Joan U received The SPIRIT of DOM Award

Joan U, Research Administration Manager, has been with UCSF for 18 years, beginning as a receptionist in Ophthalmology and later as an administrative assistant in Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI). She was a financial analyst within the School of Pharmacy, supporting the Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Science (BTS) and the Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI). She has been with the Division of Pulmonary for 10 years. Currently, Joan serves as a Research Administration Manager in the Division of Pulmonary, overseeing post-award research administration, providing support to faculty and leading a team of Research Financial Analysts in managing research portfolios across various funding sources. She is passionate about creating new spreadsheets and systems to enhance the efficiency of our post-award team. Outside of work, Joan enjoys traveling around the world with her family, volunteering with Together SF for neighborhood street cleanups, and exploring new adventures with her Belgian Malinois-mix.

Joan’s nominators wrote: “[Joan] has been an invaluable asset to Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine. Her exceptional work ethic, dedication, and warm personality make her a key contributor to the team's success. She has significantly improved the division's Budget Status Report, enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness. Joan's proactive problem-solving skills and deep understanding of financial management have earned her respect from colleagues across the division. Her expertise extends beyond post-award responsibilities, as she played a crucial role in pre-award planning for a $49 million contract proposal, helping to identify and solve potential issues. Her ability to anticipate challenges and offer effective solutions sets her apart as a true professional and team player. Joan’s warm and approachable nature has created a positive and inviting work environment where colleagues feel respected and valued. She is also a strong advocate for inclusivity, actively promoting diverse hiring practices and fostering a collaborative environment where all team members feel respected and valued.”