2009 Recipient - Haley Linklater
Technician Gross Anatomy Laboratory
Video of presentation of Western Award of Excellence to Haley Linklater
By the nature of her position, Haley Linklater is a behind the scenes kind of person.Managing and preparing specimens donated through the Body Bequeathal program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, hers has been a positive influence on the workplace, teaching lab, and the student's quality of education far beyond the doors of the lab.
At Western for four years, Linklater is part of a team of six anatomists and 20 graduate students. She grew quickly in her role, organizing decades of anatomical specimens, equipment and laboratory neglect, and brought a fresh face to her team.
“Her hand has affected us all positively and allowed each of us to reach higher potential in our own professional growth through her workplace altruism and dedication,” says Schulich professor Tim Wilson.
Although potentially the most macabre job on campus, Linklater has been a big part of the educational chain. Without her organization, dedication, foresight, and down-to-earth approach, all the educators and teaching assistants in the lab would be less well-equipped, and working more like individuals than as a team.
“To use a sporting analogy, Haley might be regarded as our general manager; a non-contact part of the team,” adds Wilson.
Every year, Linklater organizes a large memorial service for all the families that have donated loved ones to the program. While this is a large job, Linklater makes it a point that students prepare statements for the service, which has resulted in “marked growth, increased confidence, and blossoming maturity” for the students and genuine appreciation from the families.
“Linklater’s perseverance to understand multiple course curricula, to have bodies prepared, lab equipment ready, and the environment organized is evident everywhere she puts her hand,” says Wilson.
Her nominators describe her as part funeral director, part scientist, part counsellor and part technician – “a unique and talented person and without concern for herself, encouraging us all serve to a higher level through example.
by Paul Mayne
Western News
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.: Scott May
Campus Communications Consultant
(519) 661-2111 x85466 or smay5@uwo.ca
