In my second year as an Assistant Professor, I faced a stark reality: I had ambition but lacked expertise for a major funding opportunity. A campus colleague introduced me to TSEC, marking a pivotal career turn. At TSEC, my grant writing skills were quickly challenged, revealing my gaps and leading to an unexpected opportunity: becoming an Associate Director at TSEC, promising professional and personal growth. Within three years, TSEC’s mentorship helped me successfully submit two federal grant proposals as PI and assist in others as Co-PI for MTSU awards and subawards, collectively securing over $30 million. Beyond numbers, TSEC was where I enhanced project management and leadership skills, sharing ideas and building a community that drove change. TSEC became more than a team; it was a community of like-minded individuals, essential for navigating academia’s complexities. With the experiences, lessons, and connections made, I’m better equipped for future challenges. I don’t know where else I could have found that community across MTSU. (Assistant Professor, CBAS)
Before Greg knocked on my office door, I was a methodologist, primarily working on simulations on my computer with limited interaction with people. I saw myself as an introvert and an independent researcher. When I opened the door for Greg, things changed drastically, far beyond my expectations.
I started with TSEC aiming to contribute my expertise in educational measurement, study design, and data analysis. I collaborated with researchers from various disciplines in TSEC, offering consulting services based on my knowledge. Soon after, Greg and other TSEC colleagues encouraged me to start writing proposals. With their incredible support, I landed two USDA NIFA grants with other TSEC assistant/associate directors, totaling $1.2 million, to conduct research that would benefit agriculture education throughout Tennessee and surrounding states.
Becoming a member of TSEC proved to be a game-changer for my career. It’s not just an office, it’s a buzzing hub of collaboration and creativity. I enjoyed the friendly faces and lively conversations about our shared goals, research interests, exciting ideas that would make real-world impacts.
Greg is a great mentor. TSEC, with Greg’s leadership and vision, brought my career to another level, transforming me from an introvert and independent researcher into someone who embraces collaboration, though not always an extrovert! My valuable experience at TSEC is vital in securing my current position at James Madison University.
“Posters at the Capitol,” Research, Tennessee STEM Education Center, STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Math, Student News, Undergraduate Students, Geosciences, Biology, Chemistry, Social Work, Fermentation Science, Agriculture, School of Agriculture, History, Finance, Faculty Senate, Alumni, Alumni News, Collaboration, Partnerships, Kudzu, Ginseng, Volcanoes, MTSU, Middle Tennessee State UniversityMTSU joined eight other universities from across Tennessee in bringing nearly 60 student researchers to present and meet legislators during Posters at the Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Feb. 26. The effort was led by the Tennessee STEM Eduction Center. (Submitted photo)University students from across Tennessee joined MTSU at the annual Posters at the Capitol Wednesday, Feb. 16. They met for a photo outside State Capitol in Nashville. All performed STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) research. (MTSU photo by Javier Hernandez)Ten Middle Tennessee State University undergraduate students and researchers, along with 41 others from public universities across the state, attended the annual Posters at the Capitol event held at the state Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, and took a photo with Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, front and center, after he spoke to them in a short address. (Photo by Theresa Montgomery/Office of Gov. Bill Lee)
Joining TSEC has undoubtedly shaped my growth as a researcher. Although I’ve moved on, our collaborative efforts continue. I hold onto my TSEC experience with deep appreciation, recognizing the immense contribution it made to my professional development.
