Xochilena Edgerton is a senior resource analyst in the Operations Team in the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division, providing support for research programs through financial and operational management. Edgerton joined Berkeley Lab in 2019 as a senior resource analyst in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer Division and was matrixed to the Molecular Foundry before moving to her current role in 2024. Before joining the Lab, she worked at the University of California, Berkeley, as a research administrator supporting faculty in the School of Public Health, which provided her with a strong foundation in research administration and proposal development, skills she has continued to develop at Berkeley Lab.
Please tell us about the ATAP Operations Team and your role.
In my position, I work closely with principal investigators and division leadership to support the financial management of research projects. Much of my work involves helping with proposal preparation and budget development, as well as ensuring projects stay aligned with their financial plans after they are awarded.
I also track project spending, monitor remaining funds, and help develop spending plans at both the project and program levels. Overall, my role is to help research teams manage the financial side of their work so they can concentrate on advancing their scientific goals.
Working in research administration has given me the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of scientific projects, which I find very rewarding. I enjoy being part of a team that supports innovative research and ensures projects have the resources and structure needed to succeed.
What do you most like about your role, and what are your day-to-day challenges?
One of the things I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to collaborate with both the finance team and principal investigators. Working on different projects and with various research teams helps me to continually learn and grow as a resource analyst.
Each project presents its challenges and opportunities, which keep the work interesting and rewarding. I have also learned a great deal from my colleagues, and being part of a supportive and knowledgeable team has played an important role in my growth in this position.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced since joining the Lab has been transitioning from my role at the Molecular Foundry to ATAP. While the core responsibilities of my position remain the same, I quickly learned that each division operates quite differently. The types of research projects, funding mechanisms, and overall processes vary significantly between divisions. Although this transition has been challenging at times, it has also been a valuable opportunity for growth. It has pushed me to expand my skills, deepen my understanding of different funding structures, and continue developing my knowledge as a resource analyst.
What advice would you give to other people in roles like yours?
One piece of advice I would offer to others in similar roles is to prioritize building strong working relationships. Creating connections with your immediate finance team and partners across the Lab can make a significant difference in navigating complex processes.
I have found that maintaining strong relationships with groups such as the Budget Office, Contracts Office, and the Principal Investigators I support makes collaboration smoother and helps me access the information and resources I need more quickly. Building those connections also creates opportunities to learn from others and expand your knowledge.
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