Joy Winzerling
On behalf of MATTES-CALS
Our World of JOY - dedicated to Joy Winzerling
Mentor - Inspiration - Leader - HRH
Colleague - Scholar Brilliant - Friend
Caring - Wise - Thoughtful
Influential - Strength
Collaborator
Dedicated
****
Dear Joy,
I remember facilitating a retreat for Nutritional Sciences at Hacienda del Sol many years ago. At one point, there was a vote on who would be the next department head and you were the unanimous choice. The enthusiasm for your leader- ship was overwhelming and I still remember how excited I was to see such a visible expression of support for you. You were an even better department head than I think your col- leagues expected you would be. What an inspiration you have been.
--Allison Vaillancourt
Vice President, Business Affairs & Human Resources
****
Little Bird of Heaven
By Martha Scanlan
Well love they tell me is a fragile thing
It’s hard to fly on broken wings
I lost my ticket to the promised land
Little bird of heaven right here in my hand.
Joy your friendship is my little bird of heaven right here in my hand.
Daphne Pham, PhD
Professor of Biological Sciences University of Wisconsin Parkside
****
Working in Joy’s lab was one of the best experiences I had at the UA, not only was Joy wonderful to work for, but the entire lab was filled with really amazing people. She gave me a crucial opportunity at a time when my life was pretty damn hard as a single mom trying to put myself through school and dealing with major health issues, and she was nothing but supportive, encouraging and is to this day a woman I continue to look up to and admire as a wonderful person and a brilliant scientist.
Julie Simons
Owner, Skin Obsession, LLC
****
Dear Joy,
Congratulations to your great merit for nutrition science, and I may express gratitude to you for your expertise which you kindly shared with us working on the Iron-ticks :-)
Libor (Grubhoffer) - on behalf of the Budweiser Ticks and Tick-borne Pathogens Research Group Ceske Budejovice, the Czech Republic
****
"Science is 99% failure and 1% euphoria." You liked to dole out that one liner when things were not going well in the lab.
Dawn
Dawn L. Geiser, PhD, PMP
****
Dear Dr. Joy
On this day when so many people recognize your work and trajectory, I want to tell you that I admire your intelligence, capacity to understand scientific problems and propose different solutions. Please never lose the curiosity and interest that all related topics with your profession awaken on you, also the sense of humor to face adversities.
I feel a special love for you, who always was so kind and without discrimination received in your laboratory, all of us, students of Dr. Luz. I will always thankfully remember our trip to Sweden, the marzipans that you enjoyed so much, along with the great moments of enjoyment with Dr. Roberto Guzman.
God bless you always. Gabriela Ramos
****
Serving with Joy on the Executive Council for CALS, I came to appreciate her sage advice and thoughtful input. It always struck me that such an accomplished nutritionist and scientist was never to be seen without a caffeine free Diet Coke in one hand and a small bag of candy in the other. When questioned about her food choices I remember her saying with a smile on her face, “everything in moderation.”
Reflecting on the short time I’ve had the pleasure of working with her, her statement about food is an important lesson for so much of life. She has managed a difficult and hectic career with aplomb, and in so doing, serves as a model for us all.
Congratulations, Joy, on a wonderful and impactful career and a legacy of collegiality and friendship. You’ve been a “moderating” influence on us all.
Jeffrey Ratje
Associate Dean, Finance & Administration CALS Administration
****
Joy would turn up to EC meetings with junk food to eat. Apparently, we were the only people she could do this in front of.
Shane C Burgess
Vice President for Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, & Cooperative Extension; Dean, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences; Interim Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine; Director, Arizona Experiment Station
****
Dear Joy,
I am very pleased to participate in this moment of your life. Recognition well deserved for all these years of work and dedication to promote education and research.
As friend for such a long time, I like to thank you for your continuous support, for those many trips and long walks talking about every- thing, but most of all for the laughs and nice memories.
As a collaborator, I could not find a more congenial and stimulating colleague with whom to work. Your multi-cultural laboratory always made us feel welcome. You were persistently there for me and my students. All of them have great memories and experiences of their stays at your laboratory. Thank you for sharing your mind with all of us.
