This article is part of a series introducing the 2017-2020 SIGUCCS Executive Committee and our appointed positions. Each Committee member submitted answers to questions created by the SIGUCCS Marketing Committee.
How did you get involved in SIGUCCS?
I attended my first conference in 1988 and have now attended a total of 17 SIGUCCS conferences. However, it wasn’t until I presented my first paper in 2005 that I started feeling “involved”.
Why did you want to be Communications Award Chair?
I agreed to serve as the Communications Award Chair because (a) I feel that I can apply the organizational skills I honed as a Conference Track Chair ; (b) I will be able to get advice from previous incumbents; and (c) a personal invitation that spelled out the tasks and time commitment.
Who in SIGUCCS inspires you?
John Bucher – I learned something from every encounter at conferences over the years; Bob Haring-Smith – his intelligence, wide range of experiences, quick wit, mad editing skills, and calm presence made for an amazing co-worker; Mo Nishiyama – as I strive improve my planning skills; and the Triumvirate from Carleton College (Kendra, Travis, and Kevin) who exemplify teamwork and work/life balance. I have learned something from almost everyone I have met at the conferences. So many have made me feel welcome over the years.
What accomplishments are you especially proud of?
Achieving ACM Senior Member status; my Masters degree in Statistics; dancing on stage (various performances – dancing in front of others is scary and takes a lot of preparation).
You could always stop and talk to me about…
Dancing, singing, or Ireland.
What do you do for fun?
Dance! I take 2-3 dance classes each week (a wide variety of different styles over the years). My husband and I attend traditional Appalachian square dances almost every weekend. I also enjoy singing, reading mysteries, working Sudoku puzzles, and hiking in the woods.
What are you looking forward to at the SIGUCCS 2018 Conference?
Every year I look forward to seeing the friends I have made over the years. This year, one of my conference accomplishments was to meet some of the communications awards winners since they will serve as judges in 2018.
How do you take your coffee?
The 2017 conference is over but I like my coffee (a) decaf mixed with instant hot chocolate mix or (b) as an Irish Coffee (Irish whiskey and whipped creme).