July 18, 2018
Global WACh Wishes Margaret Thompson, Pre-Award Grant Manager, a Happy Retirement!
With sadness but warmest wishes for her future, Global WACh announces Margaret Thompson’s retirement on August 1st. She has supported the Center as the Pre-Award Grant Manager, helping faculty and trainees navigate the complex grant submission processes in pursuit of scientific discovery to benefit women, adolescents, and children around the world. She also serves as the Program Manager of the Kenya Research & Training Center (KRTC), supporting the administrative and operational needs of the Center and its faculty members. She is a critical social presence in the workplace, assisting with the University’s Whole U “Raise The Bar” initiative last summer and hosting the annual holiday party in her home.
Margaret was hired in 2002 to work with Dr. Grace John-Stewart (the current Director of Global WACh) and the International AIDS Research and Training Program (IARTP). Margaret played a crucial role in supporting Dr. John-Stewart as she began mentoring young researchers in training, such as Drs. Michael Chung, Carey Farquhar, Scott McClelland, and Judd Walson, who are all now lead investigators of their own large studies and mentor trainees! Over the years, she has crossed paths with students and fellows who have grown within the Department and now hold faculty positions affiliated with Global WACh and KRTC: Drs. Sarah Benki-Nugent, Alison Drake, Susan Graham, Brandon Guthrie, Sylvia LaCourse, Patty Pavlinac, Barbra Richardson, Alison Roxby, Jennifer Slyker, and Jennifer Unger to name a few!
Throwback photo of Margaret (far left) with researchers who are now current DGH faculty members.
What’s next after retirement? Margaret plans to enjoy her time off, travel, exercise, spend time with her family, and possibly explore a new career path. Perhaps we might see Margaret again at UW, but for now, we honor her 16 years of service and contribution to the Department of Global Health. We will miss her warm personality, stylish and colorful fashion flare, and dedication to the team in the workplace!