EHE Staff Spotlight

Can you describe, in your own words, what you do as a lab operations analyst and instructor and, if you’d like, why you chose this field of work?  

My official title is lab operations analyst, but I also get to teach a little. I’ve always been interested in nutrition; however, I didn’t anticipate becoming a lab operations analyst or instructor. This position opened up right as I was graduating, and I liked the idea of continuing to work in EHE, so I pivoted to take this role. I truly think that was the best decision I could have made for my career. I love what I do!

Who or what inspires you daily?

I’m really inspired by creative thinkers and doers. I love seeing people turn their passions or interests into something others can enjoy and experience, so I try to emulate that in my own work. 

How has your role evolved over time?   

I started off by overseeing lab operations and teaching sections of courses that others developed. After my manager came back from study abroad, I expressed my insane amount of jealousy that she got to be part of that experience. She said to me, “If you want to be a part of something like this, then go create it.” This was the best advice I’ve ever received.

I haven’t created a study abroad course … yet. However, I have a lot of flexibility to build and create meaningful experiences for students. Since that initial conversation with my manager, I’ve created (or am in the process of creating) an online course, several escape room style assignments, a new GE course offering that utilizes a gamified format, a couple of honors-embedded courses, and I’m still working on making that study-abroad dream become a reality.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?

I almost didn’t graduate high school (I had truancy issues). I tried to drop out of college during undergrad multiple times (my mom wouldn’t let me). I took statistics three times before finally passing. School was rough! I later found out that I have ADHD, which impacts how I learn and approach challenges in school. 

This always surprises people because now I work in higher education, and I LOVE it! I try to incorporate lots of active learning and gamified assignments so that students who are like me can feel excited and successful in class.

What have you gained from working at EHE? 

I’ve gained incredible work experience working at EHE. I’ve been able to work on fun, creative projects and learn new skills that I didn’t know I needed. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with amazing people and build content and courses I’m truly proud of. 

What is your proudest moment at EHE to date? 

There are too many proud moments to count! But I think the thing that brings me the most satisfaction is seeing my students grow and develop over the course of a semester. Sometimes they start the semester timid and unsure of what to expect, but by the end I can see their confidence in themselves grow as they begin taking bigger risks and pushing themselves. That’s always a really proud moment for me! 

Do you have any hobbies or interests that you would like to share?

I enjoy going on little family adventures. I frequently go to King’s Island with my kids, but I also enjoy any little outing with them (e.g. farmer’s markets, shopping, eating at unique restaurants, parks, U-pick farms, water parks). Really, I just like spending time with my family.

Can you give in your own words what you do as a grants and contracts management senior analyst and, if you’d like, why did you choose this field of work? 

In this role, I support faculty and research teams throughout the lifecycle of their sponsored projects. My work includes monitoring budgets, reviewing expenditures, managing payroll allocations, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements and helping projects close out successful.  

What I enjoy most about this field is that it allows me to support research without being the person in the lab or classroom. Behind every grant is work that can make a meaningful impact on students, educators, families and communities.

What is your experience with EHE culture? How do you feel about it or like to date? What is it like working together as a team? What is unique about your team? 

My first experience with EHE was as a student. As an Ohio State graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology and a major in Fashion and Retail Studies, I took several classes with Alexandra Suer and Nancy Rudd.  

They created such a welcoming and engaging classroom environment that it left a lasting impression on me and shaped my view of EHE. Returning to EHE as an employee has been one of the most meaningful parts of my career, and it's been rewarding to experience that same supportive culture from a different perspective. 

EHE is full of amazing people. I'm surrounded every day by colleagues who are incredibly knowledgeable, passionate about their work and always willing to help others. No matter how busy they are, they take the time to answer questions, explain processes and share their expertise.  

Their willingness to teach and support one another has allowed me to learn so much and continue growing professionally every day. It's truly a supportive environment filled with people who encourage, inspire and genuinely care about each other's success.

What do you enjoy most about your work with EHE? 

The people! I have the opportunity to work with talented faculty, researchers and staff who are passionate about making a difference through education and research. One of my favorite parts of the job is hearing researchers talk about their work. Their enthusiasm is truly inspiring, and you can see how much they care about the impact they're making.  

Being able to support researchers who are so dedicated to their work makes me feel connected to a larger purpose. It reminds me why the work we do behind the scenes is so important. Every day, I get a front-row seat to the incredible work happening across EHE, and that's something I truly enjoy.

How are you growing professionally in your position?

I continue to grow professionally by taking advantage of the many learning opportunities available through Ohio State such as: RADS trainings, retreats, BuckeyeLearn courses and resources like ERIK and the ORIC website. I am also a part of the university’s Research Administration Network that provides excellent training and support.  

I also learn a great deal from my team, especially through weekly touch bases with Niraj Gupta (the college’s grants and contracts management consultant), who is a wealth of knowledge, and Aimee Sanford (university senior sponsored-programs officer), whose expertise and guidance is unmatched. Every week brings an opportunity to learn something new.

What are three words to describe working at EHE? 

Collaborative. Meaningful. Rewarding.

What is your proudest moment at EHE? 

One of my proudest moments at EHE is when a new grant is awarded, and we can begin supporting the project. It's exciting to see funding secured and resources put into action. There's a lot of excitement, especially at the start of the academic year when graduate students are being hired. It's an incredible rewarding experience.

Provide an example of what excellence means to you.

To me, excellence means being helpful and making a positive impact on someone's day. If I can help solve a problem, reduce stress or make a process easier for someone, I feel I've made a meaningful difference.