College research administrators provide pre-award and post-award support to funded research. Faculty work with their research administrator to develop proposals for submission, handle project set-up post-award, and administer grant funding.
Elizabeth Tilley Escoto, PhD
Senior Research Administrator
Liz Escoto joined UTSA in May 2024. She has over 20 years' experience in research and business administration in both the College of Sciences and the College of Medicine. She obtained her PhD in Family Studies and Human Development, with an emphasis on Research Methods, from the University of Arizona in 2012. Liz works on both pre and post award as well as managing the COS Research Administration team. Liz enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She is an avid runner, swimmer, and yoga enthusiast.
Shannon Janssen, BBA
Research Administrator III
Shannon Lea Janssen joined UTSA August 2008. She has worked with various institutions which include the ESC Region 2, TAMUCC, Texas A&M CBHEC, UTRGV, and UTSA with a combined 27 years. She brings those years of knowledge with human resources, accounting, research, time management, business management, among many other skills. Shannon loves to read, go to football games, has some favorite television shows, and loves hanging out with her family and friends. She served in the Texas State Guard Army as a 1LT for six years, serving her state and country with pride, service, and managing various humanitarian missions. She has volunteered with many different organizations throughout her life and enjoyed them all.
Sonia Vega
Research Administrator III
Sonia joined UTSA in 2024 as a research administrator. Her background includes pre-award and post-award experience with federal, state, and local funding agencies. Sonia works in both pre and post award for UTSA COS. Her education consists of a bachelor's in accounting and a Master of Education. She lives in Tucson, Arizona, where she enjoys a variety of activities and time with her family.
Francesca Bronder, MA
Research Administrator II
Francesca received her BA and MA degrees in Modern Languages from Italy. Born and raised in Pozzuoli (Naples) Italy, she moved to Texas in 2002 to join her husband, a now retired USAF Academy Grad Officer and former Instructor Pilot. Francesca has been at UTSA since 2009, and in 2023 she joined the Research Administration Teams. Prior to UTSA, Francesca worked as Adjunct Faculty with the Alamo Colleges and Academic Advisor for US Army Soldiers enrolled at UIW. In her free time, Francesca likes traveling to Italy, knitting and sitting by the ocean. Francesca's extended family comprises of a teenage son, two step-sons, 5 grandchildren; last but not least, 3 dogs and 3 cats, some of whom don't hesitate in photo-bombing her Teams meetings!
Olga Loch
Research Administrator I
Olga is originally from Germany. She moved to the US in 2021 and joined UTSA in 2022. After gaining valuable experience in her Business Service Center (BSC) role, she joined the Research Team in July 2024. With a strong background in working with non-profit organizations in both Germany and the UK, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her current position. Outside of work, Olga enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their new baby girl, embracing the joys of family life.
Michael Vasquez, MBA
Research Administrator I
Michael joined the COS Research Support Team in May 2024, bringing with him 5+ years of customer service, and higher education experience. He has a background in working with non-profit organizations, assisting students and families with navigating admissions/scholarship processes, and exploring innovative ways to improve interpersonal office stewardships. He enjoys baking, photography, and hiking in his free time.
