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| Roslyn Carrier-Brault,
administrative assistant for the Chemistry Department, also works as a
digital photography instructor at Green Street Arts Center. |
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| Posted 04.01.06 |
Department Assistant Has Flair for Photography
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Q: What keeps you
busy in the Chemistry Department?
A: I never have two days that are the same and I enjoy the variety of my
work. I work directly with the professors and students, and I have many
skills and abilities that aid me to be flexible and detail oriented to
whatever tasks comes my way. I work a lot with my computers and keep in
touch with all that happens here at Wesleyan University through emails and
memorandums. I work with an open door policy, people come first and
paperwork second, so I tend to work longer hours at the end of the day to
stay on top of deadlines, campus and departmental projects, and coordinating
departmental events.
Q: What led you into this position?
A: I first came to Wesleyan in November of 2000 as a temp. I returned to
Wesleyan in March 2001 as a floating temp, and in July, I was hired to work
in the Department of Finance and Administration as an administrative
assistant. I became a permanent employee in December 2001, when I was hired
by Philippa Coughlin, director of the Office of Behavior Health as the
department’s secretary. It was by Dr. Coughlin’s suggestion that I apply for
the full-time opening in the Chemistry Department and my first day at my
current position was August 3, 2003. I totally, love my position as the AA
for chemistry. It offers me a wide variety projects and I enjoy working with
the faculty and students.
Q: What are some of your job duties?
A: My responsibilities include preparing the agenda for the monthly meetings
between the Chemistry department staff, the building manager, the stockroom
support staff and the chair of the Chemistry department; overseeing the
department budget; working with Payroll and Human Resources to oversee
employee payroll; scheduling the workload of two undergraduate student
workers; maintaining the Chemistry’s Web site, providing administrative
support to faculty for grant applications; among several other duties in the
office. Also, I designed an Access database that assists me in managing
important departmental records and budget reports. Overall, I provide
support for 16 professors, four staff, 31 student teaching assistants, 27
chemistry majors, 39 graduate students and a few research associates and
postdoctoral fellow.
Q: You also coordinate the annual Peter Anthony Leermaker’s Symposium.
A: The 34th
Leermakers Symposium
is planned for May 11 this year, and the program title is "Challenges to
Chemistry from Other Sciences." Michael Frisch, visiting scholar in
chemistry, is the 2006 chairman. Also, this year I am facilitating a new
event. The Department of Chemistry is hosting the Student Awards for the
Connecticut Valley Section of the American Chemical Society on April 29.
Q: What is the most challenging part of your job?
A: The long learning curve. It took me one academic year to learn all the
various aspects and job responsibilities of being an administrative
assistant in an academic department. I have a passion for learning and this
position keeps me on my toes, there never is time to feel bored, and I enjoy
working with my faculty, students, co-workers and the Wesleyan community at
large.
Q: Do you have a personal interest in chemistry?
A: In 2005, I audited David Westmoreland’s Introduction to Chemistry and it
opened my mind to the vast subject called, “chemistry.” Finally, I can
understand the periodic table. I am amazed and inspired by the dedication
that the professors and students have to excellence in their research and
teaching assignments.
Q: What were you doing before you came to Wesleyan?
A: I worked for the San Diego Symphony, as the assistant to the director of
Copley Symphony Hall. I coordinated events and rentals for the San Diego
Symphony and Symphony Hall Promotions.
Q: Where did you attend college?
I have an associate’s degree in liberal studies and fine art from Middlesex
Community College, an associate’s in photography/art from Grossmont
Community College in El Cajon, California. I plan to complete a master’s in
art from the Graduate Liberal Studies Program.
Q: You’re also a teaching artist for Wesleyan’s Green Street Arts Center.
A: Anna Milardo, administrative assistant in physics, knew that I am a
photographer asked me to photograph Green Street’s open house/reception for
the Saint Sebastian School. It was in the planning committee for this event,
that Ricardo Morris asked if I would be interested in teaching at GSAC. This
resulted me teaching a digital photography classes for the After School
Program, photo club for the After School Program and introductory to digital
photography for adults.
 Q: Tell me about your recent photo exhibition, “Divine Intersections,” at
Green Street?
A: My current exhibition presents images that are essentially
inspired by intuitive guidance and inner reflection upon the things that are
familiar to me from my childhood and adult experiences. I have been
intertwining photographic images taken of the natural world with scanned
images of other forms of life such as plants and animals. My favorite images
are restful, reflective, and build a sense of union between the mind, body
and spirit connection (an example of Roslyn's photography is seen in the
image above-right).
Q: I take it this wasn’t your first show.
A: My first show was in 1996 and I have had several exhibitions in San
Diego. In Connecticut, I have exhibited various art and photography shows
through the Shoreline Artist Association, the Tracy Arts Center and the
Essex Artist Association, and Face Arts Music in Deep River, Connecticut. My
husband, William Brault is a gifted sculpture and painter and co-curates all
of my photographic exhibitions. He is a talented custom framer and trained
exhibition designer so it a perfect creative partnership.
Q: Have you volunteered your artistic abilities at any other non-profits?
A: In Connecticut, I have volunteered for arts organizations such as the
Shoreline Arts Association, Images 2000 and 2001; Tracy Art Center in Old
Saybrook and I am an active board member of the Friends of the Davidson Arts
Center. In San Diego, I was an active volunteer for the Museum of
Photographic Arts, the Holistic AIDS Response Program, The AIDS Foundation
and with Grossmont College Student Exhibitions and Workshops.
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| By
Olivia Bartlett, The Wesleyan Connection
editor |
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