Have you met Lorelei, Communications and Research Safety Coordinator for Environment, Health & Safety? Spend a few minutes getting to know her a little better.
What is your role on the Public Health Response Team (PHRT)? What have been the biggest changes to your area of work?
I am part of the peripheral groups that have formed, the PHRT Communication Groups and the Research Communications Group. As part of those two subcommittees I support the development and roll-out of COVID-19 emergency preparedness and safety-related messaging. It's been instructive for me, I've done a lot of listening and learning in this role. It's been really impressive to see so many communicators in action supporting this work by helping to facilitate the return of researchers to campus and preparing for fall semester. I also attend the Research Impact Team. This has taught me a lot about the intricacies of research.
What is the most important part of your home office setup?
My husband works in the basement and is jealous of my setup right next to the back doors leading out into our yard. I can crank open the window and there's a screen door - I can listen to the birds and get a nice breeze. Just having the ability to have fresh air and sunlight is very good for my mental health and has been invaluable.
What is your go-to snack, lunch, or drink?
I start the day with a gigantic pot of coffee. You can tell my stress level depending on my chocolate intake. Last week I reached a new low and was eating unsweetened chocolate.
What is your earliest U of A memory?
My dad worked for the U of A when I was a little kid and I have an interesting recollection of attending the university in 1983 for a competition between universities from around the world. I went to a volleyball game and I vividly recall chanting "Ra-ra-Rwanda!" for the Rwanda volleyball team. It was a highlight of my life at the time.
If you could enroll in one course, program, or degree right now, what would it be?
I am always enrolled in something. Before COVID-19 I was lined up to participate in the architectural drawing course through the Faculty of Extension because I'm muddling my way through their visual arts certificate. I'm looking forward to getting back to that once it's rescheduled. But I would benefit from something enjoyable, so I was thinking maybe an introduction to tuba or an obscure language course. Now's the time to challenge yourself in a way that includes some laughter.
What is something your co-workers don't yet know about you?
I play the keyboard in my house band Hemisphere. And I won a math poetry class in Grade 11. I may have been the only entrant, but I won.
What is your favourite distraction?
Doodling with my brand-new illustrator markers that I bought, that are way above my ability level but they're beautiful and have squirreled them away from my children.
What three words describe your U of A experience?
Challenging. Gratifying - I love the university so much and being part of that community. Illuminating - I get a kick out of all the research happening around me.