They say variety is the spice of life and that’s what Janessa Buchely enjoys about her job in geosciences and geological and petroleum engineering, or GGPE.

As an office support assistant, Janessa’s tasks range from updating the department’s website and coordinating GGPE’s social media presence to tracking donor gifts to programs and assisting with internal committees. Once COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed or eliminated, she will return to planning events for the department.

“What I enjoy most about working at S&T is the academic environment, and that it is always evolving,” she says. “There are always exciting new things happening, like celebrating S&T’s 150th and innovative research. I like working at an institution where I know it’s making a positive impact in the world.”

Outside of work, Janessa enjoys spending time with her family, baking, playing board games and being around water.

Janessa at a glance

Hometown: Rolla

Education: Bachelor’s degree in technical and digital fashion design from Stephens College

Favorite food: Tie between Mexican and breakfast foods

People are surprised to learn: Janessa has four brothers and four sisters.

Favorite accomplishment: “I’m most proud of staying true to myself,” she says. “With today’s plethora of media outlets for everyone’s opinions and influences to be shared, I think it takes extra courage to know who you are and what you bring to this world.”

Favorite S&T memory: Teaching as an adjunct lecturer for S&T’s intensive English program in 2016 and connecting with a group of students from Oman

Family: Husband, Mario Buchely, assistant research professor of materials science and engineering at S&T, and sons Carlos, 3, and Roman, 1.

About the Staff Spotlight

Missouri S&T’s Staff Council launched the staff spotlight feature in February 2019 as a way to highlight staff members throughout the university. Legends Bank, Au Bon Pain and the S&T Store are sponsors. The articles are published in eConnection and shared on Staff Council’s Facebook page.

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