During the months of March and April, read all about our fabulous and hard-working student employees and what they're working on at the library and beyond. This week meet Rio who works in Public Services, and Brianna who works in the Resources, Archives, and Discovery (RAD) department. 

 

Rio Austin has worked in the Public Services department for six months. They are majoring in Mathematics and says one of their proudest academic accomplishments is graduating with honors from CNM’s Integrated Studies associate’s degree program. After graduating from UNM, Rio plans to continue their education and enroll in a master’s program for data or information science. Even though they are not a morning person, their favorite task at the library is opening the service desk. They love preparing for the day and enjoying the quiet stillness of the morning before the library gets busy.

In their spare time, Rio likes to read fantasy and sci-fi books, knit, and paint. They enjoy making their from-scratch chicken pot pie recipe which features a secret layer of cheese added under the crust. They have a dog named Cinnamon, a fluffy cocker spaniel mix who they rescued from the animal shelter. Rio says Cinnamon is incredibly silly and never fails to bring a smile to their face (see photos for Cinnamon and a digital portrait by Rio).    

 

Brianna Mize is a student employee in the Resources, Archives, and Discovery (RAD) department and has also worked at the library for six months. She is majoring in Liberals Arts with a focus on English and Fine Art and is considering a minor in the Business of Being an Artist. One of her proudest academic accomplishments is her GPA, which she has been able to maintain even during difficult circumstances. After graduating from UNM, Brianna hopes to continue working in a library and potentially get a library science degree. As a backup plan, she wants to teach English or History at the online school where she herself graduated.

Brianna loves photography and sometimes gets her photos printed. She took photos of the library building for the website, and said it’s her favorite thing she’s done while working at the library. She also enjoys movies, reading, writing, art, and taking long walks when it’s warm outside. Brianna is always on the lookout for new foods to try but her favorites are her grandma’s tacos, fajitas, and mac and cheese. Her mom also makes a great mac a cheese and you can find the recipe below. Brianna’s dog Doodle is an interesting mix of German Shepherd/Mini Poodle and she says he is one of the cutest and most playful dogs around. Brianna has a 5-speed 2005 Mustang which was her dream car when she was eight, and she says “it’s cool to see dreams come to fruition.”

Brianna’s Mac and Cheese: Choose any noodles that you like, we use cavatappi or elbows. Cook the noodles and drain. Add one jar of four cheese alfredo sauce (we use Classico). Add fresh mozzarella and cheddar cheese and stir until melted, then it is ready! If you are feeling adventurous add grilled chicken. 

Rio and Brianna have done a stellar job during their time here at the library and we’re so lucky to have them!