About Victoria
I was born in Lincoln but grew up in California. My family and I moved back about 15 years ago to be close to family. We have relatives in both states, so when I was younger, Lincoln was my summer vacation destination! I honestly love it here. I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Devin, for 2 years in November. I received my bachelor’s degree in water sciences at UNL and have been with the Water Sciences Laboratory for almost five years now. I started there as a student worker, became a research technician, and recently was appointed as lab manager. I am so thrilled to be able to continue my efforts supporting environmental research and monitoring.
What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I am the research laboratory manager at the Water Sciences Laboratory on East Campus. My main responsibility is making sure that the lab is running smoothly and that all interns, students, clients and full-time technicians are properly trained. Another key facet of my job is monitoring our quality control samples and ensuring that the instruments are being maintained properly. I also interface directly with clients and researchers, answering any questions they may have and assisting with sample collection and submittal. Finally, I assist in a supporting role with the business side of the laboratory.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
Living in Lincoln, coming to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was an obvious choice. It also helped that Devin had started attending the university a year prior. I really felt drawn to East Campus and have always loved the atmosphere here. I’ve stayed because I really feel as though the work I’m doing is able to make a difference.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
I think my favorite part is working with students. Their passion really rubs off on me. It’s so fulfilling being able to help them with their research or teach them skills that will benefit them in the rest of their professional career.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I consider becoming the manager at the Water Sciences Laboratory and being able to continue to support environmental research at the university, to be my greatest achievement thus far. I’m very excited to see where this opportunity will lead me, and what kind of difference I can make.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
Before I started at the Water Sciences Laboratory I worked as a sterile processing technician at Bryan Hospital. We were responsible for cleaning and re-sterilizing all the instruments used during surgery. That means a lot to me because multiple members of my family have worked at Bryan Hospital for generations. For example, my grandfather learned how to use the very first heart-lung machine that Bryan had. I’m proud that I was able to help continue that tradition.
What is your life like outside of work?
I love spending time with my family. Devin and I both agree that it’s more fun to do things with others than by ourselves, so we spend as much time as we can together. We are lucky enough to share a lot of the same interests, so that keeps us busy.