The rules of scientific research have changed dramatically over the past two decades. Grants are more competitive. Expectations for rigor, repeatability and transparency are higher. And researchers must now juggle cutting-edge methods with rising regulatory demands while pushing for breakthroughs. Quietly yet influentially, Dr. Sophia Ran has met those challenges head-on. Since arriving at SIU School of Medicine in 2003, Ran, has maintained continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense and other agencies, a rare feat even among seasoned