March 14, 2023

Organized chaos is a typical day for Shannon Chalmers.

A sponsored programs officer, in one day she can host a training, meet with multiple principal investigators, review incoming awards and proposals, help with a routing concern, prepare an award for negotiation to move it from the pre-award to the post-award side of the house and answer anywhere from 30 to 80 emails.

Chalmers is used to managing a full plate. Prior to joining UNCW, she worked for the California state legislature as a district representative, overseeing the legislative needs of three counties and serving as a liaison between state departments and district constituents.

The military brought her family to the area and she saw a role with UNCW as an exciting opportunity to rejoin higher education, having previous experience at another university. She joined the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance’s team in spring of last year.

With a background in administration and policies, her transition to the research field was “challenging” and “exciting.”

“I enjoy this new field. SPARC is evolving and we have many great projects on the horizon for 2023,” she said. “I’m looking forward to continuing to work with an amazing team focused on providing the best service to researchers.”

Outside of UNCW, Chalmers is passionate about support for veterans, enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

-- Caroline Cropp

#RESEARCH

The UNCW family is thousands of people strong, but it takes individuals to make UNCW unique. WE ARE UNCW features the people — the faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the university — who make UNCW shine on campus and in the community. Read more here.