Who's That Duck?
Laura Screen
Office Specialist, Oregon Institute of Marine Biology
Describe the work you do. I am the first point of contact for all visitors. I do invoicing, billing, student housing, create contracts and assign housing for all visiting groups, sell classroom supplies, collect and distribute mail, answer all incoming calls and questions, and much more.
Tell us about a professional success story that you’re proud of. OIMB has undergone some major changes and turnover in the last year with our operations manager and accountant retiring in the fall 2022. Since then, I have been completing all my regular administrative duties but taking on both of these roles while collaborating with our faculty, students and staff to make sure OIMB still completes our teaching and research missions. It has been a scramble but I’m proud to have been such an integral part of keeping OIMB afloat as we onboard new admin staff. We have since hired a new operations manager and an academic and accounting support team member. But I am still proud of this!
How do you help students or coworkers create a sense of belonging? OIMB is a small campus with a tight-knit group of faculty, staff and students. I am the first point of contact for visitors and new students, greeting people, corresponding with them about housing, meals and other accommodations. I strive to create an environment at OIMB that is welcoming and inclusive. This might involve decorating the administration building for various holidays or bringing my 165 lb. dog, a Great Pyrenees named Apollo, in for a visit during midterms and finals weeks as emotional support when students are stressed. The students love to come and visit with him, take him for walks or just lay on the ground with him.
What is a favorite spot on your campus (for coffee or to relax)? OIMB is a very small, beautiful campus. There are so many places that are amazing. My absolute favorite is the OIMB private beach located by the boathouse auditorium. I like to walk there on my breaks and listen to the sound of the waves crashing while overlooking the beauty of the bay and jetty.
What are you reading/watching/listening to these days? I have a very busy lifestyle outside of work. When not at OIMB, I am usually at a horse show, a 4-H event, my second job or at home (that we call the Coo Coo Nest) working on fencing and cleaning stalls. Lately, I have been helping my granddaughter who I raised since she was four study rodeo knowledge for her upcoming tryouts for the Coos County Fair and Rodeo Queen. She has since graduated from high school and spent the summer in Big Sky Montana as a wrangler at Lone Mountain Ranch (such an amazing adventure).
OIMB recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Laura Screen is a 2023 Outstanding Employee Award recipient.
—Second photo: Apollo takes his emotional support duties seriously. (Tiny dog for size comparison.)
—Bottom photo: Pacific Ocean view from the beach at OIMB.