Washington University Grant Specialist Beth Fisher shares highlights from her 27 plus year journey at Washington University and some of the things she enjoys in her pastimes.
What is your current title and how long have you been with WashU ENT?
My current title is Grant Specialist II and Faculty Coordinator. I started working for PACS in September 2008 and recently celebrated 15 years at WashU. Prior to that, I worked at Central Institute for the Deaf in the research department for 12 years. I started as the assistant to the director of research and later became the research administrator. In between CID and WashU, I stayed home for 6 years when my children were little. I was very excited when Dr. William Clark hired me to work for PACS at WashU.
What do you like most about your work here?
I really enjoy what I do and the people I work with. All of us in PACS work great together as a team and it’s a pleasure to come to work every day. I’ve known several of my coworkers including some of the researchers from years ago when we worked at CID together. That’s why as soon as a job in PACS was offered to me, I took it without hesitation.
I also enjoy the variety of work that I do. I am responsible for grants administration, faculty communications, and other administrative responsibilities, and I also help with social media marketing and special events. PACS is a small program so all of us step in when a task needs to get done. It’s always busy, which I like, and I love the challenge of learning new things.
What would most surprise your colleagues to learn about you?
In high school, I sang with an acapella group and played the piano until my late teens, but these days I can’t sing or play piano.
What spare time activities bring you the most joy?
I love to travel, and now that my husband and I are empty nesters, our goal is to visit a new place every year. Last year, we went to Maine, and it was so beautiful and such an amazing trip.
I also enjoy spending time with my adult children, Drew and Deirdri, when they are available. Gardening is also a passion of mine. I normally grow vegetables, but this year I’m also growing sunflowers for the first time. I enjoy spending as much time outside as possible – yes, even with the hot St. Louis weather.
Is there a special something at the top of your bucket list, and why?
A cruise down the Rhine River in Europe is at the top of my bucket list. I’ve never been to Europe and a river cruise is a great way to see several countries. Germany is at the top of my list. All of my grandparents came from Germany, and I have always wanted to visit. I love German food (sauerkraut and brats are at the top of the list!) and getting a taste of authentic German cuisine is a dream of mine.