[bcrc-staff] Spring 2020

[Steven D. Brewer]

First of all, let me say thank you to everyone for another very 
successful semester in the BCRC! I really appreciate everything you do.

On Monday, I finally was able to meet with the department chair to talk 
about next semester. You may not be aware that I have a "professional 
improvement leave" during Spring 2020 (sort of like a sabbatical) in 
which I have a "release from my professional duties" in order to work on 
a significant academic project. I'm going to be developing a new class 
where people will use computers (raspberry pis and arduinos) to build 
scientific instruments and collect data. I'm super excited about this 
project.

But, during next semester, I will not regularly be in my office or doing 
the things I usually do for the department.

In the interim, I have received permission to hire Sarah Ditelberg (who 
is now on the BCRC-staff mailing list) for just a few hours a week to 
help manage the BCRC in my absence.  She will be building the BCRC 
schedule and helping keep track of stuff that needs to get done. I hope 
you'll welcome her and work closely with her to keep the place going.

You should also be aware that there are other changes likely happening 
regarding technical resources and support services in the Department. 
These may affect or change the BCRC going forward in ways that are 
currently difficult to predict.

In the meantime, please accept my gratitude for work well done and my 
very best wishes for a safe and restful holiday!

-- 
Steven D. BREWER <sbrewer at umass.edu> he/his 
https://www.bio.umass.edu/biology/node/60
Senior Lecturer II & Director, Biology Computer Resource Center
Union Board Member, Massachusetts Society of Professors (MSP/MTA/NEA)
Ne ŝovu la nazon en fremdan vazon.