From the bottom of our hearth, the Mexican group wishes you happiness and send their love and blessings.
Luz Vázquez-Moreno
Students: Irlanda Lagarda, Cuquis Robles, Malena Ortega, Mónica
García, Gabriela Ramos-Clamont and Carmen Candia.
****
Congratulations Joy! You are an amazing role model for women and all who aspire to be strong leaders in science and in ad- ministration.
Ashlee Linares-Gaffer
Ashlee Linares-Gaffer, MS, RDN
Assistant Professor of Practice, ISPP Dietetic Internship Coordinator
****
While working as Co-chairs for the Arizona Dietetics Association’s By-laws Committee, Joy and I were tasked with revising the Policy and Procedural Manual as well as the By-Laws. We reviewed them and took a “slash & burn” approach to both. When completed, there were half as many pages as previously.
One winter I told Joy that I was going to visit counties to provide training and support for the SNAP-Ed program. When I mentioned Apache County, Joy asked if she could come along. Then perhaps we could drop by the White Mountains ski resort near Pine Top on the way home. We got caught in a blizzard going to St. David. The next day when it cleared and after the training, we drove to the ski resort. I watched and waited in the ski resort while Joy skied down the slopes time after time like a crazy woman!
Scottie
Scottie Misner, PhD, RD
Extension Specialist, State EFNEP/SNAP-Ed Coordinator
****
Congratulations on retirement! You have been a great mentor to me throughout my career, and have provided much inspiration along the way. You will be missed.
Kelly
Kelly Jackson, MS, RD
****
Beyond smelly - the real front-page story or what the Wildcat missed! A chemical-induced lab disaster in 5 Acts
Main characters: Jürgen: a PDF chemist; Joy: his supervisor; a selenium compound: methylselenol.
Location: Winzerling Lab, Shantz Building, University of Arizona
Time: a hot summer day in 2001
Act 1, setting the scene
It all began when a colleague named Graham asked me to make a sample that he would like to measure at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory. I agreed. A few days later the chemical arrived. Once I opened the package I realized that the compound − methylselenol − was a liquid that was sealed into a glass ampoule. After doing some reading about the compound I gathered that it was smelly. In order to make up his sample, I figured that it was most sensible and safe to do so in a fume hood. After making an incision at the neck of the glass ampoule, I broke off the top and used a pipette to withdraw the amount I needed to make the sample.
Immediately thereafter I sealed the glass ampoule (with the remaining methylselenol in it) with parafilm and put it back into a freezer. The whole ‘act’ of taking methylselenol out of the ampoule, adding it to a buffer to make the sample, resealing the ampoule with parafilm and putting it back into the freezer took 5 min at most. Mentally, I patted myself on the back for a job well done handling the smelly compound since nobody had noticed any odour!
Act 1A, overture
My lab mates were surprised when the secretarial staff from the building attached to ours came over to our lab. They were very upset because air coming through the vests into their offices smelled terrible and they want- ed to trace the source of the smell. Some of my lab mates had noticed that I had been working in the fume hood, but that was nothing unusual. Since the secretaries were afraid that they had been exposed to something toxic, they called the fire department.
Act 2, main drama, part 1
I soon heard the horn of a fire engine. While I did not pay much attention at first, I eventually realized that the fire fighters were hermetically sealing off the road between the Shantz Building and the Dept of Chemistry. When I innocently asked somebody what the reason for the commotion was, I learned that there seemed to be a gas leak or something. Having synthesized smelly chemicals, such as trimethyarsine before, another possible explanation was that one of the organic chemists in the adjacent Department of Chemistry Building had synthesized a smelly compound that went through their exhaust system onto the roof and made its way to ground level, simulating a gas leak. A few minutes later I noticed that one of the fire fighters had come into the Shantz building and began asking people in the hallway what they had been doing in the labs. At this time a thought crept into my mind, which seemed rather far-fetched at first: was it possible that the preparation of the methylselenol sample was somehow related to the fire fighters showing up? No, I thought that was impossible since I had done everything in a fume hood. Pondering this thought some more, I had to admit to myself that just a few minutes ago I had contemplated that an organic chemist in the Department of Chemistry may have synthesized a smelly compound that was released and the firefighters had surmised was a gas leak. When I thought of the smell of methylselenol itself, however, it suddenly dawned on me that it was the compound that I had handled in the fume hood that got dispersed by the fume exhaust system and eventually triggered the call for the fire fighters.
Act 3, hatching an escape plan
A few thousand methylselenol molecules in the wrong air space – despite me all doing the right things I thought – would surely exert a profusely negative effect on my career as a chemist
especially since there had been a ‘highly toxic’ sign on the methylselenol ampoule. What would I say to the fire fighters once they started to ask me about what ‘highly toxic’ really meant for them? What about all the other people in the building that had inhaled a couple of methylselenol molecules? Realizing that this inci- dent had happened in a country where lawsuits are much more common compared to where I come from, I went straight into panic mode. Con- fronting myself with the thought of being removed for what I had just committed – possibly in handcuffs − I decided to ‘remove myself from the scene’ while this was still possible. Joy would surely understand that her PDF needed to go to the library to read some important articles. As a result, Joy had to deal with the fire fighters, but of course she had absolutely no idea what had happened. I thought I was home free.
Act 4, facing the music
After the dust had settled following this incident, Joy told me emphatical- ly to get rid of the methylselenol. I realized that I had to permanently seal the compound in its glass ampoule. I contacted people in the Department of Chemistry to locate a burner that would allow me to seal the glass ampoule once and for all. I filled an ice bucket and then removed the “offending” vial from the freezer, put it on ice and headed out (in 90F weather) over to the Chemistry Department. My lab mates caught a brief whiff of something as I exited the building, but they were not concerned as they had enjoyed the drama that had unfolded a few days ago. I flame sealed the methylselenol into the glass ampoule. Once again, I patted myself on the back for a job well done since the smelly compound was now contained in a glass sarcophagus, forever!
Act 5 main drama, part 2
It was a few moments later that I realized the firefighters had pulled in again into the road between the Shantz Building and the Department of Chemistry… Since this was the second time I had caused the road to be sealed off and firefighters were contemplating to evacuate two major buildings on campus, the Arizona Wildcat got a hold of the story.
Although my name was mentioned on the front page, it was mis-spelled. It was as if I had never committed anything and Joy was thrilled since the name on the front page could not be traced back to her lab. All’s well that end’s well, indeed!
The End
Note to Joy: On behalf of all PDF’s that may have committed things they are less proud of, thank you for covering for me. Helen and I wish you all the best for your well-deserved retirement. If you ever happen to be in Calgary, do swing by my office so we may reminisce on the ‘methylselenol’ incident of 2001.
Acknowledgements: Dr. Helen Nichol provided a few important details to this story.
Dr. Jürgen Gailer
Associate Professor, University of Calgary, Canada and former PDF in the Winzerling Lab (November 17, 2016)
****
One of Joy's signature phrases is "having a dog in the hunt." Whenever CALS had a teaching-related dog in the hunt, Joy was there. And, she will forever be there through the infrastructure that she built during her leadership in Career and Academic Services, including facility (Forbes Lobby), outstanding team that she recruited and molded, and programs (e.g., career skill competencies; career center concept; tireless defense of funding for graduate students).
As a mentor, Joy is a dispenser of sage advice. Over her remarkable career at the UA, she has seen and done it all. And, rather than simply tell stories, she extracts the nuggets from those experiences and shares freely with those around her - to their great benefit if they are smart enough to listen.
When it comes to taking credit, Joy always takes a back seat to her staff, the sign of a true leader. Her input into the design of the Forbes Lobby is a good example. Rather than pick a choice corner window overlooking the mall for her office, she opted to put the Associate Dean's suite in a side hallway, a bit off the beaten path, so that our student services units would be front and center for visitors entering the building. No grand palace for Joy. Mission first. No leader cares more for her team than Joy Winzerling.
Mike
Michael Staten | College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Bart Cardon Associate Dean for Career and Academic Services
****
Congratulations Joy, on a remarkable career! You were a wonderful boss and a great mentor, and I will always be appreciative of the support you gave to me and the Department during your time as Department Head.
Darren
Darren Shevchuk
Manager, Finance and Administration
****
Joy cares very deeply about the faculty in her department. This is probably the biggest reason she was a great leader. The honor is well deserved and I offer my sincere congratulations.
Kirsten H. Limesand, PhD
****
Congratulations, Joy! I remember the precious advice that you gave me for all these years!
Kay
Kay Hongu, PhD, MEd, RD
****
The Nutrition Department wouldn’t be where it is without your remarkable leadership. Wishing you all the best to you as you embark on the next chapter.
Pat
Patricia L. Sparks, PhD
****
Joy,
Thank you for everything you have done for me. You were my shoulder to cry on through one of the most difficult experiences of my life. Your friendship, kindness and com- passion held me up. You are such an inspiration to so many. I wish I had met you many years ago. Who knows, I too might have become a scientist under you.
During your time as Department Head you were always talking about “balls in the air” and LORD KNOWS WE HAD A LOT!!
You also made me laugh with what I like to refer to as your “Joy’isms” - little pearls of wisdom passed down in your family. One of my favorites that I love to share is about gossip. “Gossip is like a bucket of sh**. The more you stir it, the more it stinks.” LOL!
I love you my friend.
Trudy
****
Dear Joy,
I was happy for you when I learned that you had completed many years of high-quality service at the University of Arizona.
Congratulations on your long-awaited and richly deserved retirement.
I still remember the moment you gave me a warm hug in an early morning when you knew I screened the cDNA library for a novel lectin gene overnight in the lab, the moment you were teaching me how to write discussions in research papers, and many moments we were discussing my research problems and findings in your office I really enjoyed working in your lab and had learned a lot from you. Thank you very, very much for everything you did for me. Your career has been a model for me to follow.
Wishing you a wonderful retired life ahead!! You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Sincerely yours,
Guoli
Research Associate, Michigan State University
****
Joy – Congratulations to you on your induction into the University of Arizona Women’s Plaza of Honor! This is a well-deserved honor for all you accomplished and contributed to our department, CALS and the UofA. Enjoy retirement and I thank you for hiring me into the Department of Nutritional Sciences. It was a pleasure to work with you over these past few years.
– Tait
****
If you don’t have a dog in the hunt, you’ll never get anywhere – or – You gotta have a dog in the hunt to even be considered.
(When dealing with requests) Don’t let a man speak for you.
Kitt
Kitt Farrell-Poe, PhD Department Head, ABE
****
Joy,
It has been an honor to know you and to work with you over the years. You have always been willing to go out of your way to help out and answer my research questions. This includes coming to Wisconsin in the middle of the winter to help me and the folks in my lab folks after my accident when I was sick.
Your experience, knowledge, and your advice are without equal. You are always a great story teller, and although you are a great talker, you are a phenomenal listener. You have facilitated the optimal experience for numerous young people to make the best choices for their futures in science.
I am proud of you as a scientist, but even more so as a mentor.
Pam
Pam Kling MD, Professor of Pediatrics University of Wisconsin-Madison
****
Congratulations Joy!
Thank you for all of the opportunities you have provided me that served to foster and fulfill my undergraduate career. You are an inspiration to me from all of your achievements and contributions in the field and in our community.
Thank you for all the lessons you have taught me and for being the best mentor I could have had. I can honestly say your mentorship has had a positive impact in my life and to the success of my
future. You have touched my life as a mentor through your kindness and guidance, and I can never thank you enough.
I wish you a wonderful retirement and the very best in all of your future endeavors. Keep in touch
:-) I am always going to be just an e-mail, call, or text away!
Congratulations and best regards,
Theresa
Theresa N. Thai, BS
UA College of Medicine
MD Candidate, Class of 2019
****
You have been a Leader to a great team. Your guidance, teachings and leadership have been a great inspiration for who I am. I appreciate every moment we spend talking. I'll miss you tremendously when you decide to retire but know we will keep in contact.
Thank you for everything you've done! I wish you nothing but the best! Congratulations!
My best,
Cecilia Mazon
****
Joy,
I so deeply appreciate how you took a chance on me, a random dietetics student, wandering into your office one day and asking if it would be okay to work in your lab. No lab experience, not entirely sure if I'm in the right place but looking for "experience", majoring in dietetics rather than a stronger research field. You took me in anyway and had faith in me, and even pushed me to get grants and present at the EB conference that year. Thank you so much for all of your support and congratulations moving into your new endeavors!
Jamie Elliott
Assistant Director of Food and Nutrition Sunnyside Unified School District
****
Dear Joy,
It has been my pleasure to be your colleague in Nutritional Sciences, and your friend. Your leadership in the department was a major factor in our success. I was fortunate to inherit the top-performing unit in CALS, due to your stewardship and vision. And I have benefitted from your advice as I have tried to fill your shoes. I look forward to future Happy Hours, and wish you great success (and some rest) in your “retirement” endeavors.
With Admiration (and a little envy), Scott
Scott Going, PhD Department Head Nutritional Sciences
****
Joy…Congratulations on your many career achievements and best wishes for a new phase of life adventures in retirement.
You are a champion of people, visions and missions. Your personal and professional efforts have helped many people and advanced the mission of the Nutritional Sciences Department, CALS, the UA and your profession. It has been “a great ride” to be your colleague and friend for many years.
JOYISMS:
I agree this is a wonderful opportunity. Thanks for staying in the game with us.
I have the privilege of observing your efforts collectively, and we are moving forward because daily each of you is making important contributions such that we are all rowing in the same direction.
This would not have been possible without your unanimous support. I think this a win-win for all of us. Thank you.
Linda Houtkooper PhD, RDN, FACSM
Cooperative Extension Specialist – Professor
****
JOY-ISM’S
From Jana M. Hawley
Director, John and Doris Norton School of Family & Consumer Sciences
Dr. Joy Winzerling
MENTORSHIP
In the short time that we worked together, I quickly recognized that you were a mentor that I could rely on!
EMPOWERMENT FOR WOMEN
You were our leadership voice. You empowered us. We miss that.
SCHOLAR
Your comparative nutrition scholarship will continue to impact the world in which we live. Thank you for your lifelong contributions.
WORDS OF WISDOM AND “JOY”
Tides, Boats, Bones….you always made us smile.
EN”JOY” YOUR NEXT PHASE
Now you get to do whatever you want to do….Retirement means ‘choice’.
****
On behalf of all of us who have contributed to your induction into the UA Women’s Plaza of Honor, this booklet and celebration to honor you...THANK YOU!
Thank you for your inspiration, leadership, mentorship, friendship, motivation and dedication.
You are very special to each and every one of us.
Contributors:
The Department of Nutritional Sciences Faculty & Staff
CALS Career and Academic Services
Allison Vaillancourt
Irlanda Lagarda
Luz Vazquez
Alma Verdugo
Jamie Elliott
Malena Ortega
Ashlee Linares-Gaffer
Jana Hawley
Mike Staten
Carmen Candia
Janki & Dharti Bhakta
Monica Garcia
Carol Bender
Jeff Ratje
Nancy Driscoll
Cecilia Mazon
Jennifer Ricketts
Pam Kling
Cuquis Robles
Jennifer Teske
Pat Sparks
Daphne Pham
Julie Simons
Pete Kohlhepp
Dawn Geiser
Jurgen Gailer
Scott Going
Dean Shane Burgess
Karen Schumaker
Scottie Misner
DZ Zhang
Kay Hongu
Tait Hansen
Elaine Marchello
Kelly Jackson
Theresa Thai
Gabriela Ramos
Kirsten Limesand
Trudy Morrow
Gene Sander
Kitt Farrell-Poe
Valery Thompson
Guoli Zhou
Libor Grubhoffer
Vicky Wysocki
Helen Nichols
Linda Houtkooper