The Sponsored Programs Administration Team

Jennifer leads a dynamic team with a focus on sponsored programs (SP) pre-award support and oversight. Her expertise spans the entire spectrum of SP management, from the meticulous review and endorsement of funding proposals to award negotiation and compliance with federal and sponsor guidelines. With a distinguished leadership history at Ivy League and top-funded R1 research institutions, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience to her role. Based in New England with her family, she not only excels professionally but also finds joy in coaching youth soccer, gardening, sailing, and fostering an appreciation for nature and outdoor activities with her German Shepherd. 

Email: jennifer.kennedy@bmc.org

Christopher García is committed to improving processes, establishing best practices, and supporting the grants and contracts administration unit of BMC’s Research Operations, which he led from July through December, 2023. An alumnus of the last graduating class of the College of Liberal Arts at Boston University, he earned his master’s degree in higher education and focused on governance and administration, counseling and student affairs. A clichéd “accidental research administrator,” he has spent the last 20 years serving tours in Boston’s major teaching and research hospitals and is both subject matter expert and dilettante on almost all things related to research management.

Email: christopher.garcia@bmc.org

Gina has been an integral member of BMC Research Operations since December, 2019. She started her career at BMC in 2014 as a Regulatory Coordinator in Infectious Diseases and then spent a few years working with the Office of Human Research Affairs at BU School of Medicine as a Human Research Quality Manager. Gina holds a BS in Biology and Environmental Science from Northeastern University and an MBA from Boston University. In her free time, Gina enjoys spending time with her family, reading, hiking, and knitting. 

Email: gina.nadler@bmc.org

Based in New York, her hometown, Nicole has been in the research field for over 20 years, starting with DFCI in Boston. A former newspaper photographer she now enjoys traveling with friends and documenting their trips, most recently to London, Italy and France. 

Email: Nicole.Buchenholz@bmc.org

Maria has been at BMC since October of 2022. Prior to that, she worked in a similar capacity at a large healthcare and research organization in Oregon and also volunteered as a workplace conflict mediator. In a past career life, she taught English to Speakers of Other Languages. She enjoys travel, cross-cultural endeavors, and time in nature, especially if it involves being on the water or birding.

Email: maria.chitsaz@bmc.org

Molly joined BMC in the summer of 2024. She comes to the team with over 12 years of experience working with nonprofit and philanthropic organizations with specialties including project, grants, and contracts management, writing, and research. Molly most recently served as a Grants and Contracts Management Consultant at the Barr Foundation and also spent over five years supporting family foundations at Mott Philanthropic. Molly holds a BS in Nonprofit Leadership Studies from Murray State University and an MA in Philanthropic Studies from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She is originally from Kentucky and is now based in Greater Boston. In her spare time, Molly enjoys hiking, thrifting, and spending time with loved ones. 

I joined BMC just weeks before the pandemic shut everything down. Prior to BMC I provided program administration for the Center for Violence Prevention and Recovery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. I enjoy working in SPA because I am constantly learning and every day is different. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and attending musical events. Most recent trips include London and San Francisco.

Email: debra.melnikas@bmc.org

I have been at BMC since May, 2022. Prior to BMC, I worked as a grant administrator at McLean Hospital. I am able to work well both in a team environment as well as using own initiative. I am able to work well under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines. I enjoy traveling and shopping in my free time. I speak five languages.

Email: lula.mwamba@bmc.org

Sarah joined Research Operations in October, 2022, after several years administering U.S. Department of Agriculture grants. Healthcare research and service programs offer a new and exciting challenge. In her free time, Sarah enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and teaching yoga.

Email: sarah.pearce@bmc.org

I’m very excited to have joined the Research Operations team!  I have nearly 20 years in pre- and post-grants administration expertise.  My most recent position was at the Jackson Laboratory, where I was an IT Business Analyst II working as lead for the InfoEd Proposal Development, Proposal Tracking, and Conflict of Interest modules.  Prior to the Jackson Laboratory, as a Director of Research Support at the University of Miami, I worked in the departments of Neurology; Microbiology and Immunology; Public Health Sciences; and Surgery.  I have two dogs, Cali, a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier with hot pink hair (who will make the occasional zoom call) and Kenji, a Miniature Schnauzer. 

Email: mitzi.tanaka@bmc.org