Meet the team

Director — Sarah Polasky

Sarah has worked in research and research development for more than 15 years. She has experience leading research development and research advancement teams and working on a variety of local, state and federally funded research and evaluation projects. Sarah is a member of the National Organization of Research Development Professionals, the National Council of University Research Administrators, and the Arizona Educational Research Organization. She holds a master's degree and a doctorate in educational psychology with a concentration in lifespan developmental psychology from Arizona State University. She most recently served as executive director of the Research Opportunity Development and Advancement team at Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University.
 

Proposal Development Lead — Devon Hill

Devon has over 12 years of experience in grant and proposal development, including large multi-institutional proposals. She holds a master’s degree in social sciences from University of Chicago and a bachelor’s in cultural anthropology from Mount Holyoke College. Prior to joining the Division of Research, she was the Senior Innovations and Partnerships Writer for Virginia Tech’s Center for Advancing Partnerships. Before Virginia Tech, Devon was the Tier 1 Research Initiative Writer for Oklahoma State University where she worked with the University’s priority research groups on federal research grants. With experience as a Lecturer of Cultural Anthropology, industry and higher education both in the U.S. and internationally, she brings a breadth of experience and perspectives to her work.

Proposal Development Lead — Julie Svetlik

Julie is a research development professional with over 12 years of experience working with strategic and large team grant proposals. Julie holds a master's degree in agriculture and resource economics from West Virginia University and a bachelor's degree in wildlife and fisheries sciences from Texas A&M University. Before accepting this position, she served for one year as senior research development officer with A&M's College of Education and 11 years as strategic grants coordinator for the A&M AgriLife Research agency. Julie brings experience and a proven track record of success with multiple sponsors, including NSF, Department of Energy/Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, DOD/Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research. She has subject matter expertise in energy, sustainable development, agriculture, natural resources and economics.
 

Proposal Illustrator — Samantha Bosland

Samantha is a science illustrator experienced in helping researchers develop the best visual communication strategies for their needs. She has worked with clients ranging from the University of Texas at Austin and Northwestern University to National Geographic and the Smithsonian Institution and previously worked at the Dallas Zoo as an exhibit graphic designer and illustrator. She received her bachelor's degree in neurobiology from UT Austin and a graduate certificate in science illustration from California State University, Monterey Bay. She is a Certified Interpretive Guide and a member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators and the American Society of Botanical Artists. 
 

Proposal Illustrator Associate — Tessa Wells

Tessa is a science illustrator who capitalizes on the relationship between art and science and strives to assist researchers in communicating their work visually. She completed her bachelor's degrees in wildlife biology and communication arts and design with a concentration in studio arts and a minor in English at Lees-McRae College and went on to receive a graduate certificate in science illustration at California State University, Monterey Bay. She has since completed work for multiple organizations including Sylvan Heights Bird Park and the Monterey Audubon Society, reflecting her particular interest in avifauna. 
 
 

Proposal Manager — Kimberly Duncan

Kim is a Columbia native and has a rich history at Mizzou. She is a third-generation MU alumna, receiving a bachelor's degree in general studies, with emphases in business, communications, environmental design and the humanities. Kim is approaching 20 years at Mizzou and began her career in the telecommunications office within the Division of IT. Her research and grant experience began in 2015 in the College of Education & Human Development where she played an integral role in her team’s submission of a large variety of educational proposals and supported the college with both pre- and post-award responsibilities. Kim has assisted on MU grant submissions ranging from small foundations and local agencies to large federally funded proposals, such as the DOD’s Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative program. Kim’s love of words can be traced back to her grandfather’s bookstore where she spent several hours a week as a child and still assists her mother today. She is passionate about details and is innately organized. Nothing makes her happier than pulling all the details together to bring a project to life.
 

Proposal Manager  —  Abigayle Sherman

Abbie brings over 20 years of specialized expertise in research development and program coordination, with an extensive background in assisting faculty with securing and managing infrastructure-related grant funding. Her background includes managing several center-level grants from inception to completion, offering valuable insights into effective proposal development. Abbie enjoys guiding large projects and teams to successful completion. She is a member of the National Organization of Research Development Professionals, committed to continuous professional growth and enhancing her abilities to assist faculty researchers. Outside of work, she finds joy in hiking and backpacking.

Proposal Manager — Gabrielle Trippe

Gabrielle is a program management specialist with over 10 years of experience implementing domestic and international projects. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a degree in psychology and has a master's degree in public health from Columbia University. Before accepting this position, she served as a philanthropy manager with a nonprofit working to catalyze philanthropic efforts, a William J. Clinton Fellow with the American India Foundation and as a research assistant and community health worker with the Columbia University Neurological Institute of New York.

 

Principal Grants and Contracts Specialist — Kimber Rayborn

Kimber has eight years of experience in research administration with an emphasis in budget development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Southern Mississippi. Before coming to Mizzou, Kimber worked at both the college and central office level supporting faculty from a wide range of disciplines in working with federal, state and private sponsors. She is a member of NORDP, NCURA and SRA and has received her CRA and CPRA from the Research Administrators Certification Council. Kimber has a particular interest in improving efficiencies and data collection processes. In her personal time, she enjoys reading high fantasy and walking her two rescue greyhounds.

Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist — Debbie Blaisdell

Debbie has over 18 years of experience in the grants and research network. She has experience with interdisciplinary grant projects sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), as well as smaller grant projects with federal, state, industry and foundation sponsors. Debbie has developed a skill set in pre-award as well as post-award in developing budgets, biosketches, grant forms and reporting along with meeting university policies and guidelines. She has participated in department and system grants community meetings for policy and uniformity in grants guidance. Debbie is an MU graduate. She previously served as a grants specialist at Mizzou and as a lead grants coordinator for Mercy Research.
 

Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist — Zachary Johnson

Zach thrives on creativity and collaboration, particularly in the research world. He has several years of experience supporting proposals to NIH and the National Science Foundation (NSF), among others, and enjoys finding innovative ways to enhance workflows and communication for his team and network. He is adept at building tools and templates to streamline budget creation, data entry and revision, and is always keen to share lessons he has learned or constructive feedback to those around him. Zach graduated with a master’s degree in creative writing and literature from MU and served for several years as a division administrator for the School of Medicine. In this role, he gained specialized training in financial oversight, projection and reconciliation, which complimented his knack for written and verbal communication. He brings these skills and enthusiasm to the SPDS team.