As president of UC Oracles Toastmasters, my goal has been to bring out the best in people and bring people together. I know that there are often barriers, whether they are systemic, process or self-imposed, so we gathered information on the current state and implemented process changes by using BOX and other collaboration and productivity applications. The result made meeting signups and communication simpler and streamlined for members and officers and has led to increased engagement and productivity in the club!
I came to UCSF, and specifically research administration, because I saw an opportunity to impact research faculty in basic science. I use different applications for project management and process improvement because I have always been fascinated on how to utilize and incorporate technology into improving workflows and processes for productivity and better desired outcomes.
My favorite aspect is learning about the research happening at UCSF and supporting women and under-represented minorities and lifting up graduate students, post-docs, and faculty to share their amazing work. Diversity in research is important for several reasons: (1) we need different perspectives to address the array of problems that basic science and clinical research focus on and (2) it helps grow a broader scientific research talent pool.
I reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (elevation: 19,341 feet) by trekking for 8 days, 7 nights and hiking for over 40 miles. I was slow and lumbering up the mountain and it was a true lesson in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and getting out of my comfort zone! I loved it.
When I am not at work, I am outdoors and hiking or road biking the many trails in our backyards. For 2020, I decided to take on the 52 Hike Challenge to explore new parks and trails in the Bay and connect more with friends and family in nature.
I would learn to fly and be a pilot and specifically, a US Navy Blue Angels pilot! As a Blue Angels pilot, my judgement and actions will have a real and immediate impact on people’s lives. It takes extraordinary skills and discipline and extensive physical and mental training and I am always in awe when I see them jet through the sky.