The Optimum Department provides research administration consulting to departments, schools, and research leadership navigating policy complexity, operational friction, and increasing compliance pressure. My work focuses on helping academic units interpret policy, align processes with reality, and reduce administrative drag without burning people out.

Who this is for:

• Department research administrators

• Central research offices

• Faculty leaders and PIs

• Deans and research leadership

What we help with:

• Research policy interpretation and implementation

• Pre-award and post-award process improvement

• Clarifying roles and reporting structures

• Training and knowledge management

• Facilitating strategic thinking and exploration of new operational approaches

  We don’t provide backfill support — we help research teams tighten operations, strengthen human systems, and plan strategically for the future.
  
  If you are exploring whether consulting support is appropriate, you can start with the Operations Assessment or contact me to discuss scope and fit.