Linda Richards could be called a catalyst in the chemistry department’s reactions.
Richards received a 10 Year University Service Award at the College Awards Banquet on February 6, 2015, for her work as Chemistry Central Stockroom Receiving Manager.
Before Richards came to BYU’s chemistry stockroom, she worked at Utah State University’s Vernal campus as the science lab manager, where she prepared the solutions, supplies, cultures, and media needed in the chemistry and microbiology labs.
“I was very blessed to find my current job here at the BYU chemistry department,” she said. She said she is also grateful for the experience she gained at USU-Vernal.
“Although I don’t currently prep for labs, that practical experience has served me well in my current job,” she said.
As the chemistry stockroom receiving manager, Richards oversees the receiving and delivering of all the freight that arrives on campus for the chemistry department and the stockroom, a task with many facets. Richards also manages the stockroom’s liquid nitrogen system and compressed gas cylinder inventory, and she orders specialty cylinders and liquid helium for researchers.
A large part of her job is training and overseeing 10 to 12 student employees, and she said working with students is one of the most rewarding things she does.
“I love the people I work with,” she said. “It’s been wonderful to get to know so many outstanding student employees, and then to see them go on with their studies and professions and having their own families.”
Richards has been doing exemplary work at CPMS for a long time. In 2011, she received the President’s Appreciation Award at the Annual University Conference for exceptional service, creativity, and competence.
Richards said that receiving that award is one of her most memorable experiences during her time at BYU.
“That was a great honor,” she said.