Congratulations to engineering science and mechanics (ESM) budget assistant Sandra Watson and ESM accounting assistant Kelly Owens for completing the two-year; four semester Administrative Committee on Research (ACOR) Certification and Education Series (ACES). Ms. Watson and Ms. Owens were recognized with other class participants at a special graduation and reception event held Friday, May 11, 2007, on the University Park Campus. The 80-hour certification was taught through workshops, on-line education, mentoring, and competency assessment. The course covered pre-awards, financial basics, project management, compliance, and research administration.

The inaugural training program included over 60 participants from the University at large. Of the six participants from the College of Engineering, Ms. Watson and Ms. Owens were the only two participants from an academic department. Such is a reflection of their excellent commitment to job knowledge.