Team Spotlight: Mya Geisinger
Resource management is a critical element of any effective research operation, and the UND ARCTIC Research Lab is no exception. With a mission that involves cutting-edge equipment, distant field expeditions, and a large research team, it is vital to have a capable set of eyes keeping track of one of the most important research-related resources of all: fiscal stewardship. Mya Geisinger, the UND ARCTIC Lab’s grant accounting intern, does just that.
Originally from Rugby, ND, Mya is a senior at UND pursuing her undergraduate degree in accounting with a minor in communication. Since joining the ARCTIC team in the spring (Dr. Soojung Kim recommended Mya to Dr. Pasch), Mya has spent her internship monitoring the lab’s fiscal operations; optimizing and streamlining research expenditures, analyzing how funds can be reallocated to better serve the lab’s research goals, and helping to ensure that every book is properly balanced. For an undergraduate accountant/communication specialist, working on sponsored projects grant accounting is a rare and special skillset for Mya to develop.
“I believe I’ve become more detail-oriented,” Mya said about her experience working with the ARCTIC Lab so far. “I’ve also gained experience with major grants and contracts, which is not an area you really learn about in the accounting program.”
Dr. Pasch helped arrange meetings for Mya with some of UND’s top grant accounting staff on campus. These often unsung (but vitally important) fiscal heroes took the time to provide individualized mentorship for Mya, an experience that has been truly valuable to her. Mya has had the opportunity to meet and learn from A&S Chief Business Officer Robert Tollefson, University Grants & Contracts Officer Rebecca Snell, and Senior VPRED Financial Manager Devona Janousek.
“I have learned so much from [Robert, Rebecca, and Devona] about this specific area of accounting,” Mya said.
After graduating in the spring, Mya will be heading to Minneapolis for an accounting internship with Ernst & Young, one of the “big four” accounting firms. Until then, the ARCTIC Lab will continue to benefit from Mya’s expertise with research accounting, predictive fiscal analytics, and budget development. UND ARCTIC also hopes to continue collaborating with Mya in the future. “We look forward to continuing to benefit from Mya’s unique expertise when she returns to begin her Master’s in Accounting at UND next year!” said Dr. Pasch.
