Lessons learned from writing, winning, and implementing an Emerging Scholars grant

Lessons learned from writing, winning, and implementing an Emerging Scholars grant Sue Leach, PT,PhD,NCS,CEEAA Assistant Professor in Physical Therapy Mentored by: Ellen Costello, PT,PhD

Poster introduction to project

Lessons Learned • Is there an APP for that? • Project Management Office: Lessons Learned Instructions • “The major benefit of completing the lessons learned process is that the organization retains and documents both successful & unsuccessful project activities for future reference by project managers and staff.” • “This allows new projects to repeat successful activities & to avoid those that were not successful.” http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Q5yLeQs9BfoJ:www.bestpractices.osi.ca.gov/sysacq/documents/Lessons%2520Learned%2520Template_Final%2520%285278%29.doc+&cd=4&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Knowledge Area Section • Scope • Time • Cost • Quality • Human Resources • Communication • Risk Management • Procurement

Lessons learned report • Lessons learned that didn’t work • Lessons learned that worked • Recommendations

Scope • Lessons learned that didn’t work Clinical component fMRI component BDNF component • Lessons learned that worked Clinical component fMRI component • Recommendations • Know your scope ahead of time • Or know when it’s time to limit your scope

Time • Lessons learned that didn’t work • Everything takes longer than you think • Grant proposal • IRB • Equipment procurement • Establishing relationships with equipment vendors, collaborators & research site • Be prepared to complete multiple drafts • Lessons learned that worked • Keep timing of other commitments in mind • Recommendations • Be persistent • Recognize the strengths &weaknesses of yourself & others • Get referrals from colleagues for contacts • Always follow up

Cost • Lessons learned that didn’t work • Anxiety over responsibility to make best use of funds • Lessons learned that worked • Expanding the potential impact • Revising the budget accordingly • Recommendation(s) • It’s a great problem to have

Quality • Lessons learned that didn’t work • TBD • Lessons learned that worked • Become more knowledgeable e.g. conferences • Use available resources to create a good product • Recommendations • Expand your focus with collaborations

Human Resources • Lessons learned that didn’t work • BDNF • Lessons learned that worked • Seek out excellent mentors • Recommendations • Find mentors/collaborators with similar interests but expertise different from yours. Win win. • Be prepared to sell your product • Get lucky Ellen Costello, PT,PhD Sarah Shomstein, PhD

Human Resources • Mentor outside of project Mary Corcoran

Communication • Lessons learned that didn’t work • IRB: phone call vs. in-person visit • Insufficient contacts e.g. Phlebotomist, lab folks, skilled in BDNF • Lessons learned that worked • If you don’t ask, you won’t know • Recommendation • In-person visit to IRB • Know enough to discuss with others

Risk Management • Lessons learned that didn’t work • No mistakes so far that weren’t correctable • Lessons learned that worked • Mentors • Trusting instincts • Recommendation • Choose your team wisely (or be very lucky)

Procurement • Lessons learned that didn’t work • Even if funds are approved, equipment procurement can take a long time • Lessons learned that worked • Mike Steele as a liason • Recommendations • Explore equipment options • Develop relationships with vendors • Get a staff member involved

Lessons learned from writing, winning, and implementing an Emerging Scholars grant