Kiku Ichihara
About Kiku Ichihara
Kiku Ichihara serves as the Associate Director of Research Strategy & Operations at the McCarroll Lab, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, where she has worked since 2021. She has a diverse background in research administration, having held various roles at institutions such as the University of Hartford and Amherst College.
Work at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Kiku Ichihara currently serves as the Associate Director of Research Strategy & Operations at the McCarroll Lab at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. In this role, which began in 2021, Ichihara collaborates closely with Dr. Steven McCarroll to set scientific priorities and advance the lab's research initiatives. Previously, Ichihara held several positions at the Broad Institute, including Research Administrator in 2019 and Senior Research Administrator in 2020. Additionally, Ichihara worked as a Senior Business & Grants Specialist for the McCarroll Lab from 2020 to 2021, contributing to the lab's operational and research strategies.
Education and Expertise
Kiku Ichihara holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the University of Hartford, which was completed in 2012. Ichihara also earned a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics from Harvard Extension School, studying from 2019 to 2021. Prior to these advanced degrees, Ichihara obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) with a focus on Economics and Finance from the University of Hartford, graduating in 2010. This educational background provides a strong foundation for Ichihara's expertise in research administration and financial management.
Background in Research Administration
Ichihara has extensive experience in research administration, having worked at various institutions. Prior to joining the Broad Institute, Ichihara served as a Senior Research Administrator at Amherst College from 2014 to 2019. Earlier roles included positions as an Accounting Administrator and Grants and Restricted Funds Accountant at the University of Hartford. This diverse background in research and financial administration has equipped Ichihara with the skills necessary to effectively manage research operations and funding.
Key Responsibilities and Contributions
In the role of Associate Director, Ichihara leads proposal preparation for research initiatives, supporting the McCarroll Lab in securing funding opportunities. Ichihara plays a crucial role in aligning operations, finance, data management, and project management with the lab's scientific priorities. Additionally, Ichihara contributes to space planning and management of lab facilities, ensuring effective communication and resolution of related issues. These responsibilities highlight Ichihara's integral role in advancing the lab's research objectives.