Karen Parker
Fort Wayne,IN
Summary
Accomplished Senior Scientific Advisor and Director at the National Institutes of Health, adept in analytical thinking and fostering strategic partnerships. Spearheaded initiatives enhancing SGM research and policy development, leveraging exceptional communication skills and research acumen. Demonstrated leadership in building collaborative relationships, significantly advancing NIH's strategic goals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Scientific Advisor
National Instututes of Health
01.2025 - Current
- Serves as Senior Scientific Advisor on a wide range of current and future policy and programmatic issues and provides advice and guidance to the DPCPSI Director and other NIH senior leadership on the implications of DPCPSI or NIH-wide activities.
- Participates in top-level discussions and decision meetings on policy, program development, planning and communication strategies for DPCPSI and NIH. Undertakes complex and sensitive assignments that involve the implementation of policies, decisions and priorities of DPCPSI Director and other NIH senior leadership.
- Serves as subject matter expert relating to a broad range of scientific and policy topics, operational and organizational approaches, including a range of scientific initiatives across DPCPSI and NIH. Plans, implements, coordinates, tracks and evaluates programs and initiatives across a range of topics, including DPCPSI-wide strategic planning efforts.
- Interprets objectives and directives; provides expert advice and assistance to senior officials within and outside of DPCPSI and NIH. Maintains ongoing interactions with senior staff including scientific and management officials to ensure that they are aware of DPCPSI-related actions that impact programs or staff.
- Establishes and maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders and organizations pertinent to DPCPSI and NIH.
- Facilitates enhanced coordination among DPCPSI offices and with NIH Institute and Center partners. Leads and manages specific projects for DPCPSI that require strategic partnerships, building productive collaborations and representing DPCPSI within the NIH, HHS, and with external constituents.
- Advises and assists in the coordination of complex and sensitive issues of major importance to the DPCPSI Director. Ensures discreet handling of information and interactions with senior staff across DPCPSI and NIH.
Director, Sexual & Gender Minority Research Office
National Institutes of Health
08.2015 - 12.2024
- Established a positive work environment for a diverse and highly skilled team by encouraging open communication and fostering engagement in decision-making processes.
- Worked with NIH Senior Leadership on matters related to SGM research, including identifying emerging trends, issues, and opportunities in SGM research.
- Provided subject matter expertise across NIH and the federal government, on SGM-related research activities and priorities.
- Led Department and Government-wide committees that sought to increase research, programs, and other related-activities specific to SGM populations.
- Developed and managed relationships and collaborative efforts with national SGM-focused organizations.
- Oversaw all aspects of the NIH SGM administrative supplements grant program, including acceptance, review, and funding.
- Communicated with extramural grantees regarding SGM-related scientific questions of interest; connect researchers to appropriate ICO contacts, when necessary.
- Presented to extramural researchers and others on NIH grantspersonship, SGM research, and research-related activities at NIH.
- Leveraged professional relationships to enhance support for SGM-related research at NIH and other Federal institutions.
Education
Ph.D. - Social Work
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore, MD05-2010
Master of Social Work -
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI05-2001
Skills
- Analytical thinking
- Verbal and written communication
- Time management
- Relationship building
- Strategies and goals
- Presentations and public speaking
- Research
Timeline
Senior Scientific Advisor
National Instututes of Health
01.2025 - Current
Director, Sexual & Gender Minority Research Office
National Institutes of Health
08.2015 - 12.2024
Ph.D. - Social Work
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Master of Social Work -
University of Michigan
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