Sam was recently invited to discuss the challenges and strategies for navigating the administrative systems at North Carolina A&T State University, particularly in the context of their research proposal, "Engineering Microfluidic-based Environments to Grow and Study Synthetic Microbiomes." With his tenure-track faculty's startup funding, Sam acquired essential lab equipment, including a microscope, computers for image analysis tools, and initial lab ware, which laid the groundwork for early experiments, abstract submissions, and collaborative relationships.
Despite the benefits, Sam highlighted challenges in utilizing Title III funds, such as familiarizing internal systems for registering new vendors, understanding the Sole Source Application process, and potential delays. To empower faculty success, the new faculty heard about tracking expenses, training opportunities, and hints on preparing for grant writing while spending most of the funds on securing preliminary data.
Thanks to the A&T Provost Office and Dr. Woodbury for the invitation!
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