The Office of Research Services (ORS) is comprised of a diverse portfolio of services that support the NIH mission. In this new section — I AM ORS, we showcase the exceptional employees behind these vital programs, spotlighting not only the important role they provide, but the opportunity to get to know them on a personal level too.
Linda Owen truly believes she works on the campus of hope, and some may say that hope begins with the children on campus. She joined NIH after an established career in the education sector as the executive director of private, non-profit child care centers and as a community college instructor. Today, she is the Program Specialist with the Division of Amenities and Transportation Services (DATS) Child and Family Programs team, providing support and technical assistance to the three area NIH-sponsored child care centers that serve more than 500 children. Each center provides a unique learning experience and is held to the highest standards of quality. The NIH Child and Family Programs team works with the centers to ensure they consistently provide quality and affordable care that follows Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care Licensing Standards, as well as maintaining accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Linda is a proud mother of two young adults, an active volunteer in early childhood professional organizations in Montgomery County, and keeps busy with her hobbies - playing bridge, practicing yoga, and traveling. This summer she and her family will tour a number of European cities.
If you're a commuter, you might park your car in garage MLP 10, and if make your way into Building 31, you will certainly walk by the Division of the Police. Inside that office, you'll meet Tynese Harris, a project assistant. Tynese exudes a positive energy and you'll see that when you meet her. "I'm just being my authentic self," she says. A high school graduate of a small Pennsylvania high school, Tynese began her career in Federal Government service with the U.S. Secret Service at James J. Rowley Training Center in Beltsville, Maryland. During her 10-year tenure, she scheduled all student training for special agents, counter assault team, canine and uniformed division officers. In 2015, she was hired at the Division of Police, Guard Force Operations Branch, as a Security Assistant, later to become a Program Assistant to the Police Operations Branch. She is a family focused person, with the ability to find the good in everybody. If she feels that there might be negativity in any conversation, she politely excuses herself and simply states, "That's not my ministry." She believes that words hold power and we can attest to that. So bring your good energy and a smile when you say hello to Tynese.
Armed with a neurology and physiology degree, Erina He is a graphic illustrator for the Medical Arts Branch. As a biomedical visualizer, she is driven not only to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively but also to depict them in a visually exciting manner. She is passionate about the world at the molecular level and strives to show a world that has yet to be seen. Erina has created many covers, animations, and other graphics that keep her very busy throughout the year. Born in China, growing up in Japan, living in Canada, receiving a degree in Neuroscience and Physiology from the University of California - San Diego and a Masters in Biomedical Communications from the University of Toronto - Mississauga, she is a well-traveled and energetic individual who looks forward to the new projects coming to her desk every day. She was recently the illustrator selected for the January 2018 cover for the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
If being early is on time, then that would be the model that Vincent Burton follows every day. Vincent works for the Division of Radiation Safety, Materials Control and Analysis Branch, serving as the team lead of the physical science techs. The Division of Radiation Safety is a scientific resource to the Intramural Research community. They specialize in radiation safety, regulatory compliance, and risk management for biomedical, clinical and translational research efforts. By conducting a successful radiation safety program, Vincent proudly contributes for the benefit of all. He is a 2013 Winner of the NIH Mission First Always, Safety Always Award recognizing his leadership, innovation and involvement in his organization's safety culture. A local from Glen Burnie, Vincent has over 30 years of experience and keeps a pretty busy schedule. In addition to keeping us safe here at NIH, he is also a minister at a Maryland community church.
