Faculty/Staff Spotlights | The University Record

May 5, 2014

“I try to help students understand that there’s a lot that exists in the world outside of the classroom, and technology is one way to bring that world closer.”

Stein Brunvand, associate professor of education at UM-Dearborn

April 28, 2014

“I’m always doing something for my fundraising, giving back to the community, kind of paying forward.”

Brenda Phillips, grant specialist at the U-M Health System.

April 21, 2014

“Teaching and mentorship are ways of giving back. I try to participate in events that focus on women in science.”

Melanie Sanford, Moses Gomberg Collegiate Professor of Chemistry, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor and MacArthur Fellow.

April 14, 2014

“I really enjoy interacting with people. Whether it’s classroom work or research needs, I like working with faculty, staff and students.”

Rebi Varghese, desktop support specialist with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering who also volunteers for the Harvest Mission Community Church in Honduras.

April 7, 2014

“I like motorcycling for the same reason one of my mentors likes mountain climbing. It requires so much attention to what you’re doing that it forces you to not think about work.”

Brendan Haug, archivist of the university’s Papyrology Collection

March 31, 2014

“People come in and are putting their art on the chopping block. That’s their baby, and there’s an incredible amount of stress and tension, so I try to have the ‘aloha’ spirit. Part of my job is just coming in and having a goofy shirt on and smiling.”

Jacques Mersereau, producing manager of the Digital Media Commons Video Studio in the Duderstadt Library

March 24, 2014

“As a librarian, you’re still in a service group in the way that staff serves the community, but there are also these components of teaching and research.”

Diana Perpich, educational technologies librarian at the Shapiro Undergraduate Library.

March 17, 2014

“I not only enjoy making music, but I love helping others make that music.”

Ellen Woodard, applications programmer/analyst for the Nephrology Division in Internal Medicine, and handbell performer and director.

February 24, 2014

“In my little scheming mind, it’s always important for the students to win a few more times, just enough to be incentivized.”

Steve Wright, professor of civil and environmental engineering and organizer of an annual department food-collection contest.

February 17, 2014

“Students are away from home and trying to study. They can come eat here and have a decent meal.”

Andrea Randolph, East Quad Dining Hall chef assistant, on the most rewarding part of her job. Randolph also raises chickens at home.