City College is home to 18 multidisciplinary research centers and institutes where faculty, researchers and students strive daily to contribute scientific discoveries and innovations. A critical aspect of transforming research ideas into tangible results lies in effective grant management and funding acquisition. Candice Baptiste-Sexton, Director of Grants and Sponsored Programs (GSP) at CCNY, leads this essential operation.
Candice Baptiste-Sexton. Photo: Courtesy of Baptiste-Sexton.
Baptiste-Sexton’s journey began in 2001 when she arrived at CCNY as an international student from Trinidad and Tobago to study computer engineering. Her connection with GSP started early in her academic career.
“In 2002, I was hired as a student intern at the Grants and Sponsored Programs Office, then called the Office of Research Administration. I worked there until 2005, when I moved on to start a career at an engineering firm,” Baptiste-Sexton said in an interview with The RICC.
The allure of CCNY brought her back in 2013 as a grants administrator. Over the next decade, she rose through the ranks to become grants manager, assistant director, associate director and ultimately director for GPS.
“My experience in those roles prepared me for the directorship,” she said. “I also credit my analytical and technical background, which has helped streamline our processes and create internal systems to alleviate the load.”
Baptiste-Sexton elaborated on her interest in the field and the satisfaction it brings her.
“I enjoy seeing the full cycle of an initial research idea flourish into an award, which then contributes back to CCNY’s research enterprise,” she said. “It is our pleasure to serve the CCNY community in this way.”
The director’s role at GSP is dynamic and multifaceted. Most mornings begin with addressing urgent emails and concerns, but much of her time is spent generating reports and supporting faculty and staff.
“We assist with all externally funded proposal submissions and manage post-award activities, including human resources tasks, payment requests, budget modifications and progress report submissions,” Baptiste-Sexton explained.
This behind-the-scenes work is crucial for the success of CCNY’s diverse research portfolio, allowing faculty and students to focus on research without being overwhelmed by administrative tasks.
GSP also plays a role in matching researchers with funding opportunities. While most of this work falls to the Proposal Development Team within CCNY’s Office of Research, GSP supports these efforts by sharing relevant competitions and solicitations with academic units. This coordination helps ensure faculty are positioned to secure grants that align with their expertise and goals.
As CCNY continues to advance in research and innovation, the role of the GSP office remains indispensable.
Baptiste-Sexton and her team provide guidance and assistance to all those at CCNY looking to embark on their research journey.
“Utilize the resources provided by the Office of Research,” Baptiste-Sexton urged. “The Proposal Development Team can help identify solicitations, form research teams, and provide vital guidance on proposal components. Then the Grants and Sponsored Programs Office will hold your hand through the administrative processes required for proposal submission and award management.”
Sofia is a graduate student at CUNY Brooklyn College, where she’s pursuing her M.S. in Media Studies. In addition to writing for The RICC, she’s a writer for the features section of Brooklyn College’s student-run newspaper, The Vanguard. She is also a dedicated writer for the Brooklyn News Service.