As a research administrator within UC Merced’s Sierra Nevada Research Institute (SNRI), UC Merced alumna and staff member Valle-Arevalo manages 46 sponsored research grants. It’s a lot, but the leadership skills she developed as a Bobcat are helping her and the university.
Colleagues describes Valle-Arevalo as a key person who’s spurring organizational and workflow change within SNRI. Last summer, she suggested that SNRI host a policy and procedure retreat to review the institute’s administrative practices and explore alternatives to improve service to clients. The result: SNRI adapted various practices that improved workflow.
She’s also conscientious about sharing information. When a graduate student was tasked with coordinating UC Merced’s first UC Water Academy – a course led by UC water experts to train California’s next generation of water leaders – instead of just giving the student a list of approved and restricted items, she took the time to have a conversation with the student to help him or her effectively navigate research university protocols and procedures.
“Alexis reminds me of the great minds that not only allow UC Merced to be what it is but to grow and flourish into a prestigious world-class research university where excellence is supported,” her nominator said.
Original article- Staff Excellence Award Winners Honored for Exceptional Service
