College of Biological Sciences

This member of the plant biology staff embraces the unexpected questions and requests that come her way.

What do you do here?

I am the Principal Office & Administrative Specialist in the Department of Plant Biology.

How long have you been at the U?

I have been a part of the University of Minnesota since 1999 when I started my undergraduate studies in agricultural education with a specialization in leadership, training and development. I have been a proud U of M alum since 2003. I have been here in the Department of Plant Biology for just over a year and I have learned a lot about working in academia in that time. I really enjoy being able to play a role in supporting the education and research mission.

Describe something interesting or unusual about your work here.

Although there are regular tasks, I never know what type of request or question may come my way. It can range from making copies of a test for a faculty member to helping to find an expert who can answer a community member's question about a plant they have in their backyard. This keeps my job challenging and interesting each and every day!

What do you like to do in your free time?

Free time ... well, being a mother of a lovely two-year-old daughter does not exactly give me lots of free time, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I do love spending time with my daughter and my family. My daughter's language skills have recently exploded so the things that come out of her mouth are at times rather hilarious, which makes being with her that much more fun. When I do get some free time to myself, I love to go out spend quality time with friends and dance. For some "me" time, I sneak away to the bookstore to read fashion magazines or a good book with a cup of coffee.