Den Gonzalez

Senior Research Administrator
Office: Ward 8-074
Phone: 312-503-4951

Where is your hometown?

Chicago, IL

What is your educational background?

I studied Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I am enrolling in Northwestern’s School of Professional Studies this Spring Quarter to pursue  a degree in Information Systems.

Tell us about your professional background.

Back in 1996, while I was still in college, I worked at American National Bank and First Chicago Bank (now Chase Bank) in various financial/accounting jobs. In the spring of 2003, I worked at Wrigley Field when the Cubs ALMOST made the World Series. By that summer, I had my first temp job at Northwestern University working for the Parking Office counting cars in the lot across the street from the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion/Norris Aquatic Center on the Evanston Campus. I worked two more temp jobs until January 2004 when I was hired full-time as a Program Assistant at the Center for Public Safety. I left the position in 2006 to become the assistant for the Executive Associate Director for Research at the Feinberg School of Medicine (FSM) on the Chicago Campus. I had several jobs at FSM before I returned to Evanston in 2009 to work in the Office for Sponsored Research to pursue a career in Research Administration. I left OSR in 2010 and spent a year in the Department of Chemistry as a Research Coordinator. Then in 2011, I was hired as a Research Administrator in the Department of Physiology. When Physiology was incorporated into the Basic Science Administration (BSA), I was promoted to Senior Research Administrator. After a few years, I left BSA in 2014 as I had an opportunity to work as a Financial Administrator at the Institute of Marine Biology in Kane'ohe, Hawaii. After a year, I returned to the mainland and worked at the University of Chicago in the Section of Cardiology as an Administrative Coordinator and Assistant to the Section Chief. Finally, the opportunity to return to Northwestern came in October 2016, when I was hired back as a Research Administrator in BSA.

When did you join BSA?

I initially joined BSA in November 2011. I had left in June 2014 and spent the next few years at the University of Hawaii and University of Chicago until my return to BSA in October 2016.

What is your role in the Basic Science Administration?

I am a Research Administrator and my role is to support researchers and ensure successful research efforts by providing all pre- and post-award administrative needs.

What is your favorite part of the job?

As a Research Administrator, new challenges arrive to my desk almost every day. I enjoy the problem solving opportunities aspect of the job because each experience is a stepping stone in my development of being a better research administrator. I am also appreciative that I am in an environment that encourages professional development and provides opportunities for growth.

What are your hobbies/what do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids any chance I get. My oldest son is already in college and working while my other children are in high school with their own activities so it’s becoming difficult for us to hang out together as we used to. Nevertheless, my wife and I try to get all the kids rounded up for lunch and/or dinner at least once a month.

Vickie Lugo

Accounting Specialist
Office: Ward 8-290
Phone: 312-503-2656

Where is your home town?

I am originally from Chicago, but I lived in San Antonio, TX for almost 9 years then I moved back to Chicago in 2005.

What is your educational background?

In 2009, I graduated from DeVry with a Bachelor in Accounting, and in 2012, I graduated from Keller with Master in Management and Finance in Accounting.

Tell us about your professional background.

When I was living in San Antonio, my parents owned a business working with Union Pacific. After school or during my summer vacation I worked with my parents on bookkeeping, invoices, and inventory. In 2016, I started working for Northwestern University for the Department of Neurology for 1 ½ years.

When did you join BSA?

I joined BSA January 16, 2018.

What is your role in the Basic Science Administration?

I am an Accounting Specialist. I handle procurement and expense reports for the Departments of Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, and the Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics. My goal is to provide excellent customer service, and clerical support to the department of BSA.

What is your favorite part of the job?

What I like about this job is the environment, and I get to meet different people in BSA.

What are your hobbies/extra-curricular interests?

I love going for a run with my dog at the Forest Preserve, and I enjoy traveling, and being in the outdoors!

Brent Bell

Associate Director for Research Administration
Office: Ward 8-143
Phone: 312-503-9031

Where is your home town?

Grampian, PA

What is your educational background?

BA in International Studies from Millersville University, and studied some International Health at Johns Hopkins. I am also a certified research administrator.

Tell us about your professional background.

I have worked in research administration for 16 years. My first job was as a budget analyst/supervisor in the Center for American Indian Health at Johns Hopkins. In addition to working in various positions at Johns Hopkins for 9 years, I worked at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in their pre-award office for 3 years. My experience at Northwestern includes time in OSR as well as Research Administration Services.

What is your role in the Basic Science Administration?

I lead a team of Research Administrators who manage the day to day research administration operations for BSA. We provide pre-award services including budget development, proposal submission, just-in-time requests and non-financial award management. Post-award services include award set-up, financial oversight, salary distribution and effort commitments, human subject and animal compliance, progress reports, and close-out. I am an advocate for BSA departments in relationships with University central research offices. In the spirit of continuous improvement, I maintain and refine department policies and procedures for the best possible blend of compliance, efficiency, and customer service.

What is your favorite part of the job?

Research Administration rarely has black and white answers. Every day I am learning something new, or applying knowledge to a new or different situation. It keeps me on my toes, and also encourages interesting conversations and debates with colleagues and coworkers.

What are your hobbies/extra-curricular interests?

Fitness, travel, reading, the Arts.