November 2024 - Emily Hoeft
Congratulations to Emily Hoeft, our November 2024 Employee of the Month! Emily serves as the Science Laboratory Instructional Assistant for the Biological Sciences Department at SRJC, where she demonstrates extraordinary commitment, resilience, and passion for supporting her department and students.
Emily was born in Greenbrae, California, and grew up in Petaluma, where she attended Casa Grande High School. She began her studies at SRJC, then transferred to Cal Poly Humboldt, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Botany. After college, Emily worked as a manager at Copperfield’s Books and as a Biological Science Technician with the USGS before returning to SRJC as staff in 2020.
Since joining SRJC, Emily has shown an unwavering dedication to her role, particularly over the past year when she took on the responsibilities of the Science Lab Coordinator following a sudden vacancy. Her manager, Victor Tam, Dean, Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Mathematics, shared, “Emily embodies service and integrity. She took on the role of two full-time positions, working tirelessly with 12-hour days and significant overtime for the last nine months. Emily brings her creativity, passion for biology, and commitment to SRJC each day. She is a silent hero who does not expect anything in return.”
In her role, Emily prepares lab experiments for various biology and botany courses, provides direct support to students, and assists faculty with lab setups. Her experience as a former SRJC student gives her insight into the challenges students face balancing rigorous coursework and other responsibilities. “Helping students build skills and confidence in their abilities keeps my job engaging and rewarding,” she shared.
Emily has also trained STNCs, student employees, and the new Science Lab Coordinator, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. “Without her, the Biological Sciences Department would not have been able to function or offer courses over the last nine months,” added Dean Tam. “Emily is an incredible asset to SRJC and our