estimation.
- Research Systems Training: SAP & Kuali PD navigation for research administrators.
- AI in Research Administration: Leveraging ChatGPT and automation for efficiency.
- Custom Workshops: Addressing faculty and department research administrator needs.
Timeline
Senior Proposal Coordinator
Texas State University
03.2017 - Current
Project Manager, Clean Rivers Program
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
11.2012 - 03.2017
Laboratory Manager
Texas State University
01.2009 - 01.2010
Hydrologic Technician (Intern)
U.S. Geological Survey
01.2005 - 12.2005
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