What do you most enjoy about working at Missouri S&T?
I enjoy working with the students. They are so fun and engaging.

What is your proudest accomplishment while working here?
I’ve only been here at S&T for 15 months. I feel most proud when a student compliments me on my responsiveness or helpfulness. That’s why I’m here.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a new CEC staff member?
I would tell new staff members to be themselves while remembering that the students are why we are here.

What advice would you have for a struggling student?
I would acknowledge the struggle; it’s real! Then, I would ask what the student thought was the root cause of the struggle. There are so many avenues to receive help here on campus. Academically, there’s the Learning Enhancement Across Disciplines (LEAD) program, the Physics Learning Center (PLC), Student Success Center, Knack tutoring and more. In terms of a student’s headspace, there’s Student Well-being, JED and more. The last piece of advice for a struggling student would be being able to identify that you need help is a sign of strength and not weakness. Asking for help is not a flaw.

What is something people may be surprised to learn about you?
I’ve been blessed with 10 grandchildren. Watching them grow is an excellent pastime. I’m happy to model a love of the outdoors, cheering for the Cardinals and Packers and, of course, snuggling up with a book.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
If I had a superpower, it would be to end hunger. So many people struggle to receive enough to eat — even in the United States. If people had enough to eat, lives would be simpler. Simple is better.

MORE ABOUT NORMA-GENE
Position title: Academic advisor for electrical and computer engineering
Years of service at S&T: 15 months
Hometown: Browns Mills, New Jersey
Favorite food: Spaghetti
Favorite book: There are too many great authors to have just one favorite.

About Q&A with CEC
Staff members in the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) have great stories and deserve to be highlighted. This feature is one way to recognize them.