Amy Ossola-Phillips is the Director of the Research Service Center for Sciences and Engineering.
Please tell us about yourself.
I have been employed at UTSA for 12 years. Prior to that, I worked at UT Health San Antonio making my total UT System time 16 years. I have two children and two fur babies; all of whom are my world. I enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, and cooking (not baking!!). I love participating in festivals and events and always enjoy a good competition. I’m constantly bouncing around many different activities such as light gardening, crafts, painting, sewing, card games, reading, and playing Candy Crush – yes, I still play Candy Crush after all of these years. I’m also known for my humorous demeanor.
What is your job title and what do you do?
I am the Director of the Research Service Center for Sciences and Engineering. I oversee a team of ten and we assist faculty in the Colleges of Sciences and Engineering with their sponsored programs adminstration.
What is the best thing about your job?
The first, and ultimately best part of my job is my team! My team is amazing and is more than a team – we are a work family. This unit would not be able to accomplish the great work that we do without the amazing people in our team. The second best thing is the opportunity to support both the College of Engineering and the College of Sciences. Both colleges are amazing and I feel very fortunate that I am able to work with both. The third best thing is the faculty that we work with. Our faculty are continuously working on new and innovative research and are extremely supportive of the RSC. We care deeply about the successes of our faculty and it’s evident that faculty, in turn, care deeply about us. It’s a strong working relationship that we continue to foster year after year.
What is the song that best describes your personality?
Well… that is a bit difficulty. Most of the time, I am silly, extremely loud, but caring and affectionate. There is a reason for this… not only am I Italian (loud and constantly talking with my hands), my zodiac sign is Gemini. Based on that, I can go anywhere from country to hip hop to heavy metal to Tejano to disco. That should give you a clear picture of what you’re dealing with. 🙂 In all honesty, when it comes to UTSA, my personality shows my passion for the work that we do and my focus on making research happen at UTSA.
Share five words (or less) of advice.
I have several… but the most important ones are: Always keep learning and share your knowledge; One person cannot know it all; Always seek input, guidance, and suggestions.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Well, considering that keeps changing.. as of today, that is to visit Austria. I am a huge fan of The Sound of Music and must see the Vonn Trapp family home (in the movie) and the Basilica St. Michael church. This will always include singing “The Hills are Alive” at the top of the hills.
In your opinion, what is the greatest game in history?
The final game of the World Series in A League of Their Own. There are so many emotions in this movie, which is why I watch it over and over again.
Fill in the blank: I once met…
I make it a point to meet as many people as I can. I enjoy learning about cultures, food, and various places in the world. It’s not uncommon for me to strike up conversations with strainers walking away with new knowledge and inspiration. The beauty of working at UTSA is our opportunity to meet and work with people from all over the world. Diversity is such an important aspect in our lives and I’m thankful for having that opportunity.