Rhonda Griess, small animal laboratory manager for the Department of Animal Science, has received IANR’s 2013 Fourth Quarter Outstanding Employee Award. Griess daily proves her professionalism, organization, attention to detail and positive “can-do attitude that is contagious to those she works with.”
Griess’ creativity at work includes developing studies to evaluate different animal care protocols for the laboratory; sanitation and animal health solutions for a temporary lab space; and determining effective, animal-safe fire and weather alarm systems.
Nominators complimented Griess for superior job performance in collecting data for several research activities; supervising up to eight undergraduate student employees; serving as radiation safety and chemical inventory officer; ordering supplies; and overseeing time-cards. She also is eager to learn and help more, and is constantly interested in development as a manager and as a researcher.
Her sound judgment and allegiance-building was recognized by the UNL Parents Association, as well as by colleagues and management. Griess zealously supports graduate student projects and regularly arrives at 7 a.m. to complete many tasks before others arrive. She professionally represents the university and department during student recruitment events and at the Nebraska State Fair.
Other nomination comments include: “I found her exceptionally dedicated and trained, with genuine interest in science and willingness to help others;” and “She has the most enthusiastic, upbeat attitude toward her work of anyone in the department.”
Award recipients receive cash awards and certificates. Application materials for these and other IANR awards are at ianr.unl.edu/staff-awards.