Harper Spires M.P.A.

  • Sponsored Research and Contract Administrator
Harper Spires

I manage the life-cycle administration of federal contracts and grants, including subawards and consultancy agreements. I also coordinate pre- and post-award processes, ensure regulatory compliance, and support scientists with proposal submissions, budget reviews, and overall award management.

Through a variety of professional experiences, I have built expertise in nonprofit operations, organization and policies, including pre- and post-award management, contract administration, program finance, and business development and fundraising. I have built and implemented new and improved systems and frameworks to support colleagues’ work in each of my roles, and am proud of this professional strength.

In a previous position at The Collider, I worked with scientists, researchers, artists, and leaders in the environmental field, which affirmed my desire to continue working in that professional space. I have long looked up to artists and leaders like Ansel Adams, Octavia Butler, Robert D. Bullard, and Erin Brokovich, and am thrilled to be returning to the environmental field and contributing to impactful climate solutions as part of Woodwell Climate’s Sponsored Research team.

I grew up in Texas, and consider that to be a significant part of my environmentalism given the region’s duality of experiencing environmental disasters while also producing staunch advocates. I enjoy reconnecting and grounding myself as a member of a local pottery studio, where I both throw and hand-build ceramics. I also like long walks, reading, and making niche music playlists.