What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I am the recruitment specialist for the Biological Systems Engineering Department. I correspond with potential students and meet with them when they come to campus to give them more information on our three majors: Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Systems Technology, and Biological Systems Engineering. My job works with both the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) and the College of Engineering, and it’s fun being a part of both communities!
What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I moved here in 2018 from Fallbrook, California, a small town in Southern California—I quickly realized by Nebraskan standards it's not—to pursue my Bachelor of Science in agricultural and environmental sciences communication. While I was a student, I fell in love with the university's community and the student experience, whether in the classroom or standing alongside 90,000 other devoted Husker fans. I appreciated the big university feel with the individualized experience. Moving halfway across the country was scary, but I quickly found my circle thanks to small class sizes and clubs and organizations on campus.
After I graduated, the position I'm currently in opened up, and one of my professors sent the posting my way. I jumped at the opportunity to be back on East Campus and to show potential students and their families that there is no place like Nebraska.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
My favorite part of working in higher education is the opportunities to keep learning and the supportive community I've found in my department. The Student Services Team I work with in Biological Systems Engineering has the most kind and student-focused people I've ever met. I'm constantly learning from the team how I can be better in my position and better serve our students. I'm also fortunate to manage a group of four student ambassadors who keep me on my toes and help in my recruitment efforts. Working with them and being a part of their student experience has been a pleasure.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My husband and I bought our first house a year ago, on Oct. 1. Unfortunately, we had a pipe burst shortly after we moved in. Last month, we finished repairing the water damage! The house is 110 years old, and we found lots of fun things, like lead paint on the walls and asbestos in the basement flooring! Jokes aside, buying the house was a great accomplishment, and it feels very, very good to have it looking like our home again.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
My sisters and I grew up watching “The Lord of the Rings” movies, and I’m a massive fan of the entire franchise. One of my dream destinations is New Zealand where they shot the majority of the films.
What is your life like outside of work?
Outside work, I like to sit out on the front porch playing fetch with our dog, Scarlet. I also enjoy reading and spending time with my book club friends. I’ve been a member at Hotworx for almost two years and love going for the guided sauna workouts. My husband, Andy (also an alum of CASNR), and I just started a fertilizer business based out of York, which has been an interesting venture for me as I know nothing about fertilizer, but I have a great teacher! I enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes to share with friends. We are also huge Husker fans and love watching football and volleyball.