Emy Lopez Phillips

Name (pronouns): 
Emy Lopez Phillips (she/her)
Department/Division: 
Office of Health Career Pathways and UCSF Fresno Medical Library, UCSF Fresno Regional Campus
Years at UCSF: 
4
Role in technology: 
Technology is so ubiquitous, I feel like it plays a role in everything I do!
What technology project(s) have you worked on that you are most proud of?: 

I have worked on many instructional technology-related projects over the years, but it's the very first project I worked on that carries the most meaning for me. Over 20 years ago, I was working as a middle school English teacher and received a grant to start a laptop program with my students. At first I was very overwhelmed by the challenge of learning something new, but my students taught me the power of collaboration and genuine curiosity! Together we developed new ways of learning content, which ultimately changed the trajectory of my career.

How has technology helped you achieve a goal within your role or department?: 

I am always interested in new technology tools and how they can improve my work productivity or help meet my departmental goals. Using the Drupal platform that USCF offers, I was able to quickly create content and structure for both the Office of Health Career Pathways and the UCSF Fresno Medical Library so that our community could have up-to-date access. I also enjoy using the wiki to help keep our internal business organized and accessible. Currently, I need to develop content within an LMS for our several of our pathway programs, as we have high school and college students participating in many activities.

What’s your favorite aspect of your role at UCSF and why?: 

One of my favorite aspects of my role is that I get to collaborate with so many wonderful people who understand the moral imperative of giving back to others, and lifting those who are less fortunate. I also enjoy the opportunities that UCSF offers to cross-collaborate and learn from colleagues and students, such as the UCSF COVID-19 Hackathon - we didn't win, but I learned so much through the process and appreciated how everyone was willing to jump-in and try something new.

What’s one ‘fun fact’ about you that not many people know?: 

A fun fact about me is that I love salsa dancing!

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?: 

When I am not working, I am taking my son to his various activities and therapies. He is on the autism spectrum and has dyslexia, so I am always looking for new ways to help him live his best life. As a family, we enjoy exploring the outdoors. Lately, my husband and I have been binge-watching the show, "Homestead Rescue" and fantasize about living off-grid.

If you could learn anything, what would that be?: 

If I could learn anything, it would be how to create an app. I wish I had time to learn!