2003 Research Staff Recognition Awards

Distinguished Research Administrator Award

Deborah Eadie has worked in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences since 1993, where she is the unit's Research Administrator. Eadie's contributions to the department are varied, from grant writing, to helping a foreign postdoctoral student find housing, to overseeing construction of a complete floor of state-of-the-art laboratories in the Kellogg Eye Center. During Eadie's 10-year tenure, the department's research budget has grown to become the fifth largest in the nation in terms of National Institutes of Health funding. She earned a B.S. in biology from the Honors College at Michigan State University in 1972, an M.S. in botany from UM in 1974, and a secondary education teaching certificate from Eastern Michigan University in 1989.
She demonstrates that uncommon quality of truly caring about not only her own performance, but also the success of faculty and students in the Department. Our Department's high standing among ophthalmology departments nationwide in federal grant support would not be possible without the outstanding assistance Deborah provides.

Beth Lawson, Administrative Associate in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, is the research administrator for 20 faculty members in the Department's Systems Group. Lawson has worked in several units at UM, starting in 1974 as a Procurement Clerk and later as Accountant in the Department of Chemistry. She has also worked as a Supervisor at University Stores, Administrative Assistant for the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Science, and Business Manager in the Mental Health Research Institute. Lawson received Associate and Bachelor of Business Administration degrees--both cum laude--from Cleary College.
Beth saves the faculty time, money and frustration, thus enabling them to work more efficiently to increase the scholarly reputation of the University. She has raised the spirit of the Department by organizing events and making life more manageable through a smooth interface with various administrations with which we interact.

Patricia Schultz joined the School of Dentistry in 1995 as the first administrator for the school's Office of Research. She developed an office that not only supports the research and research training missions of the school, but one that also encourages individual and collaborative activities across campus. Schultz's duties involve budget work, providing assistance to students seeking research opportunities, and regulatory compliance activities, among others. Schultz has also made many contributions to research administration across the campus, having served on committees developing electronic administrative systems, and aided the development of the Research Administrators Instructional Network (RAIN). Schultz earned a B.S. in parks and recreation administration from the University of Colorado and has taken courses toward a Masters in Public Administration at Western Michigan University.
Pat Schultz is a cherished resource in the School of Dentistry who has been essential for the success of our research activities over the past seven years. She exemplifies the life of an intelligent, caring person; available for her family and outstanding in her work. Pat somehow manages the 'parts' of her life as a continuum, so there never is a sense of disjointed focus.

OVPR Exceptional Service Award

Keith Newnham is a Research Associate and Chief Technologist for the Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Laboratory. Newnham initially worked at University Hospital, starting in 2000, then joined the fMRI Lab in August, 2001. Newnham, who has worked in the field of magnetic resonance imaging for 12 years, is the primary contact for both investigators and research subjects using the fMRI facility. He holds a degree in secondary education from the University of Akron and a degree in radiologic technology from Owens College, Ohio.
He is the cog at the center of the operation and [the one who] keeps the fMRI Lab running smoothly and efficiently. Not every research environment is lucky enough to have a strong, competent and tactful individual, and I am not sure how our Center would function without Keith. Keith is the epitome of calm professionalism, both in his interactions with investigators and with research subjects.

Kathleen Restrick, Program Associate in the Center for Human Growth and Development (CHGD), has served as administrator for the Minority International Research Training Program since 1994. She has been on the staff of CHGD since she moved to Ann Arbor in 1983. Restrick has conducted a range of outreach activities that further the Center's research, training and service missions and bring national and international recognition to CHGD and UM. Restrick earned her B.A. in behavioral sciences and elementary education with honors from Grand Valley State University.
Her contributions have been made with great professionalism and unselfish dedication that exemplify the true spirit of service for which this award was created. Kate has been key to the success of this very important program that speaks to a number of the University's highest prioritiesÉenhancing the undergraduate experience, providing opportunities for research training, minority development, and furthering the University's international focus and impact.