Sarah Lampson's professional designation is Research Administration. Positions in RA range from managing research projects, managing research sponsors, applying for grants, managing clinical trials, and research ethics. The role is found in universities, colleges, academic hospitals, government and non-profit organizations.
From 1997-2005, Sarah was a Research Contracts Officer and Grants Officer at McMaster. From 2005-2013 she managed clinical trials for both Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University specializing in oncology research contracts from 2009-2013. During this time she also volunteered in her field. She authored dozens of articles, presented at conferences, moderated and created webinars, started two national mentoring programmes and co-authored two books that are used at over 500 institutions globally. From 2013 until now, Sarah has been the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Research Administrators.
Some of her achievements in this role have been to turn the group’s operating deficit into a surplus within the first year and then increase the revenue for the association by 43% over the next four years. Capitalizing on her volunteer work, she continued to create mentorship programmes, and webinars and she established an awards programme for the group. Under her leadership, CARA has entered into a partnership with Mohawk College to offer Canada’s first Research Administration Certificate. CARA now has a bursary programme for students who are enrolled in this course and to date has awarded over $100,000 to worthy recipients. Since 2017, Sarah has been a part-time instructor of contracts, reporting, and research finance at Mohawk College’s McKeil School of Business.
In her personal life, Sarah is a mother of two children and is very committed to their development. It is no surprise that her children like to volunteer (following the model of their Mom).In the summer all the family goes to the cottage where they help with the activities of the Rotary Club of Gananoque (where Sarah’s Dad is a member). In the other seasons back in Dundas, the children sponsor a “Little Free Library” on their front lawn and spend time volunteering at St. Joseph’s Villa. In particular, her daughter has been going for over 9 years. Elizabeth makes crafts with the seniors, bakes, and generally spreads comfort and care. Her commitment was such that she was recognized for Youth Volunteerism by both the Province of Ontario and TVOKids. She is the subject of a “Super Citizen” video. https://www.tvokids.com/school-age/videos/super-citizens/elizabeth-grandma-club-volunteer. The children also participate in Sea Cadets, enjoy skateboarding and gardening.
Somewhere in all this, Sarah finds the time to garden, read and now volunteer with us in Rotary.
Somewhere in all this, Sarah finds the time to garden, read and now volunteer with us in Rotary.