In an effort to recognize current, or former, federal partners who work diligently to foster and maintain government-university relationships, NCURA annually recognizes a federal partner who has made a significant contribution to the research administration profession, and who fosters effective and collaborative government-university relationships, with the esteemed Joseph F. Carrabino Recognition for Partnership. Nomination may recognize an individual's contributions through a single project, activity, innovation, or a lifetime of service.

A grants officer at the National Science Foundation, Joseph Carrabino passed away in December of 1989, shortly after retiring. Throughout his career, he was a mentor and friend to many university research administrators as he worked to improve the government-university partnership.

Joe’s career and contributions embody the ideal of this award. As a result, it is an honor for NCURA to recognize the contributions of its federal partners, who, like Joe, positively impact research administration and the government-university partnership.

NCURA’s Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC) invites nominations for this recognition. Eligible nominees are current, or former, federal employees who have made a significant contribution to research administration profession, either through a single project, activity, or innovation, or by a lifetime of service.

The recipient will be honored publicly at the upcoming NCURA Annual Meeting and will receive a plaque in recognition of their contribution to the research administration profession.

Submission materials for this recognition are:

• A letter of nomination describing the nominee’s contribution to the research administration profession and government-university partnership;
• Two letters of support from individuals familiar with the nominee’s contributions to research administration; and
• At least two of the three letters in the application packet (the nomination letter and the letters of support), must be written by NCURA members.
   

All nominations and supporting materials from the nominees must be sent electronically to awards@ncura.edu on or before March 14, 2025.

2022

Axel Wolff, National Institutes of Health

2021

Maria Koszalka, National Science Foundation

2019

Rochelle Ray, National Science Foundation

2018

Cynthia Dwyer, National Institutes of Health

2017

Michelle Bulls, National Institutes of Health

2016

Dr. Patricia Watts, Federal Aviation Administration

2015

Gilbert Tran, Office of Management and Budget

2014

Evelyn Baisey-Thomas, National Science Foundation, Emeritus

2013

Sally Rockey, National Institutes of Health

2012

Mary Santonastasso, National Science Foundation

2011

Mark Herbst, Department of Defense

2010

Joe Ellis, National Institutes of Health

2009

Marcia Hahn, National Institutes of Health

2008

Joanna Rom, National Science Foundation

2007

Debbie Rafi, Office of Naval Research

2006

Thomas Cooley, National Science Foundation

2005

Geoff Grant, National Science Foundation

2004

Chuck Paoletti, Office of Naval Research

2003

Jean Feldman, National Science Foundation