Julia Barzyk, Ph.D.
Julia Barzyk brings over 10 years of hands-on experience managing a portfolio of basic research in geoscience and civil engineering at the U.S. Army Research Office. She directed all stages of the funding process, including writing topics for large ($6M) investments.
She has extensive experience with the following:
Prior to serving as an ARO program manager, Julia worked in publishing services, managing a team of editors who performed editing of scientific manuscripts written by non-native English speakers in advance of submission to leading journals.
Julia holds a B.A. in Geology from the University of Rochester, an M.S. in Geological Sciences from the University of Florida, and a Ph.D. in Geophysical Sciences from the University of Chicago. She lives with her husband and their two teenagers in Durham, North Carolina.
Our Team
Merab Mushfiq, MEd, brings 10 years’ experience working in higher education, getting her start as an undergraduate international student, with focus on student affairs and professional development. She serves as the Associate Director for Cross-Border Initiatives for the Society of Transnational Academic Research (STAR) Scholars Network. Merab holds a BS in Chemistry, Pre-Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Technology from Western Carolina University and an MEd from Wilfrid Laurier University. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Education at York University.
James K. Parker, PhD, served for 13 years as a program manager at the U.S. Army Research Office, where he managed a $10 M/year portfolio of basic research in chemistry. Jim has extensive experience with DOD funding vehicles including single investigator awards, YIP/ECP, PECASE, SBIR/STTR, DURIP and in writing, evaluating and managing MURI topics. Jim also brings expertise in NIH submissions in diverse biomedical areas; he has experience in preparation of various types of NIH grant proposals including for R, K, F, T, and P awards.
Jim earned a PhD in Physical Chemistry from University of Mississippi and a BS in Chemistry from Marquette University. He was awarded a National Research Council postdoctoral fellowship at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory where he spent two years. He also completed a research fellowship at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. He has worked on contract research programs for the U.S. Air Force. Jim has worked in the role of PI on basic research projects and has been successful in attracting research funding and in publishing in peer reviewed journals. He is currently working to help others to be successful in funding their research projects.
Sharon Pound, PMP, brings 15 years’ experience in university research development combined with many years in publishing, marketing and publication relations. Since 2009, she has supported faculty in securing over $125 million in external funding. Sharon is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds a BS in Communications from the University of Tennessee.
Caroline Sangal, PhD, brings 19 years’ of combined experience in talent acquisition and technical roles within the chemical industry. Caroline is a Society of Human Resources Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and holds a PhD in Polymer Science and a BS in Chemistry from The University of Akron.
Our Partners
Henry Maynard is the founder and lead instructor of Minds of Distinction, bringing over 15 years experience in research, project and program management. He brings extensive experience cultivating strategic partnerships and has a proven track record leading and implementing change at the team, organization and industry levels. Minds of Distinction supports Wise Investigator clients by enhancing their communication, charisma, and confidence through impactful leadership short courses. Henry holds an MS in Forensic Science from Arcadia University and a BS in Biochemistry from SUNY Plattsburgh.
Our Values
This is what we care about above all else.
Change as
Opportunity
Take
the Risk
Information
for All
Follow
Your Calling
Prepare
for Action
Become a Wise Investigator!
Learn the hidden curriculum of the funding process so your ideas can come to life.