Arya Khosravi : Staff Employee of the Year Honoree

Arya Khosravi
Exemplary Staff Employee
of the Year Honoree

The Staff Research Associate that any laboratory program would dream of having, our own Arya Khosravi was honored as a 2004-2005 UCSD School of Medicine Exemplary Employee of the Year at a ceremony in the Leichtag Building hosted by Edward Holmes, Dean of the School of Medicine.

Yeah Arya !!!!!

Read the nomination letter below .........

As Staff Research Associate (SRA), Arya’s job description involves performing experiments in basic microbiology as assigned by his supervisor and a share in general laboratory management (ordering supplies, etc.). However, Arya works every bit as hard or harder than any of the experienced graduate students or postdoctoral fellows in the group. His innate curiosity and personal drive for knowledge is truly phenomenal for someone in his position. He uses his spare time to read the primary scientific literature, to participate in journal clubs, to formulate and test original hypotheses. Although on some occasions his initial formulations have a small logical flaw, he hammers away at the concept until he arrives at the true answer. His approach is always highly cooperative, utilizing the resources and experiences of senior laboratory members to successfully solve difficult challenges and complete innovative projects. He understands in detail the very diverse scientific objectives of each laboratory member and never hesitates to lend a helping hand. In the end, Arya dedicates many more quality hours per week than his full time salary; indeed he can be found around the laboratory almost all day, everyday, even on weekends.

While he could easily spend his time exclusively in the pursuit of answers to important scientific questions, Arya freely takes on many (mundane) chores of general lab management that most others seek to avoid. For example, he will empty trash cans, organize freezers, autoclave media and glassware, ensure our laboratory meet all UCSD health and safety standards, and generally keeps the lab working smoothly. Arya is superb at interacting with vendors to locate the best quality and price for laboratory equipment and supplies. Recently, he has made a major commitment to identify the optimal procurement of bulk disposable goods, through obtaining free samples, testing their effectiveness, and thus saving the laboratory a few thousand dollars a year. Arya routinely goes out of his way to make sure reagents and supplies are available for all projects and will stay late if necessary to place rush orders and replenish stocks. Judging from the amount of unbridled energy he puts into his position, Arya clearly takes tremendous pride and satisfaction in his work. We believe his most admirable characteristics are his inquisitiveness, teamwork, and caring attitude – so rare to find in one package in someone in his position and of his young age.

Arya’s cheerful attitude, eagerness, and consistent willingness to provide supportive help to others have contributed to outstanding laboratory morale and a true sense of "family" in the workplace. Whether by driving his co-workers to the airport, helping several of us move, organizing celebrations for birthdays or milestone accomplishments, or visiting me in the hospital after a serious accident, he thoroughly exceeds the expectations of the job. He has made the work of each and every individual in the laboratory far less complicated and infinitely more enjoyable.

Whenever Arya has free time, he seeks to identify a way in which he can positively impact the lives of those around him. Arya helps collect and distribute food and clothing to homeless teenagers in downtown San Diego with a group called Stand Up for Kids. In addition, several times a month he volunteers as a companion to an elderly man in hospice care. Even if they’re just conversing and watching television together, I know Arya helps brighten the life of someone lonely and in his final months. And if that weren’t enough, Arya is also a regular mentor to a young boy from an underprivileged background. We are very impressed by the manner in which Arya has stuck by this boy, even when he demands what seems like an unreasonable amount of Arya’s time and attention. Arya has to drive a half an hour each way to reach the home of his protégé, but he follows through because so many other people have abandoned the child before. On one occasion, Arya balanced his two lives by bringing the boy to the lab so that he could work on his school science project while Arya finished up an experiment. I believe that this child faces a much more promising future because of his exceptional mentor.

I’m afraid that Arya’s undying work ethic and good nature provide an easy target for others to take advantage. We, his lab co-workers, have been spoiled by all the extra contributions and efforts he makes on our behalf. We’ve come to expect it as the norm, and I believe we sometimes forget that everything he does is way beyond the tasks laid out in his job description. Appreciation is long overdue.

Principal Nominator: Heather Maisey
Endorsers: Mary Hensler, Victor Nizet, Kelly Doran and the Whole Laboratory

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