Juliann Pawlowski studies biomedical engineering and works at the front desk of the Sciences Library. Originally from Plainfield, Illinois, she was drawn to the University of Iowa by its welcoming environment. Juliann quickly became involved in campus life when she arrived, joining the American Cancer Society as well as the Society of Women in Engineering student groups.
Juliann’s work at the Sciences Library has been a key part of her college lifestyle, providing a place to meet mentors and friends and develop professional skills. She says the customer service and professional collaboration skills she has learned at this job will directly influence her career after graduation. Pamela Kacena, a library assistant who supervises Juliann, is already impressed by her dedication and growth.
“Juliann has been a wonderful asset to the Sciences Library,” says Pamela. “She is hardworking, friendly, helpful and kind to our patrons and to her fellow coworkers. She loves to work with me on setting up exhibits. She is a joy to work with and we love having her.”
Get to know Juliann in her owns words through the Q&A below.
Q: Working at the Libraries, what did you learn or find most surprising?
A: Something I found most surprising is how much freedom there is to incorporate my creativity. At the Sciences Library, we work on display cases and I have been able to work on multiple of them with my boss. It has been one of my favorite tasks here and I didn’t even start this job thinking I would be able to do something like that.
Q: What do you enjoy about working at the Libraries?
A: The people! Being at the Libraries since my first year on campus, I have been able to meet so many students. It has been really nice to meet people who are outside my major and get to know them.
Q: What has been your favorite class at Iowa so far?
A: My favorite class has to be either electrical circuits or statics. I think they both taught me a new way of problem solving that I have been able to incorporate into my advance leveled classes.
Q: What might colleagues or students find surprising about you?
A: I may not seem like one, but I am a picky eater!
Q: Outside of work or school, what activities do you enjoy?
A: I really like to travel and visit different parts of the world. I also enjoy going on walks with my two dogs back home—Hazel and Stella.