If you’ve ever wondered what happens after a research grant is awarded—how the dollars are tracked, the teams are supported, and the details stay aligned, Josephine Muiruri is the person making it all work behind the scenes.
As an Accountant in Radiology, Josephine manages post-award operations for funded research grants. In simple terms, once the celebration of receiving a grant ends, her work begins.
Turning Awards into Action
When a principal investigator (PI) receives funding—often from organizations like the National Institutes of Health—Josephine steps in to ensure everything runs smoothly from a financial and operational perspective.
“If a researcher is awarded $500,000, whether it’s for one year or spread over two, I manage that through the post-award system,” she explains.
Her responsibilities include:
- Review grant proposals and amendments for financial accuracy and alignment with guidelines.
- Track budgets, reconcile grant accounts, and identify discrepancies or areas of concern.
- Prepare monthly financial statements and assist with required sponsor reports.
- Support purchasing, invoices, travel reimbursements, and personnel transactions.
- Work directly with Principal Investigators on budget reviews and funding projections.
- Partner with other departments to support multi‑unit grant activities.
- Interpret grant terms, federal regulations, and sponsor policies to ensure compliance.
From tracking expenses to adjusting budgets, Josephine ensures that every dollar supports the research exactly as intended.
“I’ll communicate with the PI about who’s working on the project, submit their personnel actions, and make sure expenses are charged correctly. Handle all changes that PI requests. I maintain their books and manage their budget.”
Her work requires precision, communication, and a deep understanding of compliance. It’s detailed work—but Josephine thrives in it.
Finding Her Path
Josephine’s journey to UNC Radiology wasn’t linear.
I was born and raised in Kenya, and in 2002, I made the life‑changing decision to move to the United States. My journey began in Missouri, where I stayed with friends as I adjusted to a completely new country, culture, and environment. It wasn’t easy.
“Everything felt chaotic. I wanted to go back home. But I told myself, I cannot give up. I must try.”
That determination kept me grounded. I enrolled at Wichita Technical Community College, where I studied electronics. A few years later, in 2006, I moved to North Carolina — and eventually found my way back to my earliest passion: numbers. That shift led me into the field of accounting, where I finally felt aligned with the work I was meant to do. “I always wanted to be an accountant or a banker. I was good with numbers from the beginning.”
My journey eventually led me to the University of North Carolina, where I first joined RENCI before transitioning to a position within the Department of Radiology. I was originally hired as a remote employee and now work in a hybrid capacity, coming to campus once a month to connect with colleagues in person.
I often say, “It’s good to put a face to a name,” and I truly value the days when our team can come together.
Today, I am grateful for the path that brought me here—from Kenya to Missouri to North Carolina—and for the resilience that has shaped my experience. Each step has brought me closer to work I am passionate about and to a community I am proud to contribute to.
A Life Rooted in Connection
Josephine lives in Apex, NC, and describes herself as: outgoing and expressive in her personal life, yet maintains a calm and focused presence in the workplace. A nature enthusiast, she often spends her lunch breaks outdoors, using the time to recharge and find balance.
Family connection is at the heart of who she is. With four siblings still in Kenya, she prioritizes staying in close contact—often communicating daily through WhatsApp to bridge the distance. She describes her greatest strength as bringing people together and nurturing meaningful relationships.
Her friends would characterize her as:
- Outgoing
- Caring
- Honest, with a willingness to speak her mind
Culture, Music, and Good Food
- Music Lover at Heart: Josephine has a vibrant passion for culture and music. Her playlist is filled with gospel favorites—listens to K‑Love radio—along with Kenyan gospel, African beats, and soulful rhythms.
- Rooted in Rhythm: Growing up, she loved dressing up and dancing to Lingala and old‑school African classics. If her life were a book, she’d title it Lingala, honoring the rhythmic blend of African, Latin, and French influences that have shaped her spirit.
- Adventurous Foodie: When dining out, Josephine enjoys exploring international cuisine. Her favorite? Indian food—especially Chicken Korma.
“That would be my last meal,” she jokes.
Her Music Philosophy: Josephine believes in the power of rhythm and often says: “Music connects the soul to joy—it speaks when words fall short.”
A Proud Mom and Lifelong Learner
Recently, Josephine gave her son a special 18th birthday gift: a ticket to Florida to attend a car show featuring exotic vehicles—possibly even one of the most expensive Porsches. He loves cars, and she loves supporting his passions.
She’s also investing in herself.
Josephine was awarded a development grant and is currently pursuing her master’s in data analytics through the University of North Carolina Wilmington. The grant will support two of her classes.
Her advice to her younger self?
“Explore more. Learn more. Love yourself more. When you’re adjusting to new environments, you forget to take care of yourself. Now I’m learning to do things that make me happy.”
The Heart of the Work
At her core, Josephine is a connector—of budgets, of people, of family, of culture. Her work ensures research moves forward responsibly and efficiently. Her life reflects resilience, growth, and deep care for others.
Behind every successful grant in Radiology, there’s a structure keeping it strong.
Often, that structure starts with Josephine.