Fall 2023 Staff Awards
Kevin Chung
Instructional Support Technician
Biology Stockroom
TELL ME HOW YOU CAME TO WORK AT CPP.
I started as a student in 2010. In 2011 I started working as a student assistant in the stockroom. When I started graduate school, I worked as a TA, then a lecturer. I’ve taught foundational biology courses, botany, form and function of plants, plant tissue culture, basic microbiology. I worked as a lab coordinator, then my current position.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I manage the inventory of supplies, chemicals, and media, for instructional and research purposes. I fix equipment and decide whether the equipment can be fixed or needs replacing. I manage projects such as remodels for instructional purposes. I get quotes, and figure out the best use of funds for equipment.
A lot of the job is being available to respond to emergencies. Sometimes it’s a faculty needing something. The most common is that a lab needs something and can’t proceed without it.
I manage student workers and train them on best practices of inventory control and maintenance. I wouldn’t be able do it without the help of student workers.
My dad was an engineer and I grew up taking things apart and putting them back together. I can fix 70% of things but I’ve learned there are times to call a professional.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I like that every day is a little different. There’s always something new. Every day is interesting. I really like our staff. We have great staff. In biology we’re a great team. Everyone works really well together. It’s something I really like about this job.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?
I like music and play violin. I like hiking, fishing, camping and I also read a lot. Right now, I’m reading Brandon Sanderson’s, Stormlight Archives is a high fantasy series that was recommended to me. It’s a bit of a slog but the world building is impressive. The author is really interesting.
TELL ME SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW.
I grew up with really terrible shyness. I had trouble speaking to any stranger until I got into college. I couldn’t even order at a restaurant. It took a lot of work and effort to get to this point. Today, people know me as an outgoing person.
Part of how I got over it was by being encouraged and part of it was forcing myself to do it. I started with becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable and that led to a number of little victories that helped me change.
Nicolle Garcia
Administrative Support Assistant
Science Advising Center
TELL ME HOW YOU CAME TO WORK AT CPP.
I graduated from CPP in 2018 with a graphic design degree. I started as a staff member in February of 2020, working in the Computer Science department, then in December of 2020 I started working for the Advising Center.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
A typical day is looking at emails from students. If I can’t answer their question or it needs an advisor’s input, I’ll pass it on to an advisor. I use Teams to coordinate with advisors. I’m the first person people see when they come into the office with questions. A lot of questions are answered through emails, or Zoom. I check students in for their advising appointments, on our ipad. We have a card swipe reader and we use CPP Connect.
For drop-ins, they come in or are on Zoom, in-person. Sometimes students just need a permission number so they’re directed to the department because that’s who can give them that.
I update the Advising website and work with Advising Coordinator, Diana Ascencio if changes need to be made.
I help with orientation, emailing each student their curriculum sheet and useful links, printing curriculum sheets for students and organizing by departments.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I really enjoy helping students. When they’re worried, I can give them information that helps so they don’t have to worry. I like helping them and being there for them so they’re not so stressed out.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?
I enjoy my dogs, which are terrier mixes. I also enjoy baking and not long ago made sourdough bread. I’ve even made my own BBQ sauce.
TELL ME SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW.
I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and have won two gold medals in the Junior Olympics. After experiencing a number of injuries, I decided not to pursue it professionally.
