Staff Profile

Meet the Staff: Kat Byrnes

Photo of Kat Byrnes, a Division of the Humanities staff member

More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.

Kat Byrnes
Administrator, Academic Affairs
Office of the Dean

What do you like most about your job?

I really enjoy the cyclical nature of my job. My previous positions didn't follow the academic year, and all duties happened at all times with little breathing room. It's exciting to follow the progression of a search and see the culmination of everyone's hard work. I'm looking forward to learning more about and working closely with the various departments.

What was the last good book you read?

I loved reading Always Human: A Graphic Novel by Ari North. The art is vibrant, the story warm and engaging; it was delightful watching the two protagonists grow and learn from each other. It has inspired me to pick up drawing again after a couple of years and experiment with different art styles.

You might work with me if …

… You are a Department Administrator, on a faculty search committee, or have questions about academic onboarding.

If you didn’t have to worry about money, what project or experience would you pursue?

I would want to build a quiet nature retreat. There wouldn't be any cars or other city noise nearby, and I'd have a place to relax among a canopy of trees, blooming flowers, and small wildlife creatures. I'd probably never leave from that spot.

 

March 22, 2024

Meet the Staff: Stephen Carver

Stephen Carver Headshot

More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.

Stephen Carver
Department Administrator
Slavic Languages and Literatures

What do you like most about your job?

I enjoy interacting with dynamic thinkers regularly. Almost every day, I have the opportunity to meet amazing staff, faculty, and students and read about some of the groundbreaking ideas and research coming from our university community. I work in a welcoming and supportive department, and I feel truly fortunate to be able to contribute to the successes of our programs.

What was the last good book you read?

I just finished reading Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein. After several recurring instances of misidentification with the more conspiratorially minded activist, Naomi Wolf, Klein explores the idea of “shadow versions” of the self. The book covers a broad range of topics including identity, polarization, alienation, and the perils of personal branding in a technologically saturated age. I found it to be a timely and compelling book.

You might work with me if …

You would like to co-sponsor an event with the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures. You would like to cross list your course with our department. You are a faculty member, student, or a visitor with scholarly interests in East European or Eurasian Studies.

What are some hobbies and interests that you are passionate about outside of work?

I am a lifelong musician. I conduct, play the piano, and sing, and I enjoy performing all over the Chicago area during my free time. I am also an avid cook and baker who likes to bring goodies to work.

 

February 28, 2024

Meet the Staff: Salma Tahrani

More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.

Salma Tahrani
Department Assistant
Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations

What do you like most about your job?

My job gives me the chance to work with many people from different backgrounds. As a people person, I really appreciate that. I feel lucky to be surrounded by great, smart faculty, staff, and students. I also love the event planning part of my job, as I like to get creative, and I feel very satisfied when I see people enjoying the events and everything going well.

What was the last good book you read?

The last good book I read was Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza. It is an amazing book that helps you create the life you choose by connecting science and spirituality. Dispenza is like a life coach who walks you through a step-by-step process to change what you don't like about yourself or your life.

You might work with me if …

You are a prospective student and have general inquiries about the department.
You are NELC student taking your comprehensive exams.
You are planning any event with NELC.
You want to cross-list your course with NELC .
You want to share announcements with the NELC community.
You are part of the NELC community and need to make any updates on our website or to post news stories.

What knowledge, skills, beliefs, or values do you currently possess that allow you to manage complex situations?

To manage any complex situation, I try to divide it into smaller pieces. I work on the parts I can control and try to accept what I cannot.

January 11, 2024

Meet the Staff: Isaac Rainey

Isaac Rainey headshot

More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.

Isaac Rainey
Department Administrator
South Asian Languages and Civilizations

What do you like most about your job?

I have had jobs in the past where I wasn't sure anything was even resulting from my hard work. That is not the case since I became the administrator for the South Asian Languages and Civilizations (SALC) department. I know that my work means that courses happen, events take place, and that faculty and students have their needs met. I enjoy being a part of processes that produce some of the best scholarship on South Asia in the world. Everyone at SALC has been so warm, welcoming, and kind, and I am very fortunate to be here.

What was the last good book you read?

The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber and David Wengrow was my favorite book in 2023. It refutes many of the narratives shoe-horned into pre-history by pop history and pop anthropology that argue that inequality is inherently baked into civilizations and presents a more evidence-based explanation for the existence of many highly organized societies that lacked strict hierarchies. It is difficult to be brief in discussing this book, and many are not as thrilled with it as I am. However, it has certainly electrified archaeology and anthropology, which has led to some very interesting debates and discussions.

You might work with me if …

If you work with SALC at any time, you will likely communicate with me at some point.

What's the most exciting thing you've learned in your current position?

Generally, how the university runs. Being a department administrator is a good position to become familiar with many corners of the university.

January 2, 2024

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