Employee Spotlight
Catherine Neary, PhD
Assistant Professor, Cell and Molecular Biology
As an integral member of the research community at Rowan-Virtua SOM, Catherine's responsibilities are many across both SOM and TBES.
- Program Co-Director for the Master of Histopathology program (Admissions committee chair, student progress and assessment, teach four courses)
- SOM Research Committee
- Chair, Professional Learning subcommittee
- TBES Executive Council
- Collaborative research projects: review tissues for potential damage
- Basic science research project: Intersection of metabolism, cell stress, and cell death in cancer cells
Learn more about Catherine, in her own words:
How long have you worked for Rowan-Virtua SOM?
12 years (I started at UMDNJ in November 2008, almost five years before we joined Rowan)
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Science! And working with students on science.
How do you make an impact through your work?
My scientific training is in cell stress and cell death; when I came here to Stratford as a postdoctoral fellow, I was working on a project involving cell metabolism. My work now focuses on disruption of metabolic signaling in cancer cells, and how that impacts their response to stress signaling and their susceptibility to cell death. I collaborate on translational projects where I provide evaluation of tissue samples for potential damage. I have mentored PhD students through research rotations, SMRF students through their summer projects, and an MS student through her thesis project.
I also teach histology and pathology to master’s level students, in four separate courses all of which are required in the Master of Histopathology program. My colleague, Renee Demarest, and I developed this program and continue to run it together as co-Directors. Specifically, I run the Admissions Committee, and I am responsible for data collection/analysis of student progress in the program.
My service includes the TBES Executive Council, the TBES Curriculum Committee, the SOM Research Committee, and the SOM Professional Learning subcommittee. I recently accepted the role as Chair of the subcommittee, taking over from Dr. Steve Garwood. This past year I also ran the Image of the Year competition for TBES.
Do you have a favorite memory or project from your role with your unit?
One major responsibility I feel all employees here share is mentoring students. My favorite part of that is watching a student who struggled finally hit their stride and succeed (Commencement, award ceremonies, in the classroom, after exams, at research events, etc.). I am fortunate to have seen this many times.
What is the best part of your workday?
Any time I get to work in the lab.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
My cat, because I need a nap and he’s a pro.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time, outside of work?
Free time?
What is your favorite movie, book, or band/singer/songwriter and why?
My current favorite band is the Hu Band – a Mongolian heavy metal band. They use traditional instruments and throat singing, but do covers of heavy metal (specifically, Metallica). They also perform traditional Mongolian songs with a heavy metal twist.
What are some of your hidden talents?
I sketch, paint, knit, and do embroidery. I also use to play World of Warcraft, but don’t really have time currently.
Past Employee Spotlights
John Nwafor
As an integral piece of the Rowan-Virtua SOM Admissions team, John oversees the recruitment and outreach efforts for prospective students. In addition to working with students regarding application advisement, John develops institutional programming alongside internal and external faculty, and his colleagues at SOM. In his role, John actively builds brand awareness for Rowan-Virtua SOM and shares his extensive knowledge and experience with the staff he oversees at the medical school.
Learn more about John, in his own words:
How long have you worked for Rowan Virtua SOM?
I’ve worked at Rowan-Virtua SOM for a little over two years.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is having direct interaction with the students when they apply. Providing guidance and a game plan for them, as well as hearing their stories on why they want to become physicians.
Do you have a favorite memory or project from your role with your unit?
My favorite project was developing a new institutional event, Community Health & Diversity Day. This event brought together the SOM community, along with the USAF, to provide prospective students information on how SOM prepares students to get involved in providing patient centered care in the South Jersey/Greater Philadelphia region.
What is the best part of your workday?
The best part of my workday is working with my admissions team colleagues. The admissions team is a dynamic group of individuals who work hard to source great students for Rowan-Virtua SOM.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
My biggest role model is Michael Jordan. I’m a huge sports fan, and Michael was the ultimate competitor. He was very detail oriented and focused when it came to his preparation for games. I use that same mindset and methodology when it comes to my various work assignments.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time, outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and children. I am very involved with my children’s activities. I coach some of their recreation league teams, in addition to taking part in their school activities. I also enjoy going out to eat. My wife and I routinely frequent the Philadelphia restaurant scene.
What is your favorite movie, book, or band/singer/songwriter and why?
My favorite book is, “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey. I read this book early in my career and it changed my perspective on how to react and assess various situations when dealing with people. In my role, I have to adapt to different personalities, as well as communicate effectively. Stephen Covey outlined some great tips to do this in his book.
What are some of your hidden talents?
My hidden talent is being a highly skilled traveler. I travel throughout the country in my role in admissions. I’ve also traveled to over 15 countries (and counting) in my life. In the last three years I’ve traveled to over eight countries, most recently to the UAE – Dubai.
George “Sonny” Brodbeck
Mechanical Systems, Mechanic II
Facilities Operations
Judy Guio
As a senior environmental services worker, Judy leads by example in her day-to-day work assignments. She is responsible for cleaning and maintaining the Academic Center in Stratford, along with some University satellite sites, such as Family Medicine in Washington Township. Judy also provides coverage as needed throughout all campuses and satellite sites, and is responsible for medical waste collection and documentation. One of Judy's most admirable qualities is that she makes herself available to all staff for any needs and assists in providing new hire training for staff on proper cleaning methods.
Learn more about Judy, in her own words:
How long have you worked for Rowan-Virtua SOM?
I have been with the University for 26 years.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy that I can cover any building on the Stratford campus, along with any additional sites. I am not limited and I truly enjoy my coworkers.
Do you have a favorite memory or project from your role with your unit?
Several years ago, we would have less than 45 minutes to change the MPR from one setup to another, and everyone in our department would come together to try to accomplish the task. We would all rush to make sure that the room was clean and properly set. Once it was all done, we would high-five and laugh because we couldn’t believe that we were able to do it. Those memories make me laugh when I think about them!
What is the best part of your workday?
The best part of my day is knowing that I accomplished all my work.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time, outside of work?
I enjoy shopping, relaxing and spending time with my family.
What is your favorite movie, book, or band/singer/songwriter and why?
I love Jennifer Lopez. She is a good actress and singer, and she’s Latina.
What are some of your hidden talents?
One of my hidden talents is that I can actually draw!