Xonia Cerro
Full Name
Mrs. Xonia Cerro
Job Title
Director, Sponsored Programs
Company
University of Miami - Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Speaker Bio
In her role as Director within the Sponsored Programs, Xonia leads a team of dynamic research administration professionals who provide a broad range of contract and grant services on behalf of the University of Miami – Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in support of research faculty and fellows who seek funding from federal, non-profit, and Industry sponsors. These functional units include pre- and post-award support. Overseeing services including but not limited to the review, endorsement, and submission of budget proposals; issuance and negotiation of contracts; management of post-award financials and billing; and reporting research administration data including performance metrics.

Her aim is to provide input and direction over current and future structures and procedures, ensuring expenditures are within compliance across all UM awards, creating, disseminating, and enforcing policies in accordance with the Office of Research Administration and across the university’s research enterprise. Her focus is on supporting all our stakeholders via the assurance of accurate and timely financial reporting using the most current and best practices.

Xonia joined the University of Miami 9 years ago and has established a career in research administration, which has included operational management roles overseeing research finance, clinical trials, budget development, and billing compliance functions.