Meet Carol, our hardworking, part-time research coordinator. Family brought her to Seattle, but her budding interest in early autism identification and intervention brought her to UW! Learn a bit about her below.
- You’re relatively new to the team! What motivated you to join the READi Lab?
I relocated from Pittsburgh, PA to the Seattle area in late summer 2018. I moved to the area to join my daughter, son-in-law and 3 young grandchildren (ages 4, 2 and 10 months).
I joined the READi Lab on a part-time basis in October, 2020. I have had a long research career in Pittsburgh prior to my move and enjoy working and learning in a research environment. I was intrigued by the types and quality of research undertaken by the READiLab and fully embrace the “mission” to improve outcomes for youth diagnosed with autism.
- What is your role in the lab?
As a Research Coordinator in the READi Lab, I am working with the team to carry out a variety of tasks needed to move the studies forward. My overarching goal is to be of use!
- Will you tell us a bit about your time at the University of Pittsburgh?
My entire post-college career was spent with the Law & Psychiatry Program at the University of Pittsburgh/Western Psychiatric Hospital. During that time, I was part of the team carrying out research primarily in areas where mental health and the justice system intersect. I had a lot of opportunities to develop professional skills related to research study management but perhaps the most long-lasting effect of this work was the opportunity to talk with hundreds of study participants whose lives are very different from my own in many ways. Talking with these individuals in their homes opened my eyes to the fact that, despite some differences, there is a lot that we share as humans.
- So, you’re a Steelers fan, huh?
Oh, yes! Like most Pittsburghers (a.k.a., “yinzers”), I have a special place in my heart for the Steelers, Penguins and even the Pirates. If there is not a Pittsburgh team in the competition, then you will hear me cheering on the Seattle team! But sports are not my primary source of entertainment. I have even more fun playing with my grandkids and exploring the outdoors here in Washington!
- Two truths and a lie! (Scroll down to see Carol’s fib!)
I spent a year living on the Navajo reservation (in AZ) and teaching in a Special-Ed Preschool
I jumped from an airplane at 20,000 feet (with a parachute of course)
I come from a large family with 8 siblings, 25 nieces/nephews, 50 first cousins and 19 aunts/uncles (not counting their spouses). Family reunions are crowded!
I parachuted one time, but it was only from 13,000 feet…. still pretty cool. Checked off a bucket-list item!