VIMS

Technical Support

The Outstanding Classified Employee awards are chosen by nominations received by the Awards Committee from all faculty, staff, and students at VIMS. They are awarded in the categories of Facilities/Safety/Trades, Research and Advisory Service, Technical Support, and Administrative Support.

The winner of the 2008 Outstanding Classified Employee for Technical Support is Ms. Karen Hudson.

Karen Hudson shows oyster spat to a young visitor during the Smithsonian Institution's annual Folklife Festival on the National Mall in Washington D.C. in 2007.Karen’s position as Research Coordinator essentially makes everything that goes on at the Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center (ABC) her business, and more importantly, makes it Karen’s business to coordinate. Karen has a masterful way of communicating with everyone, with good cheer and humor, but maintaining an air of due diligence that evokes high expectations from everyone. She performs at the highest levels of independence and competence. She anticipates the needs of ABC and discharges our problems and conflicts. She has everyone’s ear.

In addition to her stature at ABC, she maintains excellent relations with colleagues and support personnel throughout VIMS. Karen is an ambassador for ABC and for VIMS in every arena: industry groups, Government agencies, and NGOs alike. From creating databases, to collecting and running samples, completing reports, training new employees, monitoring project progress, organizing social events, setting up our new aquaculture training program,  and analyzing and compiling data, nothing seems to be beyond her capabilities.

Karen is an outstanding asset to ABC and an outstanding employee at VIMS, and we are proud to honor her with this award.

Congratulations, Karen!