MTSU research office’s monthly Q&A sessions kick off Aug. 10 to help support faculty researchers

Middle Tennessee State University’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs will launch monthly research spotlight and Q&A sessions for faculty and staff, which kick off next Thursday, Aug. 10. Sessions will be available to attend both via Zoom and in person, and no registration is required. (MTSU graphic illustration by Stephanie Wagner)

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs will launch its new, monthly research spotlight and Q&A sessions starting next Thursday, Aug. 10, to offer MTSU faculty more support in their research endeavors.

“The office believes that communication with MTSU’s faculty and staff plays a vital part in successful research here on campus,” said Katie Medrano, the office’s coordinator. “We receive many common questions regarding grants and internal operations, and we thought that hosting themed Q&A sessions would be an effective way to address these topics while also getting to meet face-to-face with all who are involved in these processes.”

The first, hour-long session will take place Aug. 10 and staff said to refer to the website for location details at https://www.mtsu.edu/research/workshops.php on the day of the event. Those interested can also attend via Zoom and find the link for the first session, and the full year’s session schedule, at the website. There is no registration required, and sessions will also be recorded and available to view on the office’s website.

Katie Medrano

Staff will take turns leading sessions, and next week’s meeting will focus on the Cayuse Research Suite program, software that helps manage grant projects, with following fall semester sessions covering grants, extra compensation and federal regulations, budget review forms, and research ethics. The topics for the spring session are to be determined, though the dates are already decided.

“We hope that faculty and staff across campus will find the information helpful and that it can bring clarity to many of the common questions we receive,” Medrano said. “Additionally, the ORSP hopes that these sessions will allow for discussion and communication with our office and assist in relationship development.”

Medrano also highlighted that, by request, office staff can develop sessions tailored to individual departments and colleges, and those interested should contact the office by email at research@mtstu.edu or phone at 615-898-2400.

To learn more about the research opportunities and support available through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, visit the website at https://www.mtsu.edu/research/.

— Stephanie Wagner (Stephanie.Wagner@mtsu.edu)