Elizabeth Simmons, professor of physics/dean, and her spouse, Sekhar Chivukula, professor of physics were recently interviewed by MSU's Office of Diversity and Inclusion an how they balance their personal and professional responsibilities. They speak of the diversity of MSU's community and its dedication to serving the state and the world through outreach and engagement.  The opportunity for both of them to have faculty appointments at the same university was an important factor in their decision to come to Michigan State six years ago.

 

Elizabeth and Sekhar have two children, who are now 18 & 10. Now that their children are a little older, the pair can travel together for work. The couple are presently on sabbatical, doing research at Princeton University.

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Just about a year ago Patricia Weiss, an animal science major at Michigan State University's Lyman Briggs College, dusted off her father's old bicycle and entered the world of competitive cycling.  She still remembers how exhausting her first race was.  She didn't do as well as hoped, but instead of being discouraged, Weiss decided that she was going to train harder. She saved up and bought a new OCR2 carbon bicycle and found other women riders who have taught her that cycling isn't just about endurance, it's about teamwork and strategy. Committing to a demanding training program is a pretty ambitious goal considering the rigors of her academic program, but Weiss is determined not only to make it work, but to find some way to integrate these two loves into her life.  She recently joined Team Giant of Michigan.  She says, "It is a pretty serious racing team, so I have some big peddles to fill."