Anna Wood, Research Coordinator

Quick Chat With Anna Wood

With more than 20 years of experience in research administration, Anna Wood joined the GEOG/UMD grant team in June 2024, supporting projects funded by government agencies and private foundations. 

Based in North Carolina, Wood is originally from Anhui Province in east-central China and has lived in the United States since 2000.

What do you like most about your role? 

I enjoy working with principal investigators on grant and contract proposals and seeing the success of their awards. It’s rewarding to witness how their research projects make meaningful impacts in areas such as Earth system, climate and agriculture. 

How would you explain your role in one sentence? 

I manage sponsored grants and contracts cradle to grave, from funding application through award administration, supporting the department in securing research funding and ensuring compliant project implementation. 

What’s a pet peeve you have at work? 

I work best in a quiet environment but enjoy keeping it lively with occasional classical or gospel music. 

What do you do to help recharge? 

I like to recharge by taking walks, playing pickleball after work and spending time with family and friends. It helps me return to work with a fresh perspective and renewed focus. 

Anything else you would like people to know about you? 

I’m always eager to learn and grow in my field and enjoy finding ways to make complex administrative processes more streamlined and efficient.

Photo courtesy of Anna Wood

A woman with shoulder-length wavy dark hair smiling warmly at the camera. She is wearing a grey wool coat with a faux-fur collar and a small pendant necklace. She is standing indoors in front of a window with closed white blinds; a red plant is partially visible in the background.