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What does it take to make sure grant paperwork goes smoothly? Meet Eric Robinson, the Scripps Gerontology Center’s new Assistant Director of Finance. Eric works closely with Cheryl Johnson, Director of Finance and Operations, to submit grant proposals developed by Scripps researchers.

Eric plays a pivotal role – facilitating the grant proposal process, helping researchers collaborate with independent contractors, and handling Scripps budgets. Eric aims to reduce hurdles for researchers to find support for new studies and later publish their findings. Having one person focused on easing the grant application process is a key part of what makes Scripps a successful research center.

Eric’s work begins when a researcher expresses interest in applying for a grant. First, he talks with the principal investigator and research team about the proposed grant’s components, and then they inform ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University’s Office of Research and Innovation of the intent to submit an application. The office acts as an internal reviewer to ensure compliance with regulatory laws.

Once the letter of intent is submitted, Eric collaborates with the researcher to create a budget that includes all potential grant-related expenses -- from salaries to supplies and travel. The University has the final approval of the budget.  Next, Eric and the research team enter the data into Cayuse, the platform the University uses to organize grant information and ensure that all necessary forms are completed. Depending on the grant’s complexity, the entire process can take a month or more. Once grants are received, Eric assists with grant management, acts as liaison to state and national agencies regarding grant budgets and contracts, and provides support to research staff with personnel processes.

Eric’s involvement at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University goes back to high school, when he had a part-time job at The Willard Sherman Turrell Herbarium, three floors down from Scripps in Upham Hall. After graduation, Eric enrolled at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú and earned a bachelor's degree in Economics, and then worked as a Compliance Officer at a local bank.

What led Eric to make the career shift from banking to joining the Scripps team? Eric says the driving force was his “desire to make a meaningful impact by combining my experience in economics with the important work being done at Scripps.”

Eric had been involved in Oxford Community Arts Center and the Scripps Opening Minds Through Art Program (OMA), which focuses mainly on individuals with dementia. A member of Eric’s family was diagnosed with dementia, and that added to his motivation to take a leap into the world of gerontology. 

Although Eric spends most of his day working on Excel sheets, he is excited by the research conducted by Scripps researchers and graduate students. “It is nice to see the larger scope of the work that is going on, as I usually only see the numbers,” Eric said. With the hiring of three new research scientists, Eric is preparing for seven or eight new grants to be submitted by the end of 2024. Eric is part of the team ensuring Scripps’ momentum to generate new research knowledge that will benefit older adults and their families in Ohio and beyond.

When asked what makes Scripps special, Eric commented “Positive affirmation means a lot to people… It’s a fantastic feeling.” He appreciates the Scripps team’s warm, positive, and welcoming culture and in Eric’s words, it’s a testament to the value of “just being kind!”