The September/October issue of Currents explored the importance of working collaboratively with faculty in “When Advancement Meets Academia.” In this web exclusive, an advancement leader with a science background shares insights into the nuances of fundraising for medical research. 

As Managing Senior Director, Foundation Engagement, at UC Davis, California, U.S., Traci Galbaugh helps medical faculty attain nongovernmental funding for research on rare diseases. Given her own medical research credentials, the passion she brings to her work is not surprising. 

Galbaugh earned a Ph.D. in molecular biology from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences before becoming a postdoctoral fellow at Northwestern University’s Lurie Cancer Center in Chicago, U.S.  

“When I was a faculty member and medical researcher, I didn’t know there were people in jobs like the one I have now that could help me get funding,” she recalls.  

She moved into a position as the associate director for an interdisciplinary graduate program in biological sciences, and then into foundation relations—both positions at Northwestern. That move to advancement was 14 years ago.  

“I’ve never looked back,” says Galbaugh. “It helps that I speak ‘science.’ … I tell faculty members, ‘My job is to help you get funding so you can stay here and do your research.”