What do you like about working at the Beckman Institute?

Honestly, I like that it is on the outskirts of campus. It’s a breeze to get on the road after work and there’s no concern about mowing down an unaware student with their nose in their phone. Aside from that, the people here are great, but that is no different than anyplace on campus. Having a café inside the building is a blessing for a cold or rainy day

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love to cook, and I mean LOVE. I work my way through different cookbooks and magazines and make everything cover to cover. I love shopping for and then using exotic ingredients. Most recently, I purchased enoki mushrooms, Thai basil, and kaffir lime leaves for a miso salmon recipe. I can’t wait to smoke some meats this summer!

What are you proudest of?

My kids! But if we’re talking about me, I am most proud of obtaining my bachelor’s degree while working full-time and now pursuing two master’s degrees. I am also proud of starting at the university in late 2018 at a front desk position and working my way up to assistant to the director at Beckman in less than 10 years. Those accomplishments and goals take a lot of hard work and dedication.

What is your personal motto?

It is the name of a Frank Capra movie, You Can’t Take It with You. It reveals the importance of using your energy wisely. No one will remember all the days you went into the office, but your kids will remember the day you took off work to take them to a museum in Chicago.

What is your favorite Spring activity?

I love planting herbs in the spring for my cooking. Having fresh herbs is a blessing and adds so much flavor to any dish. I started a small vegetable garden last year and I’ll probably do that again this year as well.