Erika Wright

Erika Wright was born and raised in Eureka and is a graduate of Cal Poly Humboldt, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in what was then called Ethnic Studies. She later completed a Master’s degree in International Literature at the University of London’s School of Advanced Study. Before returning to Humboldt County, Erika lived for 12 years in London, Berlin, China, and Western Australia. She taught at Xi’an International Studies University and Murdoch University and volunteered with Oxfam Australia and Slow Food Perth.

Erika joined the Cal Poly Humboldt Sponsored Programs Foundation in 2014 and currently serves as Associate Director of Research Development and Strategy. She oversees the Research Development team and helps faculty develop competitive proposals, build interdisciplinary collaborations, and connect with community partners and funding agencies. She also leads grant-writing workshops and initiatives designed to strengthen research development, improve administrative processes, and expand support for faculty research, scholarship, and creative activities.

Erika is a Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA)  from the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC), a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner, and a Certified Strategic Doing Workshop Leader. She has reviewed grants for the J.M.K. Innovation Prize, California Arts Council, Agricultural Research Institute, and Eureka Cultural Arts District. Her current volunteer service includes the Journal of Research Administration Editorial Board, the Humboldt Library Foundation Board, the Eureka Cultural Arts District Leadership Council, and UC Master Gardeners of Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. She has also served on the national task force responsible for setting the Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator examination.