Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Lethbridge. After high school (Lethbridge Collegiate Institute), I started my degree in physics while working as a waiter at a local hotel. At the time, I never finished my degree and ended up having a 15-year career managing a retail store, got married and had two sons. It took me until 2011 to return to the University and finish what I started 17 years earlier. While completing my degrees, I worked in the math department helping with the evening math help sessions, in the neuroscience department building behavioral boxes and mazes for testing rats, and in the physics department designing electronics circuits and programming for automated controllers. During my bachelor's degree, I participated in the contest programming competitions, which I highly recommend if you ever want to build your problem-solving skills.
How long have you been at ULethbridge and what do you do here?
I have been in my current position for almost three years. Officially, I'm required to look after the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Facility and the U3T MRI (which required special training for one month in North Carolina). I provide hazard orientation, approve access, and give basic training on the operation of the three spectrometers in the NMR facility. Maintenance on our helium recovery system and liquid nitrogen plant saves a lot of expense, as our facility is almost 95% self-sufficient for cryogenic fluids. As part of Science Operations, I also look after space allocation in the "Bone Yard" compound (out past Parkway Services). In addition, I look after orientation and access to Tech Services and the electronics shop.
What's the best part of your job?
Every day is something different to work on; I have yet to have a day with nothing to do. As part of Science Operations, I help maintain instrumentation in the Central Analytical Facility and Tech Services. I also help repair research equipment throughout Science Commons. So far, I have repaired a refrigerated centrifuge, liquid chromatography instruments, and a biosafety cabinet. Science Operations has the best group of co-workers who do their best to help each other perform their tasks, learn from each other, and extend help to anyone who requires our special collection of skills.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Honestly, I have too many hobbies. I have two 3D printers, a CNC mill and a laser engraver which require hours of tinkering. While watching television, I play Minecraft, Kerbal Space Program, and many other video games. I enjoy board games, especially the more complex games like Battlestar Galactica, Eldritch Horror, and Clank! My wife and I play board games with friends while camping in our 23-foot trailer. Camping also provides me a chance to pull out my eight-inch Newtonian telescope and do a little astronomy.