Title: Rice Diet Program Records, Processing Librarian
Library/Department: Medical Center Library and Archives
Location: Medical Center Archives
Years at Duke: 1.5 (in my current position)
In a nutshell, what do you do at Duke University Libraries?
Essentially I am a processing archivist and was hired as part of a three-year grant to arrange and describe the archival records of the Rice Diet Program. This is a large collection that consists of over 450 linear feet of materials. I also serve as liaison to the BIN Foundation and the on-going Rice Diet research project that focuses on the impact of the Rice Diet on hypertension and metabolic diseases.
If you had to pick one thing, what’s the best part of your job so far?
It’s hard to pick just one thing so I’ll give two. First, I am connected to a great group of colleagues here at the Medical Center Library and Archives. And second, the collection I‘m working with is endlessly fascinating from a historical, medical and cultural perspective and I love knowing the work I’m doing benefits an ongoing medical research project.
What is the best thing you’ve read/watched/listened to recently?
Lately, I’ve enjoyed reading many of the retellings of classical mythology and folklore like, Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati and The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo. But, I also like speculative fiction and first contact sci-fi. Some of my recent favorite authors are N.K. Jemisin, Ann Leckie, Sylvain Neuvel and Lindsay Ellis.
What do you like most about living in The Triangle?
My favorite thing about living in The Triangle is its proximity to everything and because the weather is so mild you can enjoy outdoor activities almost year-round. There is always something to do, see or become involved with.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Aside from reading, I love to travel, try local cuisine/foods and experience different cultures. I also enjoy spending time in, and learning about nature. Some of my favorite activities are gardening, hiking, going on foraging tours, and spending time with my husband and our dog.
