Our November 2024 NUSAC Member Spotlight is Alex Steinberg, Senior Program Coordinator, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Name: Alex Steinberg
Title: Senior Program Coordinator
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrasteinbergil/
Unit and School/College: Feinberg School of Medicine
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2019
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2024
Why did you join NUSAC? I joined NUSAC because it offers the opportunity to represent colleagues’ interests, influence organizational decisions, and contribute to a positive work environment.
What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC? That it EXISTS! Most of my closest colleagues had no idea what NUSAC was before I joined.
What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? I’m passionate about enhancing the NU experience for staff through improved onboarding processes by instituting a one to two-day institutional onboarding session before new hires join their departments. This comprehensive approach ensures consistency in introducing Northwestern’s mission, values, and culture to all employees right from the start. It covers essential policies, procedures, and resources, fosters early networking, and emphasizes diversity and inclusion initiatives. Streamlining departmental onboarding allows new hires to integrate faster and feel more prepared for their roles, ultimately contributing to a more positive and supportive work environment at NU.
What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? What I find most enjoyable about my work at Northwestern University is the culture of collaboration that permeates every aspect of the institution. Whether it’s within my immediate team or across departments, there’s a genuine spirit of cooperation and shared goals. Collaborating with colleagues brings fresh perspectives and diverse expertise, enriching our projects and initiatives. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how pooling our strengths leads to innovative solutions and positive outcomes that benefit our students, faculty, and the broader community. This collaborative environment not only fosters professional growth but also creates a sense of camaraderie and mutual support that makes every day at Northwestern fulfilling and inspiring.
What is a little-known fun fact about you? Pottery is more than just a hobby for me; it’s a passion that provides a creative outlet and a deep sense of fulfillment. Working with clay on the wheel allows me to immerse myself in a tactile and therapeutic process where I can shape and mold something beautiful from scratch. From centering the clay to trimming and glazing, each step requires patience, precision, and creativity.