Physics Staff Recognized For Outstanding Service

Dean Michael Johnson and the 2018 COS Staff Award Winners

On February 14, 2018, two UCF Department of Physics staff were honored for their outstanding work serving fellow staff, faculty and students.

This year’s winners of the Dean’s Recognition Award are Esperanza Soto-Arcino (farthest to the right), graduate program assistant, and Jessica Brooks (third from left), senior accountant.

Soto-Arcino began her role with the department in 2015, and by the end of her first year had transformed the physics graduate program into an efficient and well-managed operation, according to Eduardo Mucciolo, Ph.D., chair of the Physics Department.

“She is extremely dedicated and routinely responds to faculty and student demands promptly and effectively, and is a reference for any academic issue,” Mucciolo said.

In addition to her day-to-day work duties, Soto-Arcino is actively engaged in increasing diversity in physics by participating in the American Physical Society’s Bridge Program. She helped established the Bridge Program at UCF, which aims to increase the participation of underrepresented minority groups in physics Ph.D. programs across the nation.

Jessica Brooks began her role in 2007, and quickly added to her responsibilities, eventually becoming a senior accountant with the department in 2013. Monika Crittenden, research services coordinator, nominated Brooks for the award.

“Within the last three years, our department has added nine faculty, bringing our total to 44,” Crittenden said. “Jessica administers all start-up accounts for all faculty, advise on budget, planning expenditure. She’s managed to enhance our services above and beyond.”

Crittenden says Brook is a dependable employee who faculty and staff depend on in any situation.

“Jessica’s excellent intrapersonal skills, an important factor in a stress-filled position, and her proactive attitude and problem-solving skills show her professionalism in anything she does,” Crittenden said.

Brooks and Soto-Arcino were unanimously chosen for the award, and were honored during a cookie celebration with Dean Michael Johnson, Ph.D.

“Esperanza and Jessica are very deserving of this award,” Mucciolo said. “They are fully committed to the department’s mission, are great problem solvers, and are much admired by students, faculty and other staff.”

Congratulations, Esperanza and Jessica!