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The UC Irvine School of Medicine Office of Research is structured to emphasize the partnership between basic and clinical research, and the translational research that bridges them. This organizational structure offers research services, programs and support to the UC Irvine School of Medicine research community.

Shauna Stark professional headshot

Shauna Stark — Assistant Dean for Research Operations & Chief of Staff

As Assistant Dean for Research Operations, Shauna maintains operational oversight of the School of Medicine's clinical and basic science research enterprise to help achieve distinction in all facets of research, including budgeting development and accountability, human resources and staffing, equipment support and space planning, and research education initiatives. As Chief of Staff, she supports the Dean and coordinates with other senior leaders on various initiatives, directs short- and long-term strategic planning, and develops policies and procedures within the School of Medicine.

Carey Berkowick headshot

Carey Berkowick — Director of Research Operations

Carey oversees the Research Development Unit and Research Operations teams. She leads complex projects and initiatives related to basic, clinical and translational research policies, resources and events.

Claire Brainard Draper

Claire Brainard Draper — Research Operations Manager

Claire manages and directs the work of the research administrative team in the School of Medicine Office of Research. She oversees, organizes and participates in projects and initiatives related to basic, clinical and translational research policies, resources and events. She also provides strategic guidance and support in organizational planning for the Office of Research.

Alondra Garcia headshot

Alondra Garcia — Research Operations Project Manager

Alondra manages a wide range of projects and initiatives to support the School of Medicine Office of Research. These projects strive to create unity amongst the community and support policy standards within basic, clinical and translation research.

Emily Dawidoff — Basic Research Project Manager & Executive Assistant to Vice Dean Geoffrey W. Abbott, PhD

Emily directs a wide range of projects and initiatives, both large and small, to support the functioning and success of the basic science research enterprise. Her role combines extensive institutional knowledge with strategic oversight to effectively advance the mission of the School of Medicine. Emily's dual responsibilities in research operations and project management are complementary, enhancing overall effectiveness in supporting the institution's research goals.

Research Support & Development

Mary Frances Ypma-Wong — Director of Research Support & Development

Mary Frances oversees the Research Support & Development Unit, which provides services and resources to assist researchers in obtaining and maintaining extramural funding. She implements and manages programming for basic, translational and clinical researchers, with a particular focus on supporting early career investigators.

Research Support & dEVELOPMENT Team

Research Support Services (RSS)

Caron Miller — Director of Contracts & Grants 

Caron oversees research agreements, compliance and pre- and post-award contract and grant administration for the School of Medicine. In addition, she directs the Research Support Services (RSS) team, which provides administrative support to most departments/units for the preparation and submission of grant and contract proposals and training and assistance in post-award management. Caron is the Dean’s delegated approver for contract and grant applications and helps with complex or exceptional contract and grant-related issues.

The RSS Meet Our Team page is coming soon. If you have questions or need research proposal support, please email somproposalreqs@hs.uci.edu.