Courtney McFall is a Research Navigator with UCSF's Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), and works closely with CTSI's Virtual Home team and UC BRAID among other projects.
How long have you worked at UCSF?
I’ve been at UCSF for 4 ½ years.
What do you do at UCSF and how is it connected to the UCSF mission?
As a Research Navigator with CTSI, I have the unique opportunity to direct faculty, students, staff and external partners to resources and services that are offered by both CTSI and UCSF. The better I can connect people to what they need, the more efficiently and effectively we can solve problems and accelerate research. Additionally, I work with CTSI’s Virtual Home team to address and improve processes for those users of our services.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of your job?
Because I work as part of multiple teams, it can be a challenge to constantly balance the competing priorities. I’m fortunate to work with multiple partners within CTSI and throughout UCSF, which allows me the opportunity to connect and be exposed to wonderful and inspiring work.
What do you like most about being a Research Navigator?
I enjoy the unpredictability of the interactions. I never know what someone will need assistance with and often times we have the opportunity to solve a problem together.
If you chose another career path outside of UCSF what would it be?
Either HIV education and outreach in Africa or a Broadway star.
What's something that your colleagues or members of the UCSF community might be surprised to know about you?
I was a professional hip hop dancer and a classically trained ballerina.
What are your favorite things to do with your free time?
Riding my mountain bike with my husband, reading, spending time with my Great Dane Diamond and cat Sophia Loren.
CTSI Spotlight is part of an ongoing series that offers an opportunity for faculty and staff to learn more about the wide range of people who make CTSI's work possible. See all featured faculty and staff.