Researcher III
When did you start working in SMPH? At UW?
I began working in SMPH as an undergraduate student in the Anatomy Dept for Lew Haberly in January 1996. I was hired after graduation as a full-time research specialist in June 1997. I have been at the UW and with SMPH my entire career.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My am currently a member of the Department of Neurology and I work with a number of PIs on multiple projects within this department. I also work with faculty members located throughout SMPH in Neuroscience, Neurological Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as crossing over into the Veterinary School. I am a neuroanatomist at heart. On a day-to-day basis, I am performing small animal neurosurgeries, histology and immunocytochemical experiments, microscopy, maintaining animal colonies, preparing manuscript and grant figures, training and guiding undergraduate and graduate students, and performing the many duties that come with managing multiple labs.
What is your workplace superpower?
Staying organized, productive and on track while working on so many different projects at the same time. You should see my calendar!
What is something personal you keep on your desk? (feel free to share a photo if you’d like!)
My kids are all grown up. But I keep the same baby photos I put there 21 and 23 years ago. They make me smile every time I look at them.
Where are you from originally?
I am originally from Racine, WI. I grew up throughout my childhood in many places around the world. But once I arrived in Madison at the age of 17, I never left.
What is your favorite place to spend time in Madison?
Genna’s after the farmer’s market on the Square.
What is your favorite place to spend time in the world?
Wedderburn Castle, Duns, Scotland
What are you reading right now?
What am I not reading right now? I read constantly, spanning mystery, suspense, romance, fantasy, plenty of science, and a lot of news. I’m a strong believer in reading broadly, especially when it comes to current events. Consuming news from many different sources helps build a more complete picture.
Share one fact about yourself that your co-workers might not be aware of.
I’m trying to see every state capitol building in the United States in person. Wisconsin sets the bar pretty high, so I’d like to see how all the others stack up!
What is something I would like to learn/try during my retirement years?
Ballroom dancing. Now I just have to convince my husband to do this with me!