AROUND THE INSTITUTE: REFLECTIONS ON 2020 The Texas Biomed team did an incredible job keeping the Institute and its critical research mission running smoothly and safely despite immense challenges presented by the pandemic. We asked team members from across the Institute to share their experiences, challenges and successes from 2020.
Working from home on a laptop, rather than two monitors, took some adjusting. My other challenge was when I would have to come to the office to print and file protocols and had to wear shoes. This sounds silly, but when working from home, I didn’t wear shoes. I am thankful for my family remaining healthy during this pandemic.
— Johnny Saucedo, LVT, RLATG, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Coordinator
It was business as usual for the Shipping and Receiving crew. We knew that we still needed to get the product to the labs so that they could help find a vaccine. With everyone around the world looking for the same kind of PPE, we were getting slammed with more than the usual amount of orders for PPE and other material that the labs and the other folks on campus needed. Wearing a mask for over a year was a little tough, but I was proud that we stayed COVID-19 free by following the Texas Biomed rules, since we are pretty much all over campus delivering product.
— Daniel Salinas, Shipping and Receiving Lead Finance
20
Texas Biomed researchers Alyssa Schami, Angélica M. Olmo-Fontánez, Anna Allue and Paula Pino celebrate Christmas during the pandemic.
Working during the pandemic was a bizarre experience that I will never forget. I am so grateful I was able to make further progress on my science research, work on COVID-19 projects and two peer-reviewed manuscripts. As a microbiologist, and proud Latina mom, I took this pandemic very seriously and was eager to share my scientific knowledge with my family and community. Being able to successfully explain how a vaccine works to my 85-year-old grandma was a true blessing!
— Angélica M. Olmo-Fontánez, MS, PhD candidate, UTHSCSA Population Health & Host Pathogen Interactions Programs
