The Epidemiology Staff Award recognizes an exceptional staff member who has made valuable contributions to the culture, environment, and/or scientific research in the Epidemiology Program of the Public Health Sciences Division at Fred Hutch.
November 2024 Awardee: Kari Dempewolf
“Kari is one of the first ‘faces’ every new staff member meets. I think of her as the glue that holds our department together as she assists every single one of us, which is no easy job … She continues to grow in her role and in doing so, helps create a team environment for our department.”
“Kari is a crucial member of the Epi Team and should be recognized for all her hard work, dedication, flexibility, and support of both faculty and staff. There are few people who interact with almost everyone in the Epi department. Kari is always willing to jump in, help, show someone how to do something … all with a smile ... Kari is also willing to learn new skills and take on additional tasks to grow her skill set. Kari in her short time here has become a go-to person for just about everything. Epi would literally be lost without her knowledge and help.”
May 2024 Awardee: Nancy Blythe
"Nancy is approachable and offers invaluable advice to her peers. Her ability to listen attentively and provide insightful guidance fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment, making her an invaluable asset to our team. She consistently demonstrates creativity and innovative thinking in approaching challenges. Her ability to think outside the box brings fresh perspectives to our projects, leading to enhanced outcomes and solutions."
"Nancy is the charismatic backbone of the Epidemiology Program. She never shies away from a challenging task, and her door is always open for questions and curiosities no matter what is on her plate. Nancy has a vested interest in everyone's professional and personal development in the program and is a cheerleader for us all. She is a dynamic team member who is willing to take the lead, mentor others, and be a key player in any project … Nancy brings a vibrant, cheerful atmosphere to the office, and we are so lucky to have her!"