Kikilo brings over two decades of research administration experience to benefit clients
Nadia Kikilo is one of the key leaders within the Attain Research practice of Attain Partners. Under the leadership of Managing Partner Mark Davis, Attain Research unites the firm’s core research enterprise services to enhance market focus, elevate delivery excellence, and address diverse client needs. The practice provides enterprise-wide strategy and technology transformation expertise at scale.
Nadia is a cornerstone of our Research practice. Her deep industry experience and dedication to her clients allow her to create powerful positive impact for research institutions. I’m grateful to have her serving our clients as well as helping to train the next generation of research administrators at Attain Partners.
Mark davis
Managing Partner and Attain Research Lead, Attain Partners
Get to know Nadia better by reading our interview with her below.
Attain Partners (AP): How did you become passionate about research administration?
Nadia Kikilo (NK): The field of Research Administration is not a career that young people consider when thinking about what they want to do. In fact, most people have no idea that there is a field of research administration unless they know someone who is in it. I was no different a few years out of college and took a job as a consultant in research administration to get into the consulting field and utilize my skills in general finance and business.
The funny thing about research administration is that it is as hard to get out of it as it is to know about it to begin with.Once you realize that you are part of a support system that allows the brightest minds of our planet to advance science, technology, make life-changing discoveries, and save lives from uncurable illnesses, you are hooked for life. You no longer want to crunch numbers for the sake of numbers—you want to continue being a part of something much bigger than yourself and take on the unnecessary burden from those who can truly change the world.
AP: How do you leverage your role with Attain Partners to create an impact?
NK: As a manager and leader, I have a unique opportunity to partner with our clients and develop appropriate solutions for their challenges. I utilize my experience and industry knowledge to build delivery teams that are efficient, effective, and empowered to do great work. Our clients trust me to do what is in their best interest, and I take pride in my ability to always focus on their success first.
NK: The core value that speaks to me most is Be Bold. To me, being bold doesn’t just mean always speaking your mind; it means being authentic, honest, and realistic in the face of adversity. Our clients face difficult challenges, but we stand with them as a strong and objective partner, maintaining unwavering faith in achieving and delivering a purposeful end result.
AP: What do you like most about the work you do?
NK: I like that as research administrators, we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. We get to support talented researchers every single day and stand hand-in-hand with them as they make world-changing discoveries and advances. We are an integral part of their success, taking the unnecessary burden off their shoulders.
AP: What are the biggest ways you’ve seen research administration initiatives impact organizations?
NK: I have been part of some great initiatives during my time in the industry. I have been part of strategic transformations that put operations on the right track. I have managed teams that reviewed and cleaned up thousands of sponsored accounts, significantly reducing compliance risk. Research is an integral part of many institutions, and keeping its administration clean and efficient empowers our clients to achieve great results.
AP: How do you stay current on the latest trends and developments in research administration?
NK: Our field of research administration is a heavily regulated small world. Most of us are members of professional societies such as SRA and NCURA, attend conferences, and receive regular updates on any trends and changes. Additionally, thanks to our rapid practice growth over the last three years, Attain Research now has its own internal network of research administrators who communicate daily, through various touch points like chats and meetings, about what goes on with our clients and within the industry in general.
AP: What do you enjoy outside of work?
NK: What is outside of work? After nearly 20 years at Attain, most of my friends work with me, so I love to socialize with them outside of work to talk about work. I am an avid reader, I enjoy good movies, and try to stay away from shows as they require too much commitment. I try to keep up with my horseback riding and have recently taken up shinkendo—a system of Japanese Swordsmanship which incorporates all aspects of traditional sword study. I also love to travel domestically and internationally and use every excuse to get on a plane!
Learn more – Nadia Kikilo
Nadia Kikilo is a Principal at Attain Partners, bringing over 20 years of experience in research finance and administration. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, she specializes in assisting higher education clients with various aspects of research administration. Nadia holds an MBA and an MS in Business Technologies, and she is a Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA). Additionally, she co-leads Attain Partners’ Women in Leadership Employee Resource Group, emphasizing the importance of trusting one’s instincts and staying true to personal values.
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