After a nationwide search, UC Davis recently welcomed Nicole Tardiff as the new director of Contracts and Grants Accounting. In this role, she oversees the proper management, expenditure and reporting of research funds while ensuring compliance with sponsor regulations and university policies. 

With extensive experience in research funding administration and regulatory compliance, Nicole brings valuable expertise to the campus. Her leadership will be instrumental as UC Davis addresses current challenges and enhances Aggie Enterprise to make the post-award process smoother and more effective for everyone. 

“We’re pleased to welcome Nicole to the UC Davis team,” said Associate Vice Chancellor and Controller Matt Okamoto. “Her extensive experience in pre- and post-award management, along with her leadership roles at private and public universities across the country, will be an asset as we work to strengthen our contracts and grants processes.”  

In her previous role as director of Sponsored Projects at Florida Polytechnic University, Tardiff built the research administration program from the ground up. As the university was new, she was involved in every stage of the research funding process, managing internal and external funding sources. “I really enjoyed working with the faculty one on one,” recalled Tardiff. “That allowed me to feel connected to the research and see the impacts of my work.” 

Nicole also served as associate director of Pre-Award Research Administration at Tufts University, where she worked across various academic departments, including the medical and veterinary schools. This experience reinforced her belief in the importance of strong relationships within the research administration office and across campus, a principle she will continue to carry forward at UC Davis.

Nicole’s approach to leadership emphasizes collaboration, and she is committed to improving support for the research community. “We’re all in this together,” Tardiff said, acknowledging the evolving nature of funding and administration. “I look forward to building partnerships across campus as we navigate these complexities. Every day, research administration brings something new.”  

As a multidisciplinary scholar, Nicole recently defended her dissertation to earn a doctorate in education. She is a Certified Research Administrator (CRA), holds a master’s degree in occupational health and safety and is OSHA certified. 

While already working for UC Davis remotely since December 2024, Nicole is preparing to move from Florida with her family of three, plus three dogs and four cats, and they are especially grateful to soon be far away from alligators and hurricanes! They look forward to moving to the Davis area and exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains. Nicole—a seasoned softball player and now a free agent—will be looking to join a local softball team.

Please join us in welcoming Nicole to UC Davis. Her leadership will be instrumental in strengthening the Contracts and Grants Accounting program and advancing the university’s mission.