COSAM News Articles 2020 February COSAM Staff Spotlight - Joyce Hung

COSAM Staff Spotlight - Joyce Hung

Published: 02/25/2020

Joyce Hung is the Director of Instructional and Research Laboratories in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Learn more about her in this COSAM Staff Spotlight:

Q: What year did you start at COSAM?
A: 2017.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: As the Director of Instructional and Research Laboratories, I get to interact with all levels of the Chemistry & Biochemistry department – faculty, staff, postdocs, and graduate students – as well as folks from various other units on campus, including Risk Management & Safety and Facilities.

Q: What is the best advice you have ever received at COSAM and from whom?
A: When I was interviewing for this job, Catherine Situma, who previously held this position and is now the Lab Safety Manager at Risk Management & Safety, told me, “Be a good listener.” She was right. It doesn’t matter who you are. If you come to me for help, advice, or just to vent, I always listen first, without judgment.

Q: Where are you originally from?
A: Montreal, Canada.

Q: What words best describe you?
A: Reliable, conscientious, organized, methodical, and creative.

Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a big part of my life. It’s been described as “physical chess” as it challenges both the mind and body. I’ve been doing it for six years now, and I teach the adults’ BJJ Fundamentals class twice a week at Auburn Mixed Martial Arts. Outside of that, if and when I have time, I like to do arts and crafts and make jewelry.

Q: What is the one thing you do when no one is around?
A: I turn on the TV.

Q: What is your favorite place on campus?
A: I think I spend the most time in my office…

Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Cheese and crusty bread.

Q: What is your dream travel destination?
A: A quiet island in the South Pacific.

Q: What is your most memorable experience at COSAM?
A: When you work in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, there are so many it’s hard to choose… But seriously, one of the most unforgettable experiences was walking into the Chemistry Building one morning to find one of the large classrooms flooded with knee-deep water, which was still raining down from the ceiling through the light fixtures!

Q: If you could trade places with anyone at COSAM for just one day, who would it be and why?
A: I don’t think I would trade places with anyone else at COSAM, even for just one day. First of all, I really like what I do. Secondly, I don’t think anyone would agree to trade places with me because that would mean they would have to do my job!