SNRAS names Wilson employee of the quarter
February 12, 2014
Laurie Wilson is the UAF School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences employee
of the quarter (January to March, 2014).
Wilson is laboratory manager for the Matanuska Experiment Station at the Palmer Center
for Sustainable Living.
Since 1977, Wilson has worked in the lab, analyzing soil and plant tissues for UAF
researchers, farmers, gardeners and contractors. She is in charge of running samples
of soil, hay, grain and other materials for nutritional content.
"I get to do a lot of different things," she said. "Lab work could be boring, but
mine is interesting because it's different every day." Her supervisor, Norman Harris, said Wilson keeps the aging lab equipment in tip-top
shape.
"Professional maintenance technicians on service agreements have often commented
that this is the cleanest and best-maintained equipment they have seen," he said. "Many school departments and state and federal agencies send samples to the lab because
of their confidence in her excellent work and her attention to detail."
When the former lab manager retired, Wilson picked up that portion of the job as well
as her original responsibilities. "She has been instrumental in maintaining the stellar
reputation of the lab when major cuts lead to the termination of three lab technicians,
leaving her as the only employee for five years," Harris said.
Wilson is a ready source of ideas on how to improve the lab operations and has successfully
implemented them once they are approved.
"She works hard to make our annual Agriculture Appreciation Day a success by talking
to businesses and getting their support and donations," Harris said. "Laurie is a
unique individual and will be impossible to replace."
He described Wilson as an open individual always willing to help on projects and freely
share her knowledge with others. "She has trained many students who praised her for
her great skills, concise instructions and tremendous patience.," Harris said.
