Chellina Angok receives CSE Outstanding Service Award
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (2/16/2024) – Senior Laboratory Technician Chellina Angok has been recently awarded the Outstanding Service Award from the College of Science and Engineering (CSE). Outstanding Service Awards are presented annually to recognize and reward exceptional performance and contributions by academic professional and administrative staff, civil service employees, labor-represented staff, as well as work groups.
When she’s on the clock, Chellina serves the department as a member of the teaching lab staff. She works in one of the most highly visible customer service roles in the department, and she always does it with consistency and thoughtfulness. When asked about her favorite part of the job, Chellina writes: “As cliche as it sounds, it's the students! They're always doing something to keep me entertained. They are just beginning to transition into adulthood and all have different stories, paths, identities, etc. Their eagerness is so refreshing. I feel so fortunate to be on the other side of academia and shape the experience they're having. I know how difficult college is, we all do! I'm happy to help make it just a little bit more pleasant.”
“Chellina is a well-rounded and exceptional addition to the department. She’s a people-person who connects well with students and teaching assistants in her role as a Senior Laboratory Technician. She is a true example of someone who displays great customer service through her positive demeanor and amazing personality,” wrote Diana Mayweather and Kylie Adams in nominating Chellina for the award.
Her formal role in the Department of Chemistry is just one small piece of Chellina’s story and greater impact. She’s deeply involved in departmental outreach and community, too. She serves on the Chemistry Diversity and Inclusion committee as a volunteer member, and also helps facilitate the biannual Energy & U program.
“I joined the D&I committee in the wake of George Floyd's murder. I felt so helpless, but I remember reading somewhere that to create change we need effort from all sides: those lobbying for equality, protestors, boycotting, and D&I work in institutions are all important,” Chellina says. “I didn't expect to co-lead working groups, to be given so much free reign on what topics and events we could put on. The support from the administrative office for events was so encouraging.”
Chellina says one of her favorite moments on the D&I committee was during an international panel hosted during a departmental Listening and Learning session. The panelists – international faculty members and students – shared experiences about assimilating to America and navigating the Department of Chemistry. “One of the international panelists shared experiences that were new to me, even as an immigrant in this country. I was really grateful to the panelist for being courageous enough to share their story and to our working group for making it [the panel event] happen. It was so beneficial – we learned a lot,” Chellina says.
Chellina was first introduced to Energy and U by the programs Scientific Director and fellow D&I Committee member Professor Aaron Massari. Since joining the Energy and U team, Chellina has been a huge help in making sure the show runs smoothly. “It makes me very proud to say that our Dept. provides this free science field trip for underserved schools,” she says. “Growing up underprivileged, I see myself in a lot of these kids, I would've been so ecstatic to have this field trip.”
In addition to all of the things she does for the Department of Chemistry, Chellina is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biology here at the University of Minnesota. She hopes to one day pursue working in regenerative medicine. As a staff member, she benefits from the Regents Scholarship, a UMN program that helps cover the cost of continuing education for employees. Chellina writes: “I'm grateful to be making a living as well as pursuing my degree. To anyone interested, just do it! Even if it's just one class – go for it; 75% to 100% off of tuition is incredible! As long as you can manage your job duties, there's nothing stopping you.”
When she reflects on winning the Outstanding Service Award, Chellina says “At first, I was confused that I won, especially at the collegiate level. I've been reflecting and have come to recognize that my ideas and my voice truly matter, that I've had a positive impact in some way on this department. In transitioning to this “big girl” job, I felt like an imposter. This award affirms my role as a member of this department.”
The CSE Outstanding Service Award program was instituted in 2022. The award recognizes outstanding staff members who have made a significant contribution to a unit’s project or operations; special service to the unit, the college, and/or the University; especially when it resulted in increased efficiency, improved quality of service, or cost savings. Nominees also must have demonstrated positive, collaborative, and exceptional working relationships with faculty, staff, and students.