2020 Friedman School Staff Recognition Award Recipient and Nominees

Jess Cote

Associate Director of Research Administration

Nominated by faculty, staff, and students alike, Jess is valued for her resourcefulness, cheerfulness, and ability to anticipate problems in such a way that allows for researchers to continue their work uninterrupted. She also shows incredible support for the Friedman School’s mission through her participation in various committees and projects.

Nominated by: Danielle Krobath; Jennifer Hashley; Erin Hennessy, Peter Bakun, Daniel Schultz, Shanti Sharma, and Catherine Wright; Chris Economos, Erin Hennessy, Dan Hatfield, Larissa Calancie, Sara Folta, Julie Appel, Hannah MacFarlane, and Travis Moore.

“She is proactive, timely, professional, and kind.”

“Despite the complexity of the task, Jess made the work look effortless and delivered all the budget-related items we needed ahead of schedule.”

“She is pleasant, professional, and incredibly resourceful, making sure to stay up-to-date on all Tufts processes and procedures to avoid any unnecessary issues.”

“Jess works creatively and tirelessly with our team to identify and secure funds, retain key staff, and generate funding for students and the School.”

“We are so grateful for Jess' dedication and hard work and are thrilled to nominate her for this award. We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge that Jess has had to balance all of this incredible work with personal demands that increased during the pandemic. Through it all, Jess has not missed a beat.”

Congratulations again to Jess as 2020 Friedman School Staff Recognition Award Recipient!

Armen Barseghyan

Senior Research Administrator

Always ready for a quick turnaround, Armen has been instrumental in supporting the Feinstein International Center (FIC) throughout the last two years. His nominations detail the meticulous attention he pays to his work and the time he takes to get to know FIC personnel across the world.

Nominated by: Daniel Maxwell; Greg Gottlieb

“When Armen first came to Friedman he inherited a full slate of programs, which only got busier over time. Armen demonstrates time after time the ability to grow, a deep sense of professional and personal commitment to those he works with, and a tireless work ethic that exceeds what is expected of someone in his position. The FIC would not be in its current productive position without Armen's invaluable support.”

“The past year has been one of the most successful in the Center's history in terms of bringing on new projects, and Armen provided extraordinary support sorting out major challenges while being ever vigilant on the details.”

Annie DeVane

Director of Communications and Web Strategies

As the 2020 Friedman School recipient of the University Distinction Award, it is no surprise that Annie was nominated for the Friedman School’s own staff recognition award this year as well! The Friedman School would not be the same without Annie’s precision, quickness, good nature, and extraordinary commitment to maintaining the School’s web presence.

Nominated by: Katie Stebbins

“The great thing is that Annie does all of this (multiple project tasks) with a dual sense of calm and urgency that takes the stress out of the deadlines and frequently with a great sense of humor on top!”

Matt Hast

Assistant Dean of Student Affairs

It is well-documented that the opportunity to work with Matt is a stroke of good luck for anyone. Matt not only chairs the Social Justice, Inclusion, and Diversity committee at the School, as Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, he goes out of his way to get to know students and staff, make them feel at ease, and help them to see both their options and their own potential.

Nominated by: Ana Maafs; Afnan Alghanmi

“Maya Angelou said: ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ This quote helps me express how I perceive Matt’s dedication to his work, as I believe he constantly goes far beyond his responsibilities and he truly cares about building a sense of community at the School.”

“He manifests a commitment to inclusivity, and he continually demonstrates his sincere dedication to students and Friedman’s community.”

Patty Dawson

Academic and Faculty Affairs Officer

Since joining the Friedman School of Nutrition, Patty has consistently gone above and beyond in her efforts to institute systems that smooth the path for students, staff, and faculty. She has been an invaluable asset to us during this tumultuous year, patiently and effectively steadying the ground beneath our feet.

Nominated by: Michelle Frankfort, Sara Folta, Emma Groves Baldacci, Beth Jameson, Will Masters, and Dan Maxwell

“Patty did not maintain the ‘status quo’ [but] worked to create enhancements to the existing practices that were in fact causing unnecessary confusion and frustration to many doctoral students.”

“Patty is someone who, in a quiet way, behind the scenes, has spared no effort to improve life at Friedman for faculty and students.”

“Patty, with great poise and a calmness, has the ability to help the people she works with do their job a little better.”

“Patty has been unfailingly patient, attentive, and responsive […] She has really helped keep our community together during this stressful time.”

Michelle Frankfort

Registrar

During these potentially frustrating and worrisome months, Michelle has served as a steadying presence for students at the Friedman School. She makes herself available even across time zones, helping students understand their options, advising them through difficult situations, and supporting them through cross-registration at different universities and dual-degree programs.

Nominated by: Reem Hawary; Erin Boyd; Melissa Gordon and Liz Marsh; Aliza Baskir; and Jill Parlee (SWM) and Christina Kaltcheva (SWM)

“Her attention to detail when it comes to knowing when to remind students to register for a specific course, helping them to fix something in the system, helping to navigate confusing systems is remarkable.”

“Michelle's support to international students is nothing short of phenomenal. She goes above and beyond to support students in different time zones, languages, and currencies, to ensure that Friedman maintains some of its international diversity.”

Kimberly Wright

Senior Research Administrator

Researchers who have worked with Kim attest to her diligence, professionalism, excellent judgment, and responsiveness to unforeseen circumstances.

Nominated by: Fang Fang Zhang; Parke Wilde

“Kim has been phenomenal in helping me submit and manage research grants. She is well organized and detail-oriented. She is also knowledgeable and always available.”

“Kimberly Wright is an exceptional senior research administrator. She writes clearly, explains quantitative information well, has good judgment about budgeting and university policy, and is steady and cordial under pressure. Every project she touches becomes more solid and less stressful.”