Queen Marrero has worked in financial administration for more than 30 years. She helps IPaT researchers apply for grants and contracts through government, industry, and foundation sources. And, she assists with proposal development, budgeting, and project management to make sure researchers are meeting all requirements before and after receiving an award. Marrero also tracks vendor purchases, ensuring that IPaT pays our vendors on time.

Before joining IPaT in the fall of 2018, the retired U.S. Army major worked at Georgia State University in a similar position – budget management, proposal development, and faculty support. At Georgia State, Marrero focused more on social and health issues like HIV. Today, her work involves more technology-based research. It’s something she takes a personal interest in, especially smart city research.

Marrero regularly attends research showcases, the IPaT Thursday Think Tank, and other events. She enjoys, “the innovative ideas that [researchers] come up with and how their research benefits our community and our society as a whole. I like seeing the final outcome knowing that I was a part of getting their grants processed.”

Outside of work, Marrero volunteers with underserved communities – working with nonprofits to help homeless and abused women and children find social services, jobs, and housing. And, she uses her professional skills to give back to the community, helping entrepreneurs to start and sustain their for-profit and nonprofit businesses. “I show them how to get federal certifications that allow them a competitive edge in winning contracts that helps boost their business.”  

She’s also a puppeteer and ventriloquist, teaching young children at her church who perform in faith-based shows around the state. It’s a hobby she started in high school while working at a daycare center. “The teacher was using puppets to tell stories, and I was just fascinated. I wondered how she made that puppet come alive.”

Puppeteering takes a lot of skill, according to Marrero. There's lip-syncing – matching the puppet’s mouth movements to what the puppeteer is saying – plus hand-eye coordination and arm strength. Have you ever tried holding your arm above your head for more than a couple of minutes? "After five minutes, you start to get a muscle burn," she explained.

Her newer students have a tough time with this skill, and it shows. "They start at belly button height, and all of a sudden that little puppet starts going down, and I'll say, 'Raise your hand, raise your hand!’” she said with a laugh. Marrero teaches her students how to position their arms and build strength by lifting water jugs.

The puppet troupe, with kids from ages 4-12, performs shows at nursing homes, children’s hospitals, schools, and daycare centers. For younger audiences, the show features life skills like learning how to share and anti-bullying messages.