A research advancement specialist in the College of Education and Health Professions recently qualified as a certified research administrator following rigorous training and study to successfully pass the specialized examination.

Kristen Hartung earned the Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential in November. The CRA exam covers a wide range of research administration topics, such as project development and administration, compliance and legal issues, working with sponsors, and the financial implications of grants management.

"There are strict eligibility requirements to take the exam, including several years' worth of experience and months of studying to prepare. It's a tough one," said Stacy Stuart, assistant dean for research and grants administration in the college.

Stuart was only the fourth person across campus to earn the certification.

Hartung, who has worked in research administration for eight years, joined the college's research team in May 2022. The team will add a second research advancement specialist position this year, offering similar professional development opportunities.

Hartung was interested in earning the CRA credential to aid her college's researchers in being as successful as possible when applying for grants and executing projects.

"We have so many brilliant researchers on campus who have knowledge and ideas. They just need the resources to solve problems," she said. "I love assisting in fine-tuning their proposals for optimal success and helping set them up for success during the project as well."

She said the rigorous exam preparation strengthened her existing skills and knowledge while advancing areas with less hands-on experience.

Hartung began in research administration at the NorthWest Arkansas Community College, assisting with a $3 million Title III U.S. Department of Education grant. She implemented additional purchasing processes for the grant, which resulted in streamlined annual external evaluations. Hartung then served as an administrative analyst in the U of A Office of Sponsored Programs, where she initiated a process that aided in the closure of more than 400 aged awards. Before taking her current position, she worked in the College of Education and Health Professions as a grant specialist for SOAR, CONNECT and ESOL Academy projects. She created several new procedures supporting participant registration, enrollment and scholarships while there.

The Research Administrators Certification Council facilitates the credentialing program. Before taking the exam, participants must have three years of professional experience in research or sponsored programs administration. Hartung recommends the free CRA training program offered by Virginia Tech and participating in a CRA-focused U of A study group. Molly Throgmorton, associate director of research development, will lead a new cohort this semester. Contact her at mthrogmo@uark.edu for more information.

Those interested in applying for the new research advancement specialist position in the College of Education and Health Professions are invited to contact Stacy Stuart, assistant dean for research and grants administration, at sfstuart@uark.edu.