Staff Employee Spotlight: Elizabeth Flynn
Elizabeth "Lizzy" Flynn is the manager of the Assay and Analytical Core. She began working at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) as a Researcher II in the department. Over the last 15 years, she has gradually transitioned into her current position. She joined the department in hopes of fulfilling scientific curiosity and gaining hands-on research experience. As the core manager, Lizzy provides support for various enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA), molecular and chemical analyses, and radioimmunoassays.
There are many reasons that Lizzy loves working in the department, but perhaps the best reasons she states "are the people like Dr. Barbara Alexander, Kary Sims and Catherine Kaime." Lizzy enjoys the diversity of work she encounters each day and the appreciation shown to her by her colleagues.
When asked, Dr. Alexander had the following to say about Lizzy, "Lizzy joined the Assay Core as Lab Manager a few years ago. Lizzy is a phenomenal employee! Not only is she a joy to work with, but she has maintained the high caliber of analytical analyses provided to core users and she was instrumental in our transition to an online core management system."
Kary Sims, manager of research operations for the department, is another colleague of Lizzy's. She describes Lizzy as a team player, and one of Physiology's most knowledgeable and experienced members. She goes on to say, "Lizzy has been involved in different areas of the department, from labs, to now managing one of our core facilities. She has wealth of information and a "go-to" person when a question arises. Lizzy is a nice person and always has a moment to speak and check in with everyone. I think she is a wonderful choice to highlight. Thank you, Lizzy, for all you do!"
"I have interacted with Lizzy for over 9 years and have always admired her positive approach to her job," said Catherine Kaime, former Project Manager for the Cardiorenal and Metabolic Disease Research Center and Mississippi Center for Obesity Research. "She is always a pleasure to work with and very knowledgeable. We have worked together on several projects and she has gone over and above and always with a positive attitude and encouragement. Lizzy's love for her family is what makes it worthwhile working around her because she is always supportive and a great listener."
Lizzy and her partner, Preston, have been together for over 15 years. They reside in Florence, where they raise their 4 children, Maia (4), Elliot (5), Leland (11) and Celeste (19). Celeste is currently studying Forensic Science at the University of Southern Mississippi.
When Lizzy is not spending time with her family, she enjoys reading, counted cross stitch, puzzles, walking and anything true crime.
