ORP Educator Wins Innovation Award
Written by Michelle Panulla, ORP

When Bob Killoren of the Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) realized he needed someone to shape the ACOR Certification and Education Series (ACES) program, he turned to someone he knew was dependable and a leader in education in research: our very own Michelle Stickler. As the Office for Research Protections' (ORP's) Education Specialist, Michelle is constantly striving to help researchers understand the ins and outs of everything research-related. She was a natural choice for the job Bob had in mind.

ACES is a two-year program that provides research administration education and certification. It was created in order to satisfy the educational goals recommended by the Office of Research Integrity of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Michelle's efforts to create the program led to her winning the 2006 Innovation Award at the Research and Graduate School Staff Appreciation Program on February 22nd.

In order to develop the ACES program, Michelle coordinated the efforts of more than 25 instructors and guided the development of course materials. When letters of support were written for the award nomination, one of those instructors commented, "…the series was presented efficiently and effectively with her leadership." Another instructor added, "…this program will probably develop into a benchmark program for other universities to emulate…."

Michelle has worked hard to make ACES the successful program it is becoming. We congratulate her on winning this award!