After more than 16 years with the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), Jean Lambert, MA, is retiring, marking the conclusion of a career defined by dedication, institutional knowledge, and a genuine commitment to supporting researchers across the CCTS Partner Network.

Jean joined the CCTS in September 2009 as an Educational Research Consultant and most recently served as Program Director and Investigator Liaison within the CCTS Training Academy, working across both the Training Academy and Research Commons domains. Over the years, she has supported a wide range of investigator-facing programs, including the CCTS Panels Program, Clinical & Translational Science Training Program (CTSTP), Case Studies in Mentoring Series, and CCTS Mock Study Sections, helping investigators strengthen ideas, navigate funding pathways, and advance their work.

Her path to the CCTS reflects a lifelong connection to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and to science more broadly. From early high school summer jobs in Cardiology and OB/Gyn, to teaching science and mathematics, working in research laboratories across multiple departments, supporting student researchers, and even assisting scientists in Antarctica, Jean’s career has consistently centered on enabling discovery and learning.

“Jean’s impact on the CCTS cannot be measured by any single program or role,” said Jennifer Croker, PhD, Senior Administrative Director for CCTS. “She brought continuity, compassion, and deep expertise to everything she did, and countless investigators benefited from her guidance and steady presence. We are incredibly grateful for her years of service and wish her all the best in this next chapter.”

As Jean steps into retirement, her contributions remain woven into the fabric of the CCTS mission and the many careers she helped shape along the way. We thank her for her years of service and celebrate the lasting legacy she leaves behind.