Meet the ReO members! Episode 2 - Kristen Irwin
© Kristen Irwin
Meet the ReO members! is a new series aimed at introducing the EPFL Research Office members. Meet Kristen Irwin, team leader, in the second episode!
How would you describe yourself in a few words?
My name is Kristen, and I’m the leader of the International Funding team at the Research Office. I am American, more specifically Arkansan, and have lived in Switzerland since 2014. I live happily near Lausanne with my husband and two small boys.
What has been your career path?
My training was originally in science; after a bachelor’s degree in biology, I earned a PhD studying evolutionary genetics. My research focused on growth curves and using statistical models to predict how they would respond to (natural or artificial) selection, and included lots of artificial selection experiments with flour beetles. After my PhD, I relocated to EPFL for a postdoc position. My postdoc was non-traditional in that it was part research, part technical writing, including grant writing. That made for a very natural transition to the Research Office as a program manager in 2017. Since my work in the ReO had mainly focused on US-based grants, when the new “International Funding team” was created in 2020, I was lucky to be invited to lead it.
What does a “Team leader” at the EPFL Research Office do?
Really I wear two hats: most of my job is still as a program manager, with tasks such as finding and promoting funding opportunities, pre-screening proposals, processing research contracts for signature, and following up on grant reporting. On the other hand, as a team leader I coordinate all of the program managers working on international grants, as well as setting our strategic goals for promoting these programs. I also represent the Research Office in EPFL-wide affairs relating to international grants.
What is driving you in your job?
I have the best job! Like many trained in academic research, the idea of abandoning the field was quite intimidating. However, we amass many transferable skills during a PhD - whether we realize it or not! - and applying those skills to my position is actually quite fun. In terms of motivation, my position is truly “research-adjacent”, where I am still very much in touch with the day-to-day process. I get to read lots of proposals and follow projects as they unfold. As a bonus, now I have a reason to study research trends at a higher level, which I find fascinating.
What are the main challenges you are facing on a daily basis?
Probably the biggest challenge I face is having to be a rule enforcer. My personality is tailored to being a “yes” person - so having to tell researchers “no, that’s not allowed” breaks my heart a little bit every time (even though I know it must be done!).
Outside EPFL, what do you enjoy doing the most?
This is an interesting question, since in my current season of life, the duties of “new parenthood” are all consuming. In a past life - and in a future life - I enjoyed playing softball, crocheting, lake/sea swimming, wine/beer tasting, and watching American football.
What are your life and/or career aspirations?
Related to the “new parenthood” phase mentioned above, my most immediate aspiration is to sleep one entire, continuous night. Jokes aside, in the long term I hope to keep applying the skills I’ve amassed in teaching and research training - and now in research management - in new and interesting ways that keep me on my toes.