Find out who can solve a Rubik’s Cube in under a minute, who considers themselves to be an “enthusiast laxer,” and who wants to travel to the Medusa Nebula.
We’re excited to welcome our new hires to UPMC Enterprises. Get to know seven new coworkers through their answers to a list of fun questions.
Julie Dice, Data Engineer/Data Engineering
How did you get into the industry?
My background is in molecular biology, so I used to work on the clinical side. While I was working in the old Molecular Diagnostics lab at UPMC Presbyterian hospital, I became the superuser for our new LIMS system, and the IT team I worked with convinced me to apply to “the other side of things.” Here I am 10 years later, fresh out of Cerner and eRecord land.
Do you have any kids? Any pets?
I do, and it’s going to sound like a mini-farm by the time I’m done explaining it. My oldest, Regan (20), and her cat are now at West Virginia University, and it’s still sinking in that I have a child out of her teens. Summer (13) and Cullen (6) are my other two kids. We also have a crazy Saint Bernard puppy and three more cats. Outside, we have chickens and a rescue chukar in the coop, and sometimes ducks and quails, too. During the summer, we usually have a toad collection. There is NOT a teacup pig — and I hear about it constantly.
If any musician or band could give you a personal concert, who would it be?
Nirvana. I’m a 90s chick! And half the people I know who read this will be shocked I didn’t say Pearl Jam.
Amitabh Kumar, Senior Software Engineer, MyUPMC
Are you a Pittsburgh local or did you grow up elsewhere?
I grew up in India and moved to Pittsburgh a couple of years back.
Which is better: board games or video games?
I find board games better than video games because they have some added physical and mental advantages both. Also, apart from the mental challenges, board games do a great job of keeping players connected socially.
What’s your favorite quote from a movie or TV series?
There are many, but this quote from “Spiderman” is the most relevant: “With great power comes great responsibility.”
Wenyan Wang, hcOS Operations
How did you get into the industry?
I worked as a senior software engineer at McKesson Automation in 2010 developing central fill pharmacy systems and the supply chain systems which served over 70 percent of large hospitals and pharmacies in North America. Later, I worked as a lead software engineer at PNC bank on ATM software, Visa transfers, and lending products (including collateral lending, auto loans, etc.).
Are you a Pittsburgh local or did you grow up elsewhere?
I have been living in Pittsburgh for over 16 years. I won’t get lost without a GPS.
What’s in your perfect meal?
A traditional Chinese New Year feast including dumplings, fish, pork, chicken, beef, and hotpot.
Annie Collipp, Software Engineer Intermediate, MyUPMC
Are you a Pittsburgh local or did you grow up elsewhere?
I grew up in Doylestown, PA, which is about an hour outside of Philadelphia.
Do you have any kids? Any pets?
I have three cats! Link, Kitty Junior, and Rupert.
Do you have an unusual talent or hobby?
I can do a Rubik’s cube in about one minute.
Jamie Bauersmith, Vice President, Translational Sciences
Are you a Pittsburgh local or did you grow up elsewhere?
I am not a Pittsburgh local — Philly born and bred — but married a Pittsburgh girl, Emily, who convinced me to overcome my sports-rooted angst and move to the Burgh. We have lived here for over seven years after living in Germany for a stint. Despite my Philly roots, I must admit that we have loved living in the Burgh where we are raising our three sons (Ryan, Will, and Reed) along with our two dogs in Sewickley.
Do you have an unusual talent or hobby?
I wouldn’t call it unusual per se, but years ago when we moved to the Pittsburgh area, I started a youth lacrosse program with a fellow enthusiast “laxer” in our town. It has been an absolute joy to watch the program flourish and to see the kids mature into great young men at the local high school where they carry on the passion for the sport.
Where in the universe would you like to visit someday?
To a planet where some form of intelligent life exists. Given the scope of the universe, it would seem almost mathematically improbable for there not to be some form of intelligent life that existed that we could connect with, learn from, and share perspectives.
Charlie Cairone, hcOS Product Analyst
Where in the universe would you like to visit someday?
I find earth sufficiently fascinating/terrifying without intergalactic travel. That being said: the Medusa Nebula.
What makes you a geek (if you consider yourself one)?
Dark Souls lore. I would say “don’t even ask,” but honestly, I spend most of my time waiting for someone to ask me about Dark Souls lore, so please do ask.
Which is better: board games or video games?
This is a false dichotomy, and I reject the premise.
Dan Tarpey, Director, Digital Solutions
Are you a Pittsburgh local or did you grow up elsewhere?
I grew up in a military family and moved frequently as a child. I went to high school in Massachusetts and that is where the majority of my extended family lives. I carry New England sports allegiances which I have been told may impact my popularity and social standing in Pittsburgh.
Do you have any kids? Any pets?
My wife, Molly, and I have two children and one dog. Our son, Oliver, turns three next week and our daughter, Matilda, is 6 months old. Our dog, Mayva (King Charles Cavalier Spaniel), is the oldest “child” at age 12.
What makes you a geek (if you consider yourself one)?
I enjoy science fiction and fantasy novels, shows, and movies, which probably qualifies me as a geek. My favorite set of books remains “The Lord of the Rings.” I am also a fan of the “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels (the “Game of Thrones” books), and I am patiently waiting for the next novel in the series to be published.
