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When Michael Fong, June STAR of the Month, applied for the job of Biology Department operations manager three years ago, he knew it would feel like coming back home. After all, he knew the department and campus from his time here as a student in biochemistry. What he didn't know, however, was that "home" would become such a hectic place due to the Hensill Hall renovation. As operations manager, Fong manages the department's budget, oversees its facilities, and is in charge of all purchasing, making sure that vendors deliver the right product at the right price -- no small task for a department like Biology that has to constantly update, replace and acquire new equipment. He also is in charge of making sure that the department's moves to and from Hensill Hall go smoothly. Although, he claims that there is "never a dull moment," he enjoys the fast pace. "Every day is a new challenge," said Michael. "It's not repetitive. I enjoy having to face and deal with new problems." He says his greatest challenge is to anticipate problems before they emerge. For example, every time he orders a new piece of equipment he has to anticipate how it will impact the department's limited space as well as what other pieces of equipment are needed to make it work. "His efforts in responding to emergencies such as power outages and floods in Hensill Hall have prevented the loss of irreplaceable research samples and other materials," said John Hafernik, chair of biology. "In this regard, Michael's advanced scientific background is invaluable. He understands the needs of individual research laboratories and can step in to take action when either a PI [principal investigator] or lab technician is not available to respond to situations in a particular lab." "His actions during the February storm [which flooded Hensill Hall] went well beyond the call of duty and prevented major losses in time and materials to faculty and staff teaching and research efforts." After graduating from SFSU in 1992 with a bachelor of science in biochemistry, Fong worked for NASA for three years on projects related to the space station "Freedom." He then worked at the University of San Francisco as a lab coordinator. A resident of San Francisco's Sunset District, Fong graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School. He enjoys watching and playing the "three major sports" -- baseball, basketball and football. Please join us in congratulating Michael and thank him for making such a difference. As the STAR of the Month, Fong will enjoy four free lunches on campus, a free parking pass or equivalent in one month's public transportation costs, and more. He will also be eligible for the STAR of the Year award.
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