Welcome to our new staff colleague in the Department of Chemistry!
Mark Bentz ‘97, Grants Specialist
Started July 2024
Mark is joining Chemistry as a grants specialist working with Mark Hertle. Mark Bentz earned a B.A. in music theory and history from the University of Washington in 1997 and began working for UW in 1998. Mark has 20 years of experience working with grant applications, first in the Department of Medicine, 2004-2020, and more recently in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences. He continues to pursue his love of music by playing trumpet in various projects.
Nicole Crisostomo ‘24, HR Operations Assistant
Started August 2024
Nicole is joining our personnel team in a new position that will support Academic HR, HR, and payroll. Nicole earned her bachelor’s in communication from the UW in June 2024. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, photography, sightseeing, and hanging out with her two dogs.
Veronica Howell, Assistant to the Chair
Started August 2024
Veronica joins the Department of Chemistry after ten years in UW Medicine, most recently at Harborview Medical Center. She started her UW career at the Foster School of Business in 2002. Originally from Long Island, New York, she has lived in Seattle for twenty-three years. Outside of work, her favorite activity is taking care of dogs and cats when friends are traveling.
Kristen Darnell, Scientific Instructional Technician II
Started September 2024
Kristen joined the Undergraduate Services team in a role that supports the CHEM 1x2 lab series. Kristen earned a B.S. in chemistry from Cal Poly Pomona and an M.S. in physics from San José State University. She has spent the last few years doing research in astro-chemical and radiative transfer modeling. Kristen enjoys travel, board games, and circus classes.
Sharon Durfy, Director of the Masters of Science in Applied Chemical Science and Technology (MSACST)
Started October 2024
Sharon earned her PhD in molecular and medical genetics and a BSc in pharmacology and biochemistry from the University of Toronto. Sharon joins the Department of Chemistry after many years working in research education in medicine, most recently with the UW Department of Neurological Surgery. A first-generation college graduate, she is thrilled to join Chemistry and the MSACST Program.
We are so pleased to have Mark, Nicole, Veronica, Kristen, and Sharon join our finance group, personnel team, instructional team, and grad program teams.
A special shout out goes to our great cadre of temp staff and student assistants who have been invaluable in supporting our operations!
We wish the best to these staff members who left the Department of Chemistry in the last year:
- Priyanka Doni Naresh, Fiscal Specialist 1, is now a payroll-fiscal specialist in the UW School of Social Work.
- Andrea Gallagher, Grants Specialist, is now on staff at the UW Information School.
- Laurence Giordano ’20 ‘21, Scientific Instructional Technician, is starting a PhD program at Rutgers University!
- Hiba Mazhar, Budget/Fiscal Analyst.
- Eddie Melton, Seminar and Events Coordinator, is taking their event experience to Zulu's Board Game Cafe where they will be the Event Center Supervisor.
- Angie Mullen, Director of Finance, is starting a new role as the director of UW Pharmacology in the School of Medicine. Congratulations, Angie! We'll miss you!
- Tyler Robison ‘18, Grants Specialist, is returning to the bench as an SBX production specialist at Roche.
- Allison Spooner, Assistant to the Chair, is now the HR & Equity Manager for Washington Sea Grant in the UW College of the Environment.
We are also delighted to recognize the promotions of the following staff:
Paul David Isaac, Program Support Supervisor I
Promoted November 2023
Paul has been a valuable member of the Department of Chemistry since 2018, serving as Program Coordinator for Undergraduate Services. His leadership and diligence have improved instruction at all levels. Some highlights include streamlining complex scheduling issues and overseeing the study center remodel. Paul not only does his job well but improves those around him. Congratulations on your promotion, Paul!
Kelly Olenyik, Grants and Contracts Manager
Promoted March 2024
Kelly has contributed to the Department in various ways since joining us in 2021 as a research coordinator. Kelly brings a high standard of professionalism to her work every day and elevates those around her. Congratulations on your promotion, Kelly!
Our faculty, researchers, and students could not do what they do without the staff who support their academic endeavors, funding proposals, grant budgets, facilities and instrumentation. We invite you to help support our staff through the Chemistry Department Staff Fund. This fund was endowed by Professor Emeritus B. Seymour Rabinovitch in 2005 to support the staff of the Department of Chemistry in ways that encourage high morale. To make a gift, visit Support Us and “Add” Chemistry Department Staff Fund from the list of Featured Funds to your “basket” and complete your transaction online. Contact chemdept@uw.edu or give2uw@uw.edu with questions. Thank you for your support!
Updated 12/31/2024