Why did you initially apply to work at CU?

I initially applied for this position because it was a good job that aligned well with my particular research interests. There were also a number of collaborators already located at CU. Being located in Colorado was attractive as well.

What makes CU a great place to work?

As a professor, I have all the resources I need to do the work I do. The number one thing is the collaborators and mentorship for junior faculty. There are a range of people working on a topic.

What is a typical working day like for you?

There is no typical day. Some days, I am focused on students. Others, I am working on research with faculty, community organizations or state departments. The variety is good.

What is the best part of your workday?

I think the best part of my day is interacting with really good students. It’s exhilarating. I get to work with student in class and on research. I think having a motivated student is good for all.

What makes CU students stand out against other universities?

I think we have the ability to attract outstanding graduate students with outstanding education and experience. They are motivated to work well in class and on outside class research. Our students come in with great developed skills and are ready to build on that and collaborate with existing research in the department.

What makes CU faculty stand out against other universities?

Since we work at a young school, there is a lot of opportunity, so I think most of the faculty are somewhat entrepreneurial. We have the ability to be in an environment that allows for lots of say and input. We all have some level of excitement in building the program. The faculty in the department are also highly qualified and come from the best institutions around the country. We are a diverse group.

Do you have the opportunity to work with faculty from different departments?

The majority of collaboration happens outside of the department and there is even some work with faculty outside the school.

What is your favorite perk or benefit at CU?

We have everything institutional. The biggest benefit is being able to live in such a desirable place.

What activities are available for faculty to enjoy together outside of academics?

There aren’t a lot of structured activities. However, we enjoy doing informal activities such as skiing, running, backpacking, hiking, dinners and things together. There is a major draw for the outdoors, so people that enjoy those types of activities gravitate here.

What do you enjoy most about living in Colorado?

I am gainfully employed, and I enjoy my job. However, that isn’t enough. I also have access to great recreation opportunities, work/life balance and super friendly people. It is a cool place to live and work. Colorado has the total package that makes the quality of life really high.

What is your favorite campus/neighborhood location?

I enjoy some of the good value Mexican food along Colfax. It is a vibrant and fun neighborhood. I also like where I live in Stapleton. There is a biking path from AMC through Aurora, which is nice to keep an active lifestyle.

What is your favorite area restaurant?

I think my favorite restaurant has to be Pho 888. It is really good value Vietnamese food. As with a lot of areas in Aurora, it is unpretentious.

What do you enjoy doing on your spare time?

I enjoy parenting my son, hanging out with friends (many of whom are in the department) and setting off into the mountains.

What would be your one piece of advice for someone interested in working at CU?

Don’t let the opportunity pass you by. It is such a fantastic place to work and the personal experience is great.