Staff Spotlight
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January 20, 2014
Painter enjoys horses, Harleys at home
As he’s painting, John Sartori lets his mind drift. It usually goes to one of three places: Italy, his barn or the highway.
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October 7, 2013
Computer science professor helps students bring apps to life
Photo by Scott C. Soderberg, Michigan Photography. Jeff Ringenberg’s office is a technophile’s dream. Shelves full of printers, computer accessories, and neat stacks of new Macbooks share space with hefty books — everything from “Microelectronic Circuit Design” to “Essential Matlab.” As a lecturer IV for the Computer Science Engineering Division of the College of Engineering,… -
September 30, 2013
UNIX administrator finds enjoyment on Scio Township farm
There is no sweeter sound for two dozen female goats than a ringing bell. Just seconds ago they lazed languidly beneath the August sun. Now, they trot excitedly on short legs along a wire fence, to a milk house with the logo “White Lotus Farms.” Photo by Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography. Here, they’ll get a… -
September 23, 2013
Prize-winning architecture faculty member is ‘instigator’
Like Salvador Dali’s melting clock faces, Catie Newell’s glass creations slump against metal stakes. They are part of “Displace,” a research project with colleague Wes McGee. She finds the fire-charred remains of a Detroit house ideal for a demonstrative endeavor involving ailing building materials. “Starting with a blank sheet of paper would not allow me… -
September 16, 2013
Academic adviser helps students succeed
The walls in Jeff Harrold’s office are covered with graduation announcements and thank-you cards from students he’s worked with over the years. As an academic standards adviser in LSA, he works with a variety of students their whole college careers, and often builds lasting relationships. “Every student that comes here comes here with the intention… -
September 9, 2013
Lecturer’s passion for food informs classroom discussion
How does one go from wanting to be a professional wine expert to teaching at a world-class academic institution? That, in essence, is the story of Margot Finn, a lecturer in university courses, although even she admits she got there in a “roundabout sort of way.” Photo by Austin Thomason, Michigan Photography. Finn was a… -
September 3, 2013
Financial specialist finds wisdom in staying positive
Erik Kreps, financial specialist senior with the Institute for Social Research’s Survey Research Center, warned wife Sandy to be cautious. The Brighton couple already had four biological children ranging from 8 to 16. They also had two children, 5 and 7, adopted in the United States. Then on an adoption blog, Sandy spotted 3-year-old Darren,… -
August 12, 2013
Political science professor breaks barriers as a contrarian
Being a self-proclaimed contrarian has caused Allan Stam to find himself in tight spots on occasion, but it also has helped develop his intellectual interests and studies. “My basic personal instinct is to say, ‘OK, this is what everyone believes but it can’t always be true. Say these people are wrong, then what would that… -
July 22, 2013
Stage properties master embraces mechanic role at The Henry Ford
In a world where steam locomotive whistles rise and fall amidst the sound of tolling bells and horseshoes clomping on pavement, Patrick Drone waits behind the wheel of a clattering Model T. He smiles at people strolling by. They smile back, as they promenade along a pleasant village lane. Photo by Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography.… -
July 8, 2013
Love of ceramics inspired career in dentistry
Photo by Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography. When the Ann Arbor Art Fair returns July 17-20, Dr. Stephen Stefanac will be back behind a potter’s wheel, his hands forming wet clay, showing kids and adults how pots are made. “I have a lot of fun with that. I really want to educate people about the process,”…
