November 17, 2021

When did you join UTHealth? What brought you here?
I first started in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as a lab technician in 1982. That was my first job – I had just moved down to Houston from Louisiana and joined the Medical School because a friend was working here.  I worked in Biochemistry for 24 years until they had a layoff, and I got caught in that. I recently was offered to come back to the Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology and work as a lab technician here.

Tell me about your work history here.
In both departments, I worked as a lab technician, doing all of the sterilizing of equipment so that the researchers can do their work. I help the scientists get everything ready for their research – I’m in charge of the autoclave and sterilizing of equipment and glassware. I came to work every day during the pandemic — I wasn’t afraid of it. The department had us working in different shifts, and I never did catch COVID. The research continued to go on, and every day I did my work.  During that time safety was a high priority, we had to wipe down everything in the lab, making sure we were wearing our gloves and masks.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?
People might not think my job is that important, but it is. I have to have my stuff ready for my lab to do their work. They appreciate me having everything sterilized and having the machines running. My job is important.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The people. Biochemistry was a good department to work for, and IBP is a great department to work for. I thank my supervisor for giving me a chance to work here. I have made new friends and got to see my old friends, and amazingly we remember each other.

Why have you stayed?
I enjoy the work I do, and I enjoy meeting people.

When you are not at work, how do you spend your time?
I love going to church, spending time with my husband, family, gardening, reading, and sports.