Staff with Purpose and Passion: Jamie Dillon
At the University of Minnesota Medical School, the spotlight often shines on groundbreaking research and the scientists who lead it. However, behind every successful grant and clinical breakthrough is a dedicated team of staff members ensuring these achievements in Science are fulfilled.
Jamie J. Dillon, Director of Pre-Award & Proposal Development Services for the Medical School, is one of those vital figures. With over 20 years of experience in research administration, Jamie has dedicated her career to a simple but profound goal: ensuring that the administrative side of science never stands in the way of discovery.
From "Hands-on learning" to Expert Leadership
Jamie’s journey to the University of Minnesota began at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she spent nearly 15 years gaining hands-on experience with the intricacies of the grant life cycle.
"Most of our team's experience has been through hands-on learning, with many wins and challenges along the way." Jamie reflects. "We are striving to incorporate these learned lessons into our standardized processes to heighten our success rate.”
After serving as the campus administrator for the Medical School in Duluth, Jamie transitioned into her current role. She views research administration not just as a job, but as a critical mission. "We see research administration as an act of service," she says. "It's how we contribute to scientific discoveries that will outlive us."
Strengthening the Staff Community
A pillar of Jamie’s work is the Staff Mentorship Program, now in its third year. The program facilitates 60+ matches each year, between Mentor and Mentee, creating a space for professional growth tailored to staff needs.
Jamie believes that mentorship is a universal responsibility. "Our mission is to grow mentees into our next generation of mentors," she explains. “With every match, participants are able to learn from each other.”
This commitment to community extends to her weekly "office hours," where she provides a safe space for faculty and staff to ask questions, brainstorm, and navigate the complexities of research administration. In this time of rapid change and shifting regulations, Jamie emphasizes that patience, partnership, and collaboration are key to success.
The “Heart” of the research at the Medical School
While faculty focus on the science, Jamie and her team manage intricate and complex details, including compliance, sponsor, and institutional policies, human and animal research regulations, and required deadlines. Their mission is to reduce administrative burden on faculty, allowing researchers to focus on life-changing work. "We feel stewardship towards every submission we are part of, and it is rewarding to see our dedication pay off when grants are awarded.”
The University of Minnesota Medical School is more than labs and clinics; it is a community of staff members whose expertise and dedication provide the foundation for our every success. Jamie firmly believes, “The mission to improve lives in a collaborative environment sets the University of Minnesota apart as a place where staff can find value in everyday activities.”