2026 NCURA Region III Spring Meeting

Hear from Attain Partners during the 2026 NCURA Region III Spring Meeting, taking place May 3 – 6 in Myrtle Beach, SC.

AI Basics in Research Administration: What Is It and How to Start
Monday, May 4 | 2:45p – 4p | Kensington DE

AI is everywhere, but what does it really mean for research administration? This beginner-friendly session introduces the fundamentals of AI, explains common terminology, and explores simple, practical ways to start using AI tools in your daily work. Attendees will learn what AI can (and cannot) do, how it differs from automation, and how to identify low-risk, high-impact opportunities for adoption. The session will also cover ethical considerations and institutional guidelines for responsible AI use.

Speaker

• Leah Acajabon, Senior Consultant, Attain Partners

LEAP 2025-2026 Participant Panel: Region III Leadership Course – The Pilot Year
Tuesday, May 5 | 10:15a – 11:30a | Hampton

The newly formed Professional Development Committee (PDC) developed and implemented this pilot 8-month leadership and professional development program designed for research administrators within NCURA’s Region III. The PDC will provide an overview of the program, how we developed content, and outline our initial goals. Then, we will host a panel presentation featuring mentees and mentors sharing their experiences in the new leadership program. Ask questions and learn if this program is something you would want to participate in for the future. https://www.ncuraregioniii.com/leap/

Speaker

• Jeanne Viviani-Ayers, University of Central Florida
• Georgetta Dennis, Senior Associate, Attain Partners
• Leerin Shields, Advent Health
• Erin Blackwell, University of Central Florida

Mini Hackathon: Solve A Real-World Research Admin Challenge Using Data
Tuesday, May 5 | 10:15a – 11:30a | Pembroke

This interactive session invites participants to engage in a mini hackathon designed to solve real-world research administration challenges using data. Attendees will be grouped into small teams and provided with one of two scenarios- Cost Share Analysis or Effort Reporting Trends- along with a dataset. Using Excel or other familiar tools, teams will explore the data, identify insights, and propose solutions. The session includes a brief challenge overview, hands-on team collaboration, and a rapid share-out of ideas. No advanced analytics skills required, just a collaborative spirit and curiosity.

Speaker

• Leah Acajabon, Senior Consultant, Attain Partners

Beyond the Hackathon: Turning Insights into Action (Follow-up Discussion)
Tuesday, May 5 | 1:45p – 3p | Oxford

This follow-up session builds on insights generated in the “Mini Hackathon: Solve a Real-World Research Admin Challenge Using Data.” Participants will reflect on team discoveries from the Cost Share Analysis and Effort Reporting Trends scenarios, then translate those ideas into practical implementation plans tailored to their institutions. Through guided discussion, mini case reviews, and peer coaching, attendees will identify barriers (data quality, stakeholder alignment, resourcing), map quick wins, and draft a simple rollout plan (process, tools, ownership, timeline, and measures of success). The format emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, sustainability, and change enablement—ensuring that hackathon insights become operational improvements in post-award and compliance contexts.

Speaker

• Leah Acajabon, Senior Consultant, Attain Partners

Cost Share Demystified
Wednesday, May 6 | 10:15a – 11:30a | Kensington DE

This session will focus on Cost Share, inception to close. We will go over the types of cost share, the impact of cost share for both Federal and Non-federal awards, pre- and post-award action items, and tips and best practices for documenting and tracking approved cost share.

Speaker

• Leah Acajabon, Senior Consultant, Attain Partners