Meet CTSI Team Member Gloria Müller Jacobs

Published: December 2, 2024

Gloria Müller Jacobs

Where were you born?
I was born in Lima, Perú. It is where I call home.

Any pets?
I have three pets: Pisco, our kind and loving Maltipoo and two Russian tortoises named Rex and Shelly—names chosen by my younger son.

When did you start at UM?
I first started in a temp position as an Enrollment Reader in August of 2021. Then I was hired as a full-time Office Manager at the Department of Biomedical Engineering in the Coral Gables Campus in February of 2023.

What is your current role?
My current role is Departmental Grant Accountant, part of the Finance team at the CTSI.  I am responsible for monitoring all non-payroll financial research administration activities.  It encompasses approving, reconciling and tracking research administration and operational expenditures across all CTSI programs to ensure costs are allowable and in compliance with University, State and Federal policies.

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about many things. The first one is being a mother of my two sons. I am raising them to be kind, compassionate, and responsible global citizens—individuals who champion meaningful causes, prioritize values and empathy over personal gain, and look beyond superficial appearances.

I am also passionate about our planet, trying to be conscious and consequential with my actions to minimize my environmental impact. I am committed to recycling, and I try to avoid styrofoam and plastic. The impact may be small, but it’s my contribution.

What makes you laugh out loud?
Playing catch with our dog Pisco makes me laugh, especially when he tries to gather all his favorite toys at once. He has to decide which one to fetch as I throw them all at the same time.

What are you curious about?
Genetics. I think it is fascinating how we end up with a particular set of genes. I like to think of it as if we chose them. Each of us, chose the combination we need to embrace whatever it is we need to accomplish in this life.

With your current life experience, what is something you would tell your younger self?
Take more leisure time. Not every minute needs to be efficient. Not every task needs to be checked off the list before taking time to relax. Allow yourself to enjoy more. The little things are the most important.

Favorite time of year in Florida and why?
November through March because I get to spend time outdoors, biking with my boys, finding trees to climb or having picnics.

What is a place you would like to visit and why?
Lake Oswego, Oregon. I heard about it from a faculty member who goes there regularly. I have seen pictures, and it looks like heaven on earth.

What are you streaming or what are you reading right now?
I am reading a book called La Trenza by Laetitia Colombani. I suggested it to my book club, and they love it too. We have been reading together for the past 6 years, and I am always looking forward to our next meeting.