What I learned: Establishing a New UTC at the University of Florida

1. What I learned:
Establishing a New UTC at the
University of Florida
Presented by:
Ines Aviles-Spadoni, M.S.
Research Programs/Services Coordinator
STRIDE Center
CUTC Summer Meeting
June 3, 2014
Lincoln, NE

2. BackgroundBackground
1.1. In 2007, UF was awarded a Tier 1 UTC. 29In 2007, UF was awarded a Tier 1 UTC. 29
projects awarded to UF researchers. Projectprojects awarded to UF researchers. Project
successfully closed-out in 2011.successfully closed-out in 2011.
2.2. In 2012, UF was awarded the Region 4 UTC, aIn 2012, UF was awarded the Region 4 UTC, a
consortium of eight universities in theconsortium of eight universities in the
Southeastern U.S. Currently, 29 projects haveSoutheastern U.S. Currently, 29 projects have
been selected, collaborative in nature (multiplebeen selected, collaborative in nature (multiple
researchers and universities participating inresearchers and universities participating in
more than 50 percent of projects).more than 50 percent of projects).

3. 1.1. Tier-1 (CMS)Tier-1 (CMS)
a)a) Familiarized myself with strategic plan, USDOT/RITAFamiliarized myself with strategic plan, USDOT/RITA
deliverables general provisions document, referred to itdeliverables general provisions document, referred to it
ALWAYS!!ALWAYS!!
b)b) Used above documents to set up website, started working onUsed above documents to set up website, started working on
newsletter, drafted call for proposal document and, creatednewsletter, drafted call for proposal document and, created
spreadsheets for incoming proposals and peer review, quarterlyspreadsheets for incoming proposals and peer review, quarterly
and final reports QRs, assembled contact list, etc.and final reports QRs, assembled contact list, etc.
c)c) Reached out to seasoned grantees at other institutions forReached out to seasoned grantees at other institutions for
advice.advice.
d)d) Borrowed ideas from grantee websites for creation of forms, callBorrowed ideas from grantee websites for creation of forms, call
for proposals, tracking quarterly reports, etc.for proposals, tracking quarterly reports, etc.
e)e) Reach out to them. Many are willing to share information.Reach out to them. Many are willing to share information.
What Did I Do to Get Started?What Did I Do to Get Started?