Marcy Bishop has been awarded the MSU Research Administrator Spotlight Award. Bishop is the assistant director in the College of Engineering’s Division of Engineering Research.
The award was presented by MSU’s offices of Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA), Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) and Contract and Grant Administration (CGA). She shares the Fall 2023 award with Dana Applebee, research administrator and fiscal officer at the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health in the College of Human Medicine.
Bishop manages a team of six research administrators and is back-up to the director. Her duties include triaging and assigning incoming proposals, answering questions, and troubleshooting issues as they occur. She is also responsible for on-boarding and training new staff, keeping her team up to date on changing policies and submission mechanisms, assisting with just-in-time requests, and budget modifications. She particularly enjoys working on the large institute and center proposals, she said.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
“The DER team provides a constant opportunity for continuing education on all aspects of proposal development and submission. No one is ever afraid to ask questions or challenge answers. Our little debates make us all better research administrators. And of course, I have to mention the daily stream of random memes, hilarious dad jokes, and food/restaurant chatter! In addition, I appreciate the opportunity to once again work directly with faculty as well as the administrative staff in all of the Engineering academic units. Of course, every day I am proud to be a Spartan - being back working on campus is the best!”
What advice do you have for new research administrators?
“Invest in a great pair of reading glasses, and be prepared to read, read, read. Comprehension is key. Never be afraid to ask your colleagues questions. Be open to differing opinions. Take tons of notes, and maintain your sense of humor.”