by Adam Hinterthuer
Hasler Lab is at full capacity these days and three of our new arrivals share the official title of “research specialist” but are better known around here as “lab managers” – the critically important people who keep our ship sailing smoothly.
We asked them what they’re looking forward to at the CFL. Their answers are edited for length. Full interviews can be found online.
RACHEL CLAUSSEN – Jensen Lab
Who are you and what were you doing (and where were you doing it) before you came to the CFL?
I’m Rachel Claussen a fisheries biologist. Before this I was a social scientist over at the Wisconsin DNR in Madison, WI.
What led you to apply to work here at the CFL?
I love fish and social science. This is a great opportunity to combine these two interests.
What is something you’re looking forward to in your role here?
I’m looking forward to helping with different projects around the lab. There is so much interesting research going on, it’s great to be able to be involved in some of them!
What is something you do in your role that might surprise people/seem like it’s not part of the job description?
Something new for me will be working on Dr. Jensen’s boat the Roccus. I don’t have much experience on boat maintenance, but I’m ready to learn!
Any other info about yourself you want to share? (Family/animals, hobbies, etc?)
I have one adorable dalmatian and hope to get more pets soon. I love being on the lake, as well as baking, and I read tarot cards!
HELEN SCHLIMM – Wilkinson Lab
Who are you and what were you doing (and where were you doing it) before you came to the CFL?
My name is Helen Schlimm (she/her), and I have been the Research Specialist and Lab Manager in the Wilkinson Lab at the CFL since June 2021. I manage regular lab operations and run our community science program, the Community Water Monitoring Network. My most recent work experience before the CFL was at my alma mater, Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. I worked at the Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM), an organization focused on community-based stream monitoring in the upper Chesapeake watershed. Directly before starting at the CFL, I was living on Oahu, Hawaii with my family.
What led you to apply to work here at the CFL?
I first learned of the CFL in college and had a friend from Dickinson earning her MS degree here. I was lucky to find this unique role that combines my water research and community science interests and background, and I jumped on it!
What is something you’re looking forward to in your role here?
I am looking forward to the continued growth of our community science program and I deeply enjoy working with our awesome volunteers (Pond Pals!) on interesting water bodies around Madison.
What is something you do in your role that might surprise people/seem like it’s not part of the job description?
I wear a lot of different hats in my position, which is fun and engaging. I take sediment cores from canoes, I purchase equipment, I plan outreach activities, I coordinate volunteer monitoring, I test water samples, and I run our lab Instagram @limno.lab – check us out!
Any other info about yourself you want to share? (Family/animals, hobbies, etc?)
I love spending time with my family and friends, typically outdoors or around a board game. Snuggling with my cat is my favorite hobby and I am always searching for new and delicious food spots.
GEORGIA DALQUIST SELKING – North Temperate Lakes Long Term Ecological Research (NTL LTER) Chem Lab/Stanley Lab
Who are you and what were you doing (and where were you doing it) before you came to the CFL?
I am Georgia Dahlquist Selking and I am an analytical chemist that specializes in environmental chemistry. Over the past ten years, I’ve worked in many different types of labs, including academia, state government, industrial manufacturing, and industrial research and development. My most recent work experience was working for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management validating data and work plans for ongoing environmental contamination clean-up projects. My most applicable work experience to what we do here at the CFL is working in an EPA-certified state environmental testing lab in Columbia, SC. I tested hundreds of drinking and wastewater samples for inorganic chemistry parameters, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, chloride, and fluoride.
What led you to apply to work here at the CFL?
The CFL offers a somewhat uncommon opportunity in academia to provide long term funding for research support staff. I was excited by the opportunity to use my experience running inorganic chemistry analysis in order to support active research projects for faculty, staff, and students.
What is something you’re looking forward to in your role here?
I’m looking forward to the opportunity to provide quality data that helps faculty and students learn more about their study areas.
What is something you do in your role that might surprise people/seem like it’s not part of the job description?
I make several infographics a month, detailing best practices for different aspects of the lab. I also design and write a monthly lab newsletter with tips to improve lab etiquette.
Any other info about yourself you want to share? (Family/animals, hobbies, etc?)
When I’m not at home knitting or snuggling with my four cats, I like to visit museums and aquariums.