Medical school grants officer scores CRA designation Corey Graves, grants and contracts officer at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, recently earned the distinction of "Certified Research Administrator" (CRA) through the Research Administrators Certification Council. The designation CRA is bestowed only on candidates who successfully pass a national certification exam. “Obtaining the CRA is one of the high points in my career,” says Graves, who earned a B.S. degree from Minnesota State University Mankato in 1993. “The achievement gave me a sense of professional credibility as well as an affirmation of my status as a well-rounded research administrator.” The CRA designation is offered to candidates who have experience as a research administrator. Getting the designation requires passing a national test on a broadly based body of knowledge that reflects a wide range of subject areas that a research or sponsored programs administrator must know to handle the demands and responsibilities of the profession. Graves now will be able to use the designation CRA as part of his signature and professional activities. This designation is good for five years. Graves promotes and facilitates all aspects of research activity at the medical school, providing resources to help employees in acquiring funding for research. He also helps with the administration of funded research, maintaining compliance with university, state, and sponsor guidelines and policies. He’s also a liaison between medical school employees, sponsors, and the Grants and Contracts Administration.