Research is an integral part of the University’s mission, and Lauren Beastall endeavors to assist Lee College of Engineering faculty members in pursuit of funding for basic and applied research projects.
“I view my role as one that helps facilitate the research of the faculty members, as well as to assist staff in the post-award administration of the grants,” said Beastall, director of contracts and grants for the Lee College. “Our goal is to ease the administrative burden for our faculty as they complete the grants process and to make it as easy as possible.”
Originally from Illinois, Beastall became involved with grants administration as a student worker at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After completing a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, she applied for a full-time position at the invitation of the office director.
Beastall’s husband is Dennis Livesay, a professor of bioinformatics and genomics. She said this fact is a benefit as she has a unique understanding of the varying responsibilities inherent to being a faculty member.
In working with Lee College researchers, Beastall can provide assistance to the extent the professor needs in completing the proposal. A typical grant request includes a project description, abstract, biography of the researcher(s), details on the facilities/labs, any pending/current grants related to the project and other supporting documentation.
“While we work with faculty on any or all aspects of a proposal, this office facilitates the budget and justification regarding all details as to the cost of the project,” explained Beastall, who is assisted by a staff of three individuals who focus on post-awards management for various college units.
The grant process can be complex, so it can be a challenge to stay current on the changing nature of regulations at the federal level, as well as those of other funding sources, Beastall stated. “However, the rewards are in helping faculty, particularly junior faculty, obtain grants.”
Before joining the Lee College, Beastall was associate director for contracts and grants with the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and she worked as a pre-awards service manager in the Office of Grants and Contracts Administration in the Research and Economic Development Office. During her husband’s tenure at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Beastall was employed with Claremont Graduate University as assistant director of research and sponsored programs.
Away from her office in Duke Centennial Hall, Beastall spends time with her husband and their 4-year-old son Maxwell. She also likes to ride and race bicycles, a pursuit she’s participated in “most of my life.”
Beastall said Charlotte has a great bicycling community. “There are lots of group ride opportunities and numerous mountain bike trails in the area.”