
What is your current role at Yale University?
I am the Senior Research Finance Manager for the Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery at Yale School of Medicine.
What are your main responsibilities?
My main responsibility is to provide post-award research management support to faculty members in the Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery who are involved in research. This includes overseeing their award finances from the start of the project to its conclusion. Additionally, I manage a team of three direct reports—two Financial Analyst and a Portfolio & Grant Analyst—and I ensure they receive proper training for our team’s success.
As a senior research finance manager in our IBO, I also offer guidance on policies and compliance matters to my colleagues whenever necessary.
What do you like most about your work?
What I enjoy most about my work is interacting with Principal Investigators (PIs) and advising them on how to optimize their funds while ensuring compliance. I also appreciate collaborating with partners from other departments, such as YPAT, OSP, and SPFA, as they contribute to making our work more efficient and accurate.
I take great pride in sharing my knowledge and experience with my peers, whether it’s teaching new processes or offering tips to improve efficiency. Additionally, my naturally curious mind drives me to learn something new every day, be it a new type of award, policy updates, or innovative approaches to our work.
How does your job affect your general lifestyle?
My role integrates seamlessly into my lifestyle, as research administration has become second nature to me over the years. Earlier in my career, I worked closely with research teams, assisting Principal Investigators (PIs) with assembling proposals, managing daily lab activities, and even managing tasks like transporting biological samples or proposals to the closes post-office to meet deadlines. These experiences instilled in me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of precision.
This background enables me to understand the needs and challenges faced by research teams, making me more empathetic and effective in supporting them.
How did you begin your career?
I firmly believe that success often begins with someone taking a chance on you. As a college student, I secured an internship at a Peruvian NGO, working on a USAID-funded project assessing malnutrition in children. This experience paved the way for my next opportunity, where I joined a Biomedical Research Unit under the guidance of Prof. Bob Gilman, an incredible mentor and person. I spent 12 transformative years there, shaping my career in ways I could not have imagined.
After relocating to Southern California “fully cooked,” I took on various roles at a public university, including International Training Director and Program Manager. Once I received my green card, I officially transitioned into research management. My first role was as a Post-Award Research Manager for the Division of Cardiology, managing a robust portfolio.
In 2018, I moved to New Haven and, in April 2019, joined Yale School of Medicine (YSM) as a Post-Award Manager for the Sections of Geriatrics, Digestive Diseases, and Global Health at INMED. There, I had the privilege of learning ‘the Yale way of Research Administration’ from seasoned colleagues whose patience and kindness I deeply value. Since then, I have taken on roles at YSN and FRMS, and now in Neurology and Neurosurgery. Each position has brought its own set of challenges and rewards, and I am deeply grateful for the incredible people and experiences that have shaped my career at Yale.
What steps would you recommend one take to prepare to enter this field?
To successfully enter this field, it is essential to cultivate a strong sense of curiosity and a genuine desire to learn. While technical skills such as working with spreadsheets and performing calculations are important, the true essence of this field lies in the ability to analyze data, understand compliance requirements, and navigate the complexities of a constantly evolving environment.
Familiarizing yourself with key financial management systems, research policies, and award processes is crucial. Additionally, developing critical skills like attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication will distinguish you from others. Most importantly, maintaining flexibility and staying open to continuous learning will enable you to thrive as you adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in your job/this field?
Success in this field requires a combination of analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication. Problem-solving and adaptability are crucial, especially given the time-sensitive nature of much of the work. Equally important is a profound curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning, along with empathy to understand the needs of PIs and their research teams.
In addition to these technical and interpersonal skills, ethical integrity is fundamental for fostering strong, respectful, and trusting relationships with colleagues across departments. Being open to feedback and using it as an opportunity for growth and improvement is another essential attribute. Lastly, resourcefulness is key, enabling you to find efficient solutions to challenges without needing to start from scratch.
If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same path? If not, what would you change?
I grew up in a small town in the Peruvian Andes as the proud daughter of a schoolteacher and the general manager of a small mining company, dreaming of becoming a lawyer. However, life, as it often does, had other plans. My career has been an incredible journey, taking me to places around the globe, introducing me to remarkable people, and providing experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything.
If I could change one thing, it would be discovering this field earlier.
What does YLNG mean to you, and how have you contributed as a member?
YLNG and the Affinity Groups have profoundly impacted my professional and personal network at Yale. These groups offer a dynamic platform for individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together, share experiences, and collaborate toward common goals. They create a supportive environment that celebrates diversity, encourages mutual learning, and fosters a strong sense of belonging—not just at work but in every aspect of life.
As Co-Chair of WWN, I am passionate about using my diverse background—Native South American, European, of Black descent, and immigrant—to advocate for initiatives that promote equity, inclusivity, and empowerment across the university. The opportunities these groups offer for growth are invaluable, and I am dedicated to fostering an open, welcoming atmosphere for all. Volunteering at events organized by Affinity Groups and United Way allows me to give back to the community, fulfill my role as a responsible member, and expand my network—all while enhancing the collective Yale experience and contributing to a positive and inclusive culture.