Erin Breed is the Program Manager for CTSI's Consultations Services (CS) and Strategic Opportunities Support (SOS) program.
How long have you worked at UCSF?
I’ve been at UCSF for 16 months; I began working here shortly after I moved to California.
What do you do at UCSF and how is it connected to the UCSF mission?
The two primary programs at CTSI for which I work both assist researchers in advancing health and creating innovative solutions to help patients. Consultation Services has faculty consultants who provide assistance in a wide range of disciplines to investigators at all four schools and in all phases of research. Strategic Opportunities Support funds pilot projects for investigators to jumpstart their research projects. Both programs reach the larger UCSF research community.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of your job?
Wearing so many hats at CTSI can be challenging. It also is a big part of what makes my job so rewarding, though, because I am able to touch so much activity.
What do you like most about your work related to Consultation Services (CS) and/or Strategic Opportunities Support (SOS)?
I enjoy being a part of the group of people that brings the research at UCSF to patients. I, of course, don’t work directly with patients, but the work performed by the investigators funded by SOS reaches myriad patients and has helped to advanced care and improve the conduct of research. I believe the same is true with the researchers that come to Consultation Services, whether they’re applying for their first K grant or need help submitting a manuscript.
What are some things that people may not know about the work you do?
In addition to managing CS and SOS, I also currently provide consultation to CS’ clients in need of direct-mail recruitment. I work with study coordinators and PIs on identifying cohorts and retrieving useful data to aid in recruiting for their studies.
If you chose another career path outside UCSF what would it be?
If I had not pursued a career in higher ed, I think I would work in the culinary industry. I love to cook and have spent a lot of my free time learning, experimenting, and of course, eating. If I were to do something else, I’d try to be a personal chef.
What's something that your colleagues or members of the UCSF community might be surprised to know about you?
A while back, my husband and I took 18 months off work to travel and pursue our interests. We traveled all over the US, and when we were at home, I had free time to pursue my interest in cooking.
What are your favorite things to do with your free time?
I’m an avid runner, and in the last two years I also started practicing yoga. If I’m not running or eating or cooking food, you can usually find me watching the NFL on Sundays or reading.
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.