Physical Plant Employees Focus on Microscope's Successful Operation
UTSA has the distinction of being one of only five institutions in North America known to have a research-grade JEOL 1230 transmission electron microscope (TEM), an important tool in the advancement of the university's research efforts, particularly in neurobiology.
The sophisticated instrument replaced an aging electron microscope once housed in the same area, located in Science Building Room 1.01,30. To accommodate the high-powered scope, the facility needed a substantial amount of renovation, particularly to the electrical circuitry and ventilation system.
That task fell largely to members of the university's physical plant staff, who also maintain the many electrical connections and essential cooling equipment systems. By all accounts, the crews have done an outstanding job.
In a letter to Facilities Services Director George Morales, former TEM facility supervisor Allen Angel commended the physical plant staff for their "swift response and fine craftsmanship," which enabled the project to proceed with "minimal setbacks."
"Your workers have continued to support this laboratory by performing first-class work as needed. When complications arose, your dispatchers at work control--Brenda Tamayo, Kim Brandt and Jean Browning--were a pleasure to interact with. And most often, the response was rapid," Angel wrote.
"Paul Genz and Armando Apolinar, under the direction of Raymond Casiano, continue to address our plumbing needs, and without them, this laboratory would not be operational. Lorenzo Olvera and Juan Garcia have remedied most of our cooling problems and are currently finalizing work orders to correct a malfunctioning chiller.
"Special thanks to Ron Christosoletti, who saved us many times when emergencies arose. Cliff Fletcher, Rudy Kutach and Ken Kossaeth contributed many hours to ensuring that our electrical connections were correct and safe.
"Turning this laboratory back into a modern, functional transmission electron microscopy facility would not have been possible without the continued high standards and work ethics of the UTSA physical plant employees.
"UTSA should be very proud of these fine employees whose actions are critical to the daily and future operation of this fine university"
Added Morales, "I think Allen Angel has expressed it very well. Our physical plant staff strive to maintain high standards of service, and it is very rewarding to have such positive feedback.