Rukhmini Santagate

Leadership Management Training.   I’ve gained the confidence and understanding to know what I’m capable of and when to say something and when to not to. It has been in the recent years that I’ve gained the trust of researchers by proving our integrity and accountability that our team will execute and delivery as expected. I have no tolerance for dishonesty.     ·           

Resourceful when it comes to finding the best deals by saving money.  Coupon sites like Groupon, Gilt City, etc., have so many options and offers, what do you need?   I have the basic knowledge of use and then some.  My current position allows for me to remotely work if necessary. I’m very quick to learn by hands-on training.  You can show me how to run through a site and I will have the hang of it by the end of the day!  

I don't oppose hugs, handshakes or high-fives. Started a team building group (Human Enrichment Committee - HEC) within our department of 75 and growing, then later decided with colleagues it would be more fun to call ourselves SAC (Social Affairs Committee). We established once a month social outings at a local bar/restaurant.

Needed in order to execute study designs and experimental needs by using the right members from the Study Support team. Close collaborations with research departments based on their needs and what the Study Support team can provide to perform studies in a timely and efficient manner.    This includes my own involvement on studies and delegating duties as needed to ensure that studies or projects can be streamlined and completed as requested by the research deparments. I also ensure proper contact of personnel needing to be involved on studies or those that may have missed study meetings.

  PO, IV, IM, IP, SQ, RO, muscle collection, tissue collection, cardiac puncture, in rats, mice, hamsters, cotton rats. PO, SQ, and IM in ferrets. Experienced in Glucose Tolerance test (OGTT) in both diabetic rat models (Fatty Zuckers and DIO). LAT certified

        Department Liaison to the Oncology Translational Pharmacology (OTP) and have 5 indirect reports. I manage their schedules (Tu-Sat, Sun – Thur) including my own involvement with study requests and coordination of study dosings, schedule, data collection, etc.,  I have also been liaison to Oncology (ONC), Ophthalmology (OPH), Pre-Clinical Safety (iTOX), and Muscular-Skeletal Development (MSD) in the previous years at Novartis.           Coordinate and schedule study details meetings to have associates involved on studies, meet with the researchers regarding study planning.  Questions, study designs, study compounds, staff coverage, etc., are discussed during these meetings with the OTR group.  Meetings are scheduled through MS Outlook. Study schedules for all associates are maintained/updated manually through an Excel Spreadsheet.           The compounds, study information,  technical procedures we are creating are confidential so understanding compliance and confidentiality are crucial.

The Technical Services team which entails Study Support, Training Services, Surgical Services, and Transgenics is a fast paced environment where learning is hands-on and efficiency is expected from all team members.    Ability to multitask, have organizational skills, the ability to prioritize and interact with not only our colleagues and peers, but with advanced members of the research community (DA Heads, Principal Investigators, Scientists, etc.). In addition to these qualities, one must possess self discipline, time management, transparent communication and be open to give and receive constructive criticism. Providing flexibility is also key as it may be needed to accommodate last minute study requests, staff coverage (holidays, snow days, overtime), etc.   Our team provided metrics a few years back to validate the need for additional employees as the current team was exerting 50-60hr./person/week within a 6 member team. The team is now at 15+ employees and hiring. Due to the nature of the work from the teams and the results driven attitude, the Study Support group is in high technical demand.