Spotlight on New Staff

I was born and raised in Rochester, NY, but left the area for undergrad (Bucknell University) and then to work as a teacher in southeast Asia (Thailand and Indonesia). I returned to Rochester in 2019 to pursue a M.S. Ed from the Warner School of Education here at the University. Since then, I’ve worked in a variety of positions supporting education and arts programming, from teaching in Rochester City School District and Pittsford, to serving as editor for a local arts & culture publication, Lake Affect Magazine. In my free time, I like to spend time outside, go running, play guitar and sing, make art, and I am an actively exhibiting collage artist in an array of galleries around town. I love helping students and working with the fabulous UPBM team, and I’m so glad to be able to contribute my administrative skills to the biology department!

I am from Buffalo but have lived in Rochester for over 20 years. I started out in the biology department in 2023 as a Strong Staffing helper in the UPBM office. That is where I learned what a fabulous department this is! After a brief hiatus during the summer of 2024, I rejoined Biology part time in the stockroom. I really enjoy meeting and chatting with everyone as I help to make sure we have all the supplies stocked and deliveries delivered.

Before joining the U of R, I worked in the advertising/communications business as a copyeditor and writer. I still enjoy writing and love reading, particularly spooky stories. I also love movies and all animals—especially cats. I currently have 4 kitties, and volunteer for a humane society to make sure more wayward felines find their forever homes.

I was born in Syracuse and raised in the Rochester area. I graduated from Honeoye Falls-Lima Central and then got my Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from SUNY Geneseo. Out of college I started working at the University of Rochester Medical Center in the Infectious Disease unit where I studied the Human Papillomavirus. While working full-time I received my Master of Science in microbiology and immunology. During my first employment here I also got married and had my three kids. Our oldest son is 28 and works in security, our daughter is 25, lives in West Palm Beach Florida and works in finance, and our youngest son is 21 and is a senior at RIT.

My first employment here tallied at over 25 years before I left for 9 years to work at a biotech company. I have to say, I had enjoyed the fast pace and social environment of the Medical Center but my return has made me appreciative of the River Campus, which I like even better. The Biology Department has been a blessing to work in, the people are great, and I feel like I’m back home.

I was born and raised in the Saratoga Springs area until I went off to college. I graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a degree in biology and have a master’s degree in education. I moved to Rochester after graduation and have lived here for over 25 years.  I have three teenagers at home that keep me busy. My eldest daughter is a freshman at SUNY Geneseo this year, my son is a senior in high school and my youngest daughter is a high school freshman. In my spare time I enjoy reading, nature walks, and spending time with friends and family. My first job after college was working as a research lab technician at URMC, so it feels good to be part of the University again in a different capacity.  I taught high school biology/chemistry for several years before having my children and then worked as a preschool director. I have worked with students of all ages!  It has been a pleasure working in the UPBM office.  I have met such wonderful people; love my team and I enjoy the culture of our department. 

I was born and raised in Rochester, NY. Before I started working for the U of R, I earned an associate's degree in fine arts from Monroe Community College in 2018. Art is one of my biggest passions and I participate in the local art community when I'm able to through shows, vendor fairs and even volunteering. I do some freelance custom artwork, murals and graphic design on the side for local musical talent and private clients. When I'm not doing something artsy and crafty, I can be found outside hiking throughout all times of the year. I maintain several herb and vegetable gardens in the warmer months. I have 2 beautiful cats named Kibby and Baby that I have raised since they were kittens. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work here!