3 September 2026

Geneva Employee Spotlight: Carissa Aday Helps Move Military Medical Research Forward

Advancing military medical research takes more than a promising idea. It requires the people and processes that turn research opportunities into successfully executed studies.

As a Research Operations Manager at The Geneva Foundation, Carissa Aday, MS, helps make that process possible. Serving as a bridge between investigators, research sites, sponsors, and external collaborators, she manages the operational and administrative lifecycle of a portfolio of federally funded studies, from identifying and developing funding opportunities through proposal development, award setup, study execution, financial management, compliance, modifications, and closeout.

For Carissa, the connection to Geneva’s mission is also personal. As a military spouse whose family receives much of its healthcare through the Military Health System, she understands the potential impact of the research she helps advance.

“It makes the work especially meaningful knowing the research we support can directly impact the care and readiness of Service Members and their families,” Carissa said.

Carissa’s path to research operations was not a traditional one. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, with minors in Intercultural Studies and Sociology and a Certificate in Intercultural Leadership. She later earned a Master of Science in Forensic Science from Texas Tech University.

Much of her early career focused on supporting children and families through nonprofit and community-based organizations. She provided early intervention services for young children with developmental delays and behavioral and mental health support for children and adolescents. When a military move took her family to Okinawa, Japan, she continued that work as a Developmental Specialist with U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa.

After returning to the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted an unexpected career shift. A military spouse social media post led Carissa to a Legal Assistant position supporting the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Office of General Counsel. Another connection within the military spouse community later introduced her to an opening for a Research Portfolio Administrator at Geneva. She joined the organization, took on increasing responsibility, and eventually advanced into her current role as Research Operations Manager.

That career continuity has been especially meaningful to Carissa. During her time at Geneva, she welcomed her fourth child and moved her family across the country while maintaining her career and supporting her family. As a military spouse, she especially values the flexibility of remote work, which has allowed her to maintain professional continuity through military moves.

Today, Carissa draws motivation from the people around her, including colleagues who work together to solve challenges and researchers committed to the impact of their work. Her family remains an equally important source of inspiration.

“Being a mom is also a huge motivator for me,” she said. “I want my kids to see the importance of working hard, continuing to grow, and doing work that has meaning.”

Through a career shaped by adaptability, connection, and continued growth, Carissa now helps investigators navigate the complex operational requirements behind federally funded research. Her work provides researchers with the operational foundation needed to successfully execute studies and contribute to research that can improve the care and readiness of Service Members and their families.

Help move military medical research forward.

From research operations and administration to clinical research and program management, Geneva offers opportunities to contribute your expertise to research serving Service Members and their families.

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