Mary Beth Tull

Background

About Mary Beth Tull

Healthcare research management | project management | data coordination | regulatory compliance My career started as a double major in Psychology and Philosophy for my undergraduate education. I obtained a Master’s degree in clinical counseling psychology, thinking I’d become a counselor. I enjoyed my counseling practicum — I went into the homes of people who hoarded and used cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to help them clean up their living spaces. But, the practice of counseling just wasn’t enough to hold my attention; the philosopher in me was more interested in the underlying justification of those counseling techniques. This interest in efficacy research led me into a career in research operations. I soon realized that the coaching techniques I learned during my training as a counselor were a great asset as a manager. My work at Northwestern combines my dual passions for practicality and intellectuality. Medical research is grounded by the goal of actually implementing new clinical care practices, but is driven by the innovation and creativity of a lot of smart people. My colleagues’ intelligence and drive push me to challenge myself every day. I love creating an ambitious and supportive environment where the team’s staff can develop new skills, knowledge, passions and initiatives in their work. The best part of the job is seeing staff succeed, develop, and then move on to bigger and better projects.