Regarding the data validation and the drop owns, the way I had it set up is it refers to a range specified in typical Excel RC format e.g. A2:A20. A more robust way is to refer to a named range. I have done that on the file attached (see a few posts down) and also included a list for Investigators. I will attach the file after I respond to everything here.

To add new list items, there are a few ways to do it:
* See that little doohickey on the bottom right of each list table? Grab it and drag it down.
* Select a cell or a group of cells, right click, and select Insert: Table Rows above. The number of rows inserted will be the number of cells selected.
* Once you have added your new items, sort the table.
* Don't leave blanks or they will appear in the list.