Meet Priyanka Vengataraman: 2024 Dean's Outstanding Employee Award Winner

Priyanka Vengataraman received a 2024 Dean's Outstanding Employee Award from the University of Maryland’s College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. The winners of this award are recognized for their dedication to the well-being and operation of the college and its administrative units. The winner exemplifies strong capability, commitment and service to the college and the university community.

Vengataraman (B.S. '18, information science) shared her experiences and insights as a research coordinator in an interview with the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

How did you end up at the University of Maryland?

I started my journey at the University of Maryland as an undergraduate student in public health in 2015. In the summer of 2016, I joined the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics as a student worker. By 2018, during my senior year, I transitioned to the role of executive administrative assistant. I was then promoted to program admin specialist in March 2020, just before the pandemic started. As of April 2021, I’m serving as the research coordinator. Throughout this time, I have continuously grown and evolved within UMD, starting from my undergraduate days.

What is your favorite thing about working in your department?

My favorite aspect of working in the CBMG department is undoubtedly the people. Since my undergraduate days, the staff have been incredibly supportive, aiding in my personal and professional development. I truly value how open everyone is to new ideas and diverse perspectives. Additionally, I've been fortunate to have exceptional supervisors throughout my time in CBMG. Teresa Thompson, Pamela Moffet and Kevin McIver have all offered invaluable support, guidance and leadership, fostering a positive and encouraging work environment.

Did you always think you’d work in academia?

Although I began as a public health student, I switched my major to information science in 2016. From that point on, I aimed to work in a field that merges information technology with project management. During my senior year, for my capstone project, my team and I collaborated with a client to address their information challenges. I proposed redesigning the website for the Terrapin Teachers initiative, and the experience of that project made me realize my desire to remain connected to the university beyond graduation.

What are your key responsibilities in your role?

In my role as a research coordinator, I handle both pre-award and post-award responsibilities. For pre-award, I collaborate with principal investigators and faculty to oversee and manage all aspects of proposal administration for both federal and non-federal projects, including budgeting, preparing grant-related documents, and staying informed about grant policies and procedures. I also coordinate with the Office of Research Administration to ensure timely submission.

For post-award responsibilities, I process subawards, assist staff and faculty with report preparation and submission, manage conflict of interest disclosures, and ensure compliance with various procedures. Additionally, I serve as the liaison between our department and the Office of Research Administration, UM Ventures, Export Control, and other internal departments for grant management and award creation.

In addition to these duties, I act as the department's marketing specialist for the CBMG DEI committee, where I design and manage marketing materials and create the quarterly CBMG DEI newsletter.

What does your day-to-day look like in your job?

My daily routine varies depending on the time of year. Since CBMG primarily submits proposals to NIH and NSF, my busiest periods align with NIH submission cycles. I work with approximately 40 faculty members, as well as postdoctoral and graduate students, to assist with both proposal preparation and post-award activities. My goal is to ensure that everyone is well-prepared for submissions by reviewing their proposal plans and addressing any concerns or questions they might have before uploading the documents to internal platforms and sponsor submission platforms.

Additionally, I have weekly meetings with the department's ORA coordinator to review pending items and maintain open communication about ongoing projects. I also participate in regular team staff meetings and attend college-level meetings within CMNS to stay informed about any changes to internal processes that could impact the department.

What do you like most about your job?

Being a research administrator is never boring! This position is very dynamic and always engaging and forces you to think outside of the box. With over 10 years of experience in information-based services aimed at addressing business needs and challenges, I thrive in a role where I can assist others. My current position perfectly blends my goals in project management with my background in customer service, allowing me to support and interact with people across various areas.

What did being selected for the CMNS Dean’s Staff award mean to you?

As a staff member who began as a student at UMD, being selected for the CMNS Dean’s Staff award is a huge honor and is one of the highlights of my career. As this award recognizes employees dedicated to the operation of college and administrative units and knowing that multiple people took the time and effort to recognize me and my efforts is very special. My job is mainly centered around the quality of customer service provided to all staff, faculty and students. This nomination shows that I’m on the right path in my career and motivates me to do even better in the future.

What motivates you to do your job well?

What motivates me to excel in my job is the recognition that my role is crucial in supporting not only our department but also the broader college and university community. This understanding drives me to meticulously plan, organize and coordinate every aspect of my responsibilities. Each detail I manage plays a key role in the success of our team and enhances the overall experience within CBMG. The support I receive from my peers inspires me to offer the same level of support in return, fostering a collaborative and effective work environment.

What is your favorite UMD memory?

My favorite memory at UMD is when I became a U.S. citizen in February 2022. I was nervous throughout this whole process during the interview. Once I received my citizenship and came back to work the following day, I opened my office door to find that my office was decorated in red, white and blue! This was such a thoughtful gesture that made me feel incredibly valued and it was such a memorable way to mark such a significant milestone in my life. 

What do you like to do outside work?

Outside of work, I love spending time with friends, family and my two cats, Luna and Sylvie, who are like my little co-workers when I work from home. They certainly keep me on my toes! I also make it a point to travel internationally every January to celebrate the holidays and enjoy some uninterrupted time off. I typically visit India and Singapore, and this coming year, I'm excited to return to South Korea with friends for the second time.