Staff Spotlight

  1. December 3, 2007

    Spotlight: Survival Flight nurse helps extend UMHS services

    In a space smaller than the average coat closet, the Survival Flight team saves hundreds of lives every year. (Photo by Dave Roberts) “There is definitely an adrenaline rush when the pager goes off,” says Jeff Thomas, flight nurse specialist. He and the team try to be skids up — flight lingo for launched —…
  2. November 19, 2007

    Spotlight: Chef’s range: Cooking for stars to grilling at tailgates

    Kenny G has savored chef Steve Clawson’s macrobiotic greens, and film legend Richard Harris his Italian stew. During a 20-year career, the University Catering chef also has shown U-M football players how to prepare food that will boost their energy, and earned the nickname “Pit Boss” for his work behind the grill at football tailgate…
  3. November 12, 2007

    Spotlight: Lift team leader values new role

    Aquilla Robinson and the other 14 members of the University Hospital‘s Lift Team safely move patients while saving nurses’ backs. Aquilla Robinson, middle row center, and her fellow Lift Team members have been specially trained to lift University Hospital patients to reduce the number of back injuries reported by nurses. (Photo courtesy Aquilla Robinson) “We…
  4. November 5, 2007

    Spotlight: Native American artist prefers the late shift

    Joyce Tinkham, an inpatient unit clerk for pediatric cardio-thoracic Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at U-M Hospital, says the best thing about her job is the evening shift. Joyce Tinkham joins Dr. Robert Kelch in his office, where one of her works of art is displayed. (Photo courtesy Joyce Tinkham) “Ever since I was a kid…
  5. October 29, 2007

    Spotlight: Building manager has talent for embracing change

    It was a cycle of hire and layoffs. “I saw so much sadness at the plants — layoffs, layoffs, layoffs,” Dorothy Smith-Fesl says of the downsizing of auto plants in her native Flint. “I have old pictures of the Buick powerhouse at night; it’s beautiful. Today when I drive down the expressway, there’s nothing there.”…
  6. October 22, 2007

    Spotlight: Nature’s wonders lure landscape architect back to Ford estate

    Karen Marzonie knows all too well that in life timing is everything. (Photo by Pamla Morrison) “Usually at this time of year we’re planting tulip bulbs, but instead we’re taking advantage of the extra time to do more landscaping,” she says, referring to the unusually hot October weather. Much like Michigan’s weather, you can’t always…
  7. October 15, 2007

    Spotlight: Fast dogs, employee enjoy life in slow lane

    Sue Schuon needed someone to help her regain her strength. Sugar needed someone who didn’t care she was past her racing prime. Together, they helped each other at the crossroads of their lives. (Photo by Scott Galvin, U-M Photo Services) A 25-year U-M employee working as the doctoral program director in the School of Information,…
  8. October 8, 2007

    Spotlight: British pilgrimage started career for paper conservator

    Cathleen Baker’s devotion to the Beatles is such that she earned the moniker “Beatle” during her undergraduate days at the University. (Photo by Lin Jones, U-M Photo Services) “They were so witty, so intelligent, so British,” Baker says. Just as the Beatles blazed a unique trail in popular music, Cathleen Baker emerged from a theory-centric…
  9. October 1, 2007

    Spotlight: Auto safety analyst peers through panes of industry

    In a business marked by fierce competition, where can corporate executives, government officials and independent consultants turn for well-researched, objective and comprehensive information about the auto industry? Most often they go to the U-M Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI). (Photo by Jillian Bogater) “(We are) the window on the auto industry,” says Bruce Belzowski, associate director…
  10. September 24, 2007

    Spotlight: U-M researcher built a pagoda for peace

    One could compare Research Laboratory Specialist Rui-Feng Wang to a modern-day Noah. Both were builders who followed a unique vision. And while there was no flood, Wang, like Noah, made history. Dr. Brien Lang, professor emeritus at the Dental School, and Rui-Feng Wang visit the pagoda that Wang helped build in Beijing, China. (Photo courtesy…