Chemistry Spotlight: Erin Onarecker-Nee
As the spring quarter comes to a close and summer break looms on the horizon, we wanted to take the opportunity to highlight some UChicago Chemistry staff members who have helped contribute to making this academic year so successful.
Erin Onarecker-Nee is an administrative staff member and business coordinator with the UChicago Chemistry department. She is often the first face a person sees when they enter Searle Chemistry Building. We asked Erin some questions about herself and her experiences.
People can come to me for …
All sorts of things, really. In particular, I assist with seminar planning and providing information relating to seminars. This includes everything from travel and lodging to scheduling, room requests, catering, processing honorariums, and planning receptions. I also assist with organizing and facilitating other departmental events. Outside of events, I schedule rooms, order supplies, and collaborate with others in the department.
What do you enjoy about being a part of the Chemistry Department community?
Be they students, staff, faculty, or visiting faculty, I’m constantly meeting fascinating people who are passionate about their interests. I really enjoy the conversations I have with those who work in or are visiting the department. It’s a fun and enriching place to work!
What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
I recently read Tony Morrison’s Beloved—it’s a novel I’ve wanted to read for years and finally did. I was mesmerized by Morrison’s sjuzhet and literary form. The way she led the reader through the text using fragmented memories and experiences was compelling and nuanced.
What’s something you’ve accomplished that you are proud of?
I’m really proud of my college honors thesis. It required about a year of research and six months of writing to complete. It analyzed the use of Wittgensteinian ordinary language philosophy in literary studies following the post-critical turn and its effect on undergraduate pedagogy.
What’s something you’ve done, but would never do again?
I backpacked the Golden Trout Wilderness near Mount Whitney with my dad. The trail was beautiful, and we saw a marmot, which was fun. The weather, however, was less than ideal. I’ll never backpack in subzero windchill again.
What three words best describe you?
Curious, funny, determined.
Where did you work before UChicago?
Before coming to UChicago, I was an academic editor. I worked with a variety of texts including research publications, PhD and EdD dissertations, and textbooks. One of my favorite projects was editing a publication for the Luskin Center for History and Policy at UCLA. It was used to guide policy at the university as they navigated the complexities of First Amendment rights to free speech in the midst of political extremism.
Do you have pets, and if so, what are their names?
I have a green cheek conure named Olive. She weighs 2.5 ounces, loves to eat fruit, chew on ice cubes, hunt houseflies, and enjoys traveling with me and my partner. She’s also learned to mimic “kiss” noises and will lean over to give kisses.
What is your favorite place to hangout or visit in Chicago?
This is tough—there are a lot of great places in Chicago. When the weather’s nice, I love walking Jackson Park, Bob-o-Link Meadow, and swimming at the Point.
What hobby do you spend the most time on?
I love practicing different forms of art, especially drawing and painting. Recently, I’ve gotten into doing stick n poke tattoos.
What are some words of wisdom you try to live by, or that you’d like to impart to others?
Something I’ve leaned into over the last few years is that I simply don’t know what I don’t know. It’s a reminder to be open-minded, give myself and others grace, ask questions, and to remain curious.