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People of SGCI: Rick Mouser

Rick Mouser

Business Development Manager, HUBzero
Purdue University

What is your role within SGCI and what do you do?

I am one of the instructors for Science Gateways Bootcamp. I provide instructions on how a gateway can create a business development strategy using sales and fundraising fundamentals.

How did you come to be a part of SGCI, and why were you intrigued by the opportunity?

The first Bootcamp I attended was in October of 2017, shortly after joining the HUBzero team. I noticed during the Bootcamp that many attendees didn't know how they were going to find the money to support their gateways beyond grants. Knowing that grants could only fund projects for a limited time, I felt that I could compliment other Bootcamp sessions that were already covering funding models by providing participants with the right tools and mindset for finding sustainable funding options through sales and outreach. There are plenty of opportunities for projects that are already in progress but, ideally, I hope to catch gateway projects prior to their creation and launch, so that they could have these tools and strategies from the get-go.

What is the most challenging part of your work for SGCI? 

Many gateway managers are mostly focused on their science and have a personal connection to their work. When you're trying to sell someone on an idea, it's not always valuable to think this way. My challenge is to teach the gateway managers how to focus on what their potential funders are passionate about. If you can find out what they want and how your project can be that solution, then you'll more easily find sustainable funding for your project. 

How else are you involved in the technology or gateway community?

At HUBzero, my primary focus is on sales and outreach, and on finding new Hub users that need the HUBzero platform for their gateway. 

What do you most like to do in your free time?

I'm a new dad, so I like spending time with my family, taking trips to new places, and my wife and I enjoy going to concerts. When I have free time I enjoy golfing and working on home building projects.

If you were a superhero, what superpower would you have?

I would like to be able to read minds. In my line of work, sometimes the people you're meeting with will not tell you everything they're thinking. It can take multiple meetings to get to the root of a problem/solution. If I was able to read their mind, then I'd be able to help them and save time.