Professional Development
Effective research administration requires continuous professional development to build the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for successfully managing sponsored projects. Understanding and applying policies, regulations, sponsor requirements, and best practices are essential throughout the entire grant lifecycle.
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) Professional Development Modules are designed to strengthen expertise in proposal development, budget preparation, research compliance, award management, and post-award administration. These workshops and seminar series provide practical guidance and exploration of key topics in research administration through presentations, and interactive discussions.
Participants will gain valuable insights into identifying funding opportunities, developing competitive proposals, ensuring compliance with regulatory and sponsor requirements, and effectively managing sponsored projects from proposal submission through project closeout.
Click to view our past presentations.
Research administration is a shared responsibility that supports every stage of a sponsored project. These professional development opportunities are designed for:
- Faculty members and principal investigators
- Project directors and program managers
- Departmental and college administrators
- Research support professionals
- Staff involved in sponsored programs and grants management
All UW–Whitewater faculty, staff, and administrators interested in strengthening their skills and knowledge of research administration and sponsored programs are encouraged to participate.
Professional Development Seminars on Research & Sponsored Programs
Fall 2026 Seminar Series
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) is offering a five-part professional development seminar series designed to support faculty and staff in research administration, grant development, budgeting, mentorship, and compliance.
Presenters and Facilitators
- Teshome Alemneh, Director, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP)
- Becky Mueller, Associate Director, ORSP
- John Frye, Director, Undergraduate Research, Innovation, Creativity, and Activity (URiCA)
- Jen Kaina, Institutional Research Compliance Officer
Seminar Objectives
Participants will:
- Learn about services and resources provided by ORSP.
- Develop skills for identifying grant funding opportunities and interpreting sponsor guidelines.
- Strengthen proposal development, mentorship, and budget preparation skills.
- Enhance their understanding of research compliance and sponsored project requirements.
Program Details:
- 👥Course Delivery: In person
- 📍 Location: To be determined
- 🕑 Time: 8:30–10:00 a.m.
- ⏱️Session Length: 60–90 minutes
- Participants must attend all five seminars to receive a Certificate of Completion.
For questions or assistance, please contact ORSP@uww.edu.
Seminar Schedule
Seminar 1: ORSP Services; Roles and Responsibilities of Principal Investigators
- 📅 Date: September 23, 2026
- 🎯 Topic: ORSP Services; Roles and Responsibilities of Principal Investigators
- 🎤 Presenter: Teshome Alemneh
Seminar 2: Grant Finding and Proposal Writing
- 📅 Date: October 7, 2026
- 🎯 Topic: Grant Finding and Proposal Writing
- 🎤 Presenter: Teshome Alemneh
Seminar 3: Developing Budgets and Budget Justifications
- 📅 Date: October 21, 2026
- 🎯 Topic: Developing Budgets and Budget Justifications
- 🎤 Presenter: Becky Mueller
Seminar 4: URiCA Mentorship Best Practices
- 📅 Date: November 4, 2026
- 🎯 Topic: URiCA Mentorship Best Practices
- 🎤 Presenter: John Frye
Seminar 5: Research Compliance
- 📅 Date: December 2, 2026
- 🎯 Topic: IRB, IACUC, Export Control, Financial Conflict of Interest, and Research Security
- 🎤 Presenter: Jen Kaina, Teshome Alemneh, and Becky Mueller