At the heart of Research Development Services (RDS) is a commitment to service—helping investigators navigate sponsors, strengthen proposals, and advance research that makes an impact. For RDS specialists Courtney Coffey and Marie Teemant, that service is grounded in firsthand experience. That experience gives them the insight and confidence to guide faculty and staff through challenges with empathy and precision. 

Coffey, whose background is in anthropology and education, focuses on research and training grants that advance STEM learning. “I like to help the faculty and staff I work with focus on the tangible things they can do right now,” she said. “Finding one funding opportunity that aligns with their interests and then coming up with a step-by-step plan to submit a strong application—it’s a great way to cut through the chaos and make real progress.” She also led the development of the Training Grants Resources website, a collaboration across campus that now provides listings of active training grants and sample funded proposals. “It’s a living resource,” she said, “and it keeps evolving as the landscape changes.” 

Teemant, an art historian and photographer, supports faculty across disciplines in pursuing honors, awards, and arts and humanities grants. She helps researchers translate their expertise for broader audiences, often serving as the first “reviewer’s lens.” Beyond that, she champions faculty recognition, especially for early-career scholars. “We have so many stellar faculty who just haven’t crossed that bridge yet,” she said. “Sometimes they don’t get an award the first time—but they gain confidence and try again.” One faculty member later told her, “This wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t encouraged me to be nominated.” 

Turning complex funding and recognition processes into opportunities for growth and success Coffey and Teemant remind faculty and staff to “stay curious and stay current.” And we always welcome you to contact us at resdev@arizona.edu.