Research Administration Staff

Sonia is the Executive Director for Research Administration for the School of Humanities and Sciences. She manages a small team that provides oversight of the school’s sponsored research portfolio. Sonia recommends enhancements that improve staff effectiveness and reduce administrative burden, develops and implements school-level policies and procedures, and provides guidance to help solve complex problems in research administration throughout H&S.

Sonia is a key resource in proposal preparation, quarterly certification, reporting needs, and policy interpretation. She serves as a primary H&S contact with university partners, such as DoR and ORA, and represents H&S on a number of university committees. Prior to coming to H&S, Sonia was involved in research administration in the School of Medicine for 20 years. Sonia received her MBA from UC Davis and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Stanford.

Elkie is a research administrator in the School of Humanities and Sciences Dean's Office.  She joined our team in January 2020.  Elkie supports pre- and post-award responsibilities for sponsored research activities in the Department of Economics.

Derek Brown is the Conflict of Interest and Commitment and Export Control Manager for the School of Humanities and Sciences. He oversees COI/COC and Export Control activities, such as working with faculty and other personnel to support compliance with sponsor and other requirements and supporting strategy and outreach within the school.  

Prior to coming to Stanford, Derek was involved in pre-award research administration at Washington State University for 16 years and was responsible for all aspects of COI management, including review and approval of significant financial interest disclosures, development and implementation of university-wide policies and procedures, and outreach and training. He also has experience managing outgoing subaward processes, including negotiating and drafting sponsored agreements, and developing grant management systems.