Fergusson and VonTorne named Outstanding Research Administrators for 2022
Meg Fergusson and Christina VonTorne have been named University of Maine Outstanding Research Administrators for 2022. This award, which is sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School, recognizes distinguished service by staff who support advancement of the university’s research enterprise.
Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School Kody Varahramyan says, “Meg [Fergusson] and Christina [VonTorne] have been nominated by their center or institute director for their dedication, professionalism, customer service, commitment and work ethic. The University of Maine research enterprise would not have been able to achieve its lofty goals without the highly dedicated work of those who manage our operations, accounting, communications, grant management and partnership coordination.”
Fergusson joined the Center for Research on Sustainable Forests (CRSF) in 2014. She currently serves as the communications and outreach specialist, a position she has held since 2018.
One nominator noted, “Meg [Fergusson] compiles, edits, and completes layout for five separate annual reports each year. In the last four years, CSRF has grown significantly and has become one of the larger research centers on campus in terms of external funding generated. She has handled these changes with grace and ease, which I am extremely grateful for.”
Fergusson organizes outreach efforts such as webinars and field tours, manages marketing and social media, and supports proposal writing and program management. She is described as highly professional and cheerful. “She exemplifies a hard-working and dedicated professional employee,” wrote a colleague.
VonTorne serves as the financial and administrative manager for the Forest Bioproducts Research Institute (FBRI), a position she has held since 2018.
VonTorne handles day-to-day administration and finances at FBRI, including budget analysis and reporting, purchasing needs, and assisting with both pre- and post-award grant management. She accomplishes her job without any other administrative support staff in the FBRI office, serving 20 faculty, 20 staff and 10 students, serving operations both on and off campus.
“She learns quickly and steps forward beyond the call of duty to pitch in at the time of need, even with very short notice. She has shown flexibility and ingenuity in providing both on-site and remote support as needed during the pandemic,” noted one nominator.
Earlier this year, UMaine was designated an R1 research university by the prestigious Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.