Meet Serena Bross, a UTRGV Unsung Hero
Text by Amanda A. Taylor
Within most research facilities, the Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) department plays a major role in providing crucial information for all aspects of research and testing. At UTRGV, the LAR administers and supports research, teaching and studies that requires the use of animals in a safe, humane setting.
Serena Bross, animal care supervisor, helps supervise and oversee the animal care facilities to make sure the university remains in compliance with standards of support to help students, staff and faculty with ongoing and new research projects.
As her role requires her attention 365 days of the year, Bross has had to ensure that students and staff could access the labs safely throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This required staggered schedules and virtual research meetings, to make sure precious research did not become stagnant.
NAME: Serena Bross
JOB TITLE: Animal Care Supervisor
CAMPUS: Edinburg and McAllen
DEPARTMENT: Laboratory Animal Resources
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT UTRGV?
As a part of the Laboratory Animal Resources team, my role is to help supervise and oversee the animal care facilities at the university. I assure compliance with agency and university standards to support students, staff and faculty with their research.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED HERE?
This is the beginning of my sixth year working with the university.
WITH THE SOCIAL CHANGES DUE TO COVID-19, DESCRIBE YOUR AVERAGE DAY IN THESE TIMES:
A normal day is assuring that everything in our facilities is operating according to plan. Daily checks, trainings, assisting researchers, updating departmental logs, informing researchers – all that is part of my normal routine. At the height of the pandemic, I would perform on-site activities in the mornings and complete office work in the afternoon.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO MAINTAINING YOUR ROLE DURING COVID-19?
One of the main challenges is the in-person interaction with our researchers. We do perform online trainings, but nothing beats face-to-face conversations to communicate effectively.
IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU HELPING YOUR DEPARTMENT MITIGATE THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS?
Since most of our duties need to be performed on site and 365 days a year, student and staff schedules were staggered to mitigate potential spread of the virus. To meet with our researchers, we were and are available through email and virtual meetings, and we’re a phone call away! We continue to host virtual departmental orientations and other trainings before needing to meet in person.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MEMORY, OR STORY, ABOUT YOUR TIME HERE?
This is not necessarily a specific memory, but I have made some very good friends working at the university. Crossing paths by chance, but making lifelong friends is a bonus and a blessing. Many of those individuals have made a difference in my life and have inspired me to always strive to learn more.
TELL US SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
I enjoy doing outdoor activities with my husband, such as exercising, fishing, hiking, etc. I also have two energetic and loving dogs, Charles and Cooper.
WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UTRGV COMMUNITY?
Being both a student and an employee within the UTRGV community, I enjoy the close camaraderie. Even at a large institution, positive work relationships are easily made with fellow employees.
WHAT ARE SOME ENCOURAGING WORDS YOU COULD SHARE WITH YOUR PEERS ABOUT COVID-19?
We are living in a strange time of great sadness, and some happiness. Showing empathy to your peers can be more support than you realize. Try to keep a positive mindset for both yourself and others.
