Guided by Family, Leading with Purpose

October 15, 2025

Boe Welter is senior financial administrator on the Financial Administration team within Basic Science Administration (BSA), where she also serves as part of the team’s leadership group. She is one of 10 staff members dedicated to providing financial management support that ensures Northwestern’s basic science departments and centers operate with accuracy and efficiency.

Welter began her Northwestern career in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) in the McCormick School of Engineering, where she built broad expertise in payroll, purchasing, reconciliation, budgeting and research administration. Over nearly a decade, she advanced into leadership roles, managing multimillion-dollar research portfolios and guiding a financial team that supported faculty and departmental operations. Since joining BSA in 2022, she has continued to distinguish herself as a collaborative and strategic leader, most recently helping her team achieve a seamless close to Fiscal Year 2025 through proactive planning and teamwork.

Inspired by the encouragement of her sister, a longtime Northwestern staff member, and her own experience raising a family, Welter leads with both precision and perspective. Read a Q&A to learn more about her journey from MSE to BSA, and how she continues to foster collaboration and support research at Feinberg.

Where is your hometown?

I emigrated from Canton, China, at age 10 and grew up on Chicago’s north side, where I lived for two decades before moving to Arlington Heights, my current home.

What brought you to Northwestern?

After dedicating 10 years to raising my family, I was ready to re-enter the workforce. My sister, who has proudly worked at Northwestern for over 25 years, encouraged me to apply. She spoke about the university’s excellent benefits and supportive environment, which inspired me to join the Materials Science & Engineering department 11 years ago.

When did you join BSA?

I joined the Basic Science Administration team in November 2022.

What project are you most proud of?

Successfully closing Fiscal Year 2025 stands out as a highlight. Our team’s proactive planning, report monitoring and attention to detail allowed us to meet every deadline without issue. It was a true testament to teamwork and preparation.

How does your work contribute to the research enterprise at Feinberg?

My team provides research administrators with accurate monthly expense reports and account summaries for faculty. By ensuring financial accuracy and transparency, we help faculty manage their portfolios effectively, giving them more time to focus on advancing their research.

Why do you enjoy working at Northwestern?

Northwestern’s collaborative culture and opportunities for professional growth make it a rewarding place to work. I’ve been fortunate to broaden my skills in purchasing, payroll, account reconciliation and research administration, which has deepened my understanding of how research funding operates.

What do you do enjoy outside of work?  

In recent years, I’ve taken up pickleball and play several times a week. During the winter, I enjoy crocheting and knitting scarves and hats, a creative hobby I’ve taught myself.