Administrative Core

University Of Puerto Rico Med Sciences, San Juan PR

Investigators

Abstract

Project Summary. The Administrative Core forms the nucleus of the COBRE Puerto Rico Center for Microbiome Sciences (CMS; Phase I). In this capacity, it will support the three-fold objectives of the COBRE Center: 1) Develop and maintain a nationally competitive biomedical research program focused on microbiome research applied to human and animal health and disease; 2) Facilitate the developmental trajectory of three Research Project Leaders (RPLs) toward their transition to independent research careers; 3) Sustain a COBRE Microbiome Research Core Facility. The Administrative Core incorporates all programmatic modules of this initiative, including Faculty Career Development (Laboratory Management, Grant Writing, Manuscript Preparation) and Research Infrastructure Enhancement Programs (Seminar Series, Puerto Rico Microbiome Health & Disease Symposium, Microbiome Scientist-in-Residence). Academic, industry, and government partnerships will contribute toward creating a knowledge-based economy in Puerto Rico. A COBRE Pilot Project Program will identify future RPLs who will incorporate microbiome research into planned or existing studies. The Administrative Core leadership team has extensive experience and a proven track record in the operation and management of large interdisciplinary research and training programs. Oversight will be provided by the COBRE Administrative Core Director, María Sosa. Dr. Sosa will administer fiscal and personnel affairs and serve as liaison between the program and the Evaluation Module. Mark Miller, Director of Faculty Development, has thirty years’ experience mentoring early career researchers at the University of Puerto Rico. Administrative resources and personnel from two departments, the Department of Anatomy and the Department of Microbiology, will be committed to supporting the CMS. Program personnel, including a Project Coordinator, Grant Administrator, and an Accountant will handle post-award administration of funds including travel, procurement, and hiring technicians, postdocs, and students. Finally, the Administrative Core will coordinate all program analysis and assessment activities, including an independent external evaluation group from the Cooperativa de Servicios de Evaluación e Investigación (CoopSEI). The Administrative Core team will organize the Annual COBRE Center for Microbiome Sciences Retreat and Assessment Activity that will enable all stakeholders to report progress, exchange ideas, and plan future strategies. This meeting will serve as the principal forum for sharing and disseminating data required for formative and summative evaluation of all COBRE Center research objectives and programmatic initiatives.