By Bri Brands

Four College of Liberal Arts and Sciences staff members were recently recognized for their contributions to the college.

Greta Sokoloff, research scientist in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Matt Wortel, lab technician in the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability, were selected for the Mary Louise Kelley Staff Excellence Award. This annual award is given to those who have provided exceptional service, ideas that improve the work of the department or college, and contributions beyond their job description. 

Shonda Monette, administrator in the Department of Chemistry, and Tammy Siegel, administrative services specialist in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, were selected for the CLAS Leadership Award. This annual award is given to those who motivate and encourage those around them and promote development and inclusivity in the work environment.

Read more about each award recipient, their impact, and what being selected means to them.

Greta Sokoloff

Greta Sokoloff, research scientist in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, has been working in CLAS since 2011. On top of being a researcher, she tries to provide support, assistance, and instruction to others. 

"I really like to have conversations with people about what their goals and plans are for the future," she said. "A lot of people who are young are very ambitious and very accomplished, but they haven't really had the time or the experience to think about what they want to do next. I like to allow myself to be a sounding board for them." 

Department chair Mark Blumberg wrote in a nomination letter that Sokoloff routinely goes above and beyond what is expected.

"Over and over, she has proven herself an irreplaceable member of my lab and a valuable citizen within the department, college, and university,” Blumberg added. 

Sokoloff said she is grateful for the recognition, as it acknowledges her work and the efforts she makes outside of her job description.

Matt Wortel 

Matt Wortel, facilities coordinator in the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability has worked in CLAS for 18 years, overseeing a variety of projects and operations.  

As a University of Iowa alum, Wortel has been with the university in one capacity or another for over 25 years. Wortel said he loves working closely with students and being an unofficial teacher for them in the lab setting and employing undergraduate students as assistants.  

"It's the highlight of my day when I get to leave my workshop and visit with our classes to help keep people on track with their physical instrumentation and help them learn the basics of it—basically, everything you wanted to know but were too afraid to ask your teacher," he said. 

Professor David Peate wrote in a nomination letter that Wortel's job performance goes far beyond normal expectations for someone in his position, including taking on many new responsibilities.  

"Matt is well-known for his 'can do/will do' attitude and aptitude for getting challenging things done," Peate added. 

Shonda Monette 

Shonda Monette, administrator in the Department of Chemistry, has been working in CLAS for over 20 years. She values having a good relationship with her partners outside of the department.  

As a member of the CLAS Staff Council and the CLAS Administrative Leadership Team, Monette exhibits her values daily by staying engaged within the college and department and working closely with other leaders within the department. 

Department chair Renée S. Cole wrote in a nomination letter that Monette has strong leadership abilities and a positive impact on everyone around her. 

"Shonda sets the tone for the staff in the department. She is the ultimate team leader," Cole wrote, adding how Monette always takes initiative and works well with the team.  

Monette said she appreciates being recognized for her hard work. 

"When someone recognizes that you're giving your all, that you're doing your best, that you're putting your best forward, it makes it worth it,” Monette said.

Tammy Siegel 

Tammy Siegel, administrative services specialist in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, has been working in CLAS for over 20 years. Every day, she tries to lead by example and emulate traits she admires in her colleagues, including patience, dedication, positivity, integrity, empathy, and emotional support. 

"All of these are fundamental traits of good leadership, and I hope I can inspire others in similar ways," she said. 

Heather Roth, administrative services coordinator in the department, said Siegel is an excellent leader who sets a high standard of integrity and inspires those around her. 

"Tammy is deeply committed to professional development, always supporting her team in achieving their career goals," Roth wrote in a nomination letter. "She provides guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback with grace, helping others grow both professionally and personally. Her ability to balance leadership with genuine care makes her an exceptional mentor and role model." 

Siegel cares deeply about her job, and the award is a reflection of the way she feels about her role and her teammates in the department. 

"When you're happy, hopefully you can spread that joy to others and you become more than a team," she said. "You become friends who care a lot about each other and the whole team works beautifully together."