SAC Grants Coordinator | Sky Foundation Scientific Advisory Committee
Overview
As the Grants Coordinator for Sky Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), Taylor Westrick plays a vital role in managing the end-to-end grant process that supports groundbreaking pancreatic cancer research. She ensures accuracy, transparency, and smooth communication throughout the annual application and review cycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Grant Platform Management: Oversees Sky Foundation’s grant application system (currently Submit.com), ensuring timely updates, accurate information, and smooth functionality for applicants and reviewers.
- Reviewer Coordination: Sets up external reviewers and assigns each proposal to approximately two reviewers, applying conflict-of-interest safeguards to prevent reviews from the same institution as the applicant.
- Scheduling: Organizes SAC and reviewer meetings based on timelines provided by the Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Howard Crawford.
- Application Updates: Revises and updates the annual grant application to reflect feedback from both the SAC and Sky Foundation leadership.
- Outreach & Communication: Supports communication efforts by sharing the application across research and professional networks, including Twitter (X) and other academic platforms.
- Researcher Support: Coordinates consistent communication with applicants before and after submission, ensuring clarity throughout the process.
- Confidential Review: Manages reviewer access to applications, ensuring institutional details remain hidden to maintain anonymity and impartiality.
- Final Review Coordination: Shares the SAC’s selected research project recommendations with the Liaison to the Board, who presents them to Sky Foundation’s Board of Directors for final approval.
Collaborative Role
Taylor works closely with Dr. Howard Crawford, SAC Chair, and Samantha (Sammy) Kasselman, Liaison to the Board, to ensure each phase of the grant review process—from application to board approval—reflects Sky Foundation’s commitment to fairness, integrity, and impact in pancreatic cancer research.