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.  

Tahir Fazal is a research administrator in the School of Humanities and Sciences, where he supports pre- and post-award responsibilities for sponsored research activities. Previously, he was a Sponsored Research Officer at Northwestern University, managing funding from organizations like NIH, NSF, DoD, DoS, and NASA. He also has experience as a Research Operations Assistant at the City University of New York.

Tahir is a Certified Research Administrator (CRA) and also holds a master’s degree in social and organizational psychology from the University of Exeter, England.

Outside of work, he enjoys biking, hiking, and attending Broadway shows and orchestras. He is particularly interested in psychological literature.

Carly Greenspan is a research administrator in the School of Humanities and Sciences at Stanford University. She supports pre- and post-award activities for the Psychology Department’s sponsored awards and projects. Prior to joining H&S, Carly worked in budget analysis and financial management. In her free time, Carly enjoys baking, tennis, and traveling.

Thomas Merritt is a Senior Research Administrator in the Office of Research Administration’s Client Advocacy & Education team. Thomas supports full pre and post-award sponsored research activities for 16 units within the school of Humanities & Sciences. This includes full proposal development, award management, and award closeout support for faculty in his assigned units.

Prior to his role with H&S, Thomas supported Research Administration activities in the Aeronautics and Astronautics and Chemical Engineering departments in the Stanford School of Engineering.

In his free time, Thomas enjoys traveling, bike racing, and spending time with his pets.

Evan Perry is a research administrator in the School of Humanities and Sciences. In that position, he submits proposals, prepares budgets, monitors awards, and interprets policy. He previously worked in a Stanford neuroscience lab. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Oregon. In his free time, he enjoys reading, baking, spending time with friends, and traveling.

Mei Rogers is the Senior Research Administrator for the School of Humanities and Sciences at Stanford University, where she supports the Department of Psychology. With nearly two decades of experience in finance management, contracts, grants, and fellowships in higher education, she plays a pivotal role in supporting faculty and researchers throughout the entire grant lifecycle. Mei oversees the preparation and submission of complex proposals, ensures compliance with institutional and sponsor policies, and provides financial post-award oversight for research funding.

Prior to her current role, Mei held key research administration and financial management positions across multiple Stanford departments and the Office of Sponsored Research. She has also worked in corporate sales, operations, and regulatory policies, bringing a unique blend of financial acumen and business expertise to her role.

LeAndre Sherrill is a research administrator and supports pre- and post-award activities for sponsored awards and projects for the Psychology Department as part of the School of Humanities and Sciences.  LeAndre has a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Virginia and a Dual MBA from The University of Cologne and Erasmus University, Rotterdam School of Management.  LeAndre’s background includes finance and small business ownership.