Pedro Aloise, Faculty Operations Manager
Nov 3, 2015
Work Learn student Jennifer Wu sat down with Pedro Aloise to discuss the intricacies of managing the operations for a 48 year old laboratory and classroom building, H.R. MacMillan, as well as other Faculty stations on campus, including the FNH Building, UBC Farm, and Totem Field.
How does your new role as the Faculty Operations Manager differ from your previous role as the Senior Supervisory Technician in Food, Nutrition and Health?
In many ways the role is similar, in the sense that I will be in charge of operations and repairs related in the MacMillan building instead of at FNH. But in this new role I’m also supervising several technicians (both at FNH and MacMillan), and other staff at the greenhouse and Totem Field as well.
I understand that you hold a PhD in Biochemistry and a Master of Science from New York University, and a Biochemistry Degree from the University of Buenos Aires. How has this academic knowledge helped you in your previous position as the Senior Supervisory Technician, and your current position as the Faculty Operations Manager?
My background, plus some industrial experience in Food Processing, helped me in my previous position because I was already familiar with some of the pilot scale processing equipment at the Food Sci Pilot plant. In addition, I was also familiar with several analytical instruments found in the Food Science and Nutrition labs. I also have experience working with purchasing budgets, equipment repairs, external labs.
What do you like most about working in the Faculty of LFS?
The variety of work done by the Faculty, from plant science to soil, nutrition, animal welfare, etc.
What does a regular workday look like for you?
I start by checking email and making a priority list of any issues that are affecting LFS operations, from a building wide electrical shut down to smaller items like transferring furniture from one building to another. Dealing with any safety or security issues affecting any of the LFS units on campus. Basically helping students and staff work through any issues that will keep things running smoothly in any areas of research and teaching.
During workdays, do you prefer to bring your own lunch or purchase lunch on campus? What do you like to pack when you bring your own lunch, and where do you usually purchase lunch from on campus?
I generally bring my own lunch and pack something that I can eat quickly in case I am busy all day.
Is there a restaurant in Vancouver that you would recommend/is your favourite?
Banana Leaf on Broadway (Malaysian cuisine).
What does a non-workday typically look like for you?
Catching up with stuff at home, connect with family, and playing/watching sports.
Of all the places you have travelled to so far, where would you go back to again and why?
I would go back to Spain. I was only a few days there and would like to explore the roads less travelled. I love the food, the people and the weather.