Author: Gaylene Opal-Deitering,
LSA Student Academic Affairs

Angie Yerks is a bright, personable, welcoming person, with a demanding job as the sole secretary for both the High Energy Theory Group, and the Michigan Center for Theoretical Physics, in the Department of Physics. A Michigan native, and the oldest of two children, she grew up on a Centennial Farm in Stockbridge, MI.  Angie came to Ann Arbor in 1998, and went on to spend a summer on the island of Ketchikan, Alaska, working at a fish cannery, and then as a cook on a fishing boat.  After that, she began her career at the U of M.

Angie started as a temp at the Center for the Study of Complex Systems in November of ’99, and was hired as a permanent employee within a few months.  When the Michigan Center for Theoretical Physics was established in January of ’01, Angie was invited to join the team.  Her ever-expanding role includes supporting both the newly established MCTP, and the High Energy Theory Group.  She also oversees expenditures and helps with budget projections. 

From organizing small workshops to international conferences, Angie works hard to make sure everything goes smoothly.  She says that the most rewarding and challenging part of her job is to make every visitor feel well cared for.  Their pleasant experience is her number one priority.  Angie begins with making travel and hotel arrangements for visiting event participants, and continues to accommodate their needs throughout their stay.  Michael Duff, the Director of MCTP says that Angie’s good judgment and initiative makes everyone’s job easier.  He adds that they have lost count of the number of visitors who have taken the time to express their gratitude and admiration for Angie.