Meet CTSI Team Member Patty Atkinson

Published: February 20, 2024

Where were you born?
Maryland

Where do you call home?
Tough question. I lived in North Carolina for quite a while. I went to college there. I have family there so I visit often. I think I feel most at home in Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Although I wasn’t born in western NC, every time I go it feels like I am where I should be. It’s a special place for me.

Any pets?
None right now. I lost my 16-year old black lab Cassie some time ago. She was the best! Although she can’t be replaced, I hope to get another dog soon.

How long have you been at UM?
Time flies! It’s been 27 years. I’ve worked on all three main campuses, and I’ve always been in research support. I’m not a scientist, and I’m not in the lab, but I like to do what I can to further research and make the world a better place. Hopefully one day there will be a cure for cancer or Alzheimer’s, and I will know I had a small part in that.

What is your current role?
For the past two years I have been UM’s Research Navigator. It is a new kind of support for researchers. I provide personal, concierge-style assistance to guide researchers to the resources they need so they can do their research. Whatever it is they need to get their research done – I help them find it. I work with researchers on all of UM’s campuses. My goal is to provide accurate answers to their questions, and to get them to the best resource out there as quickly as I can. I don’t send them to a website or a shared mailbox, I find the right person for them to reach out to for what they need. This is the best role I’ve had at UM! I love it because I get to use my experience, and every day is different. Plus I’m learning something new all the time!

What are you passionate about?
Great food (and coffee). I love small local restaurants doing their own unique thing – a fancy diner, Detroit-style pizza, Italian meets Japanese, growing your own food, roasting coffee beans, etc. My motto is I’ll try anything once.

Books. I love books. I always have! I volunteered in the school library when I was in elementary school, and I worked in libraries in high school and college. I’ve collected books for as long as I can remember too. One of my favorite things is to stroll through a bookstore, pick up something new, grab a coffee, and spend my day sitting outside reading.

What makes you laugh out loud?
I’m not sure. A funny tv show, but those are hard to find.

What are you curious about?
Learning more about architecture, archaeology, world history.

Describe a favorite Miami memory from your past.
I’m a huge U2 fan. I go to see them every time they tour. One year I found out Bono was going to be at a charity event in the Design District. I went there after work and waited outside the building until he came out. He stopped and talked to all the fans on the sidewalk and signed autographs before he got in the huge SUV waiting to take him away. I talked to Bono!

What is the most physically challenging thing you have ever done?
Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. There was snow at the top of the rim in the morning, and it was hot, sunny, and 85 degrees at the bottom of the canyon. I made it to the bottom, but getting back up and out of there was a huge challenge. If I hadn’t heard the buses at the top, I probably would have given up the hike and still be there now.

With your current life experience, what is something you would tell your younger self?
Two things – you don’t need to be a perfectionist, and experiences are what life is about not things. Do things instead of buying things.

Favorite time of year in Florida?
January-March. It’s finally not too hot and buggy, and I can go outside and do things.

What is a place you would like to visit and why?
Sedbergh, England. I’ve traced my family tree back to the 1600’s and my ancestors came from there. I’d like to see where they lived.

What are you streaming or what are you reading right now?
I’m kind of obsessed with the first season of The Buccaneers. I love historical dramas and this one is just different. Also bought the Edith Wharton book recently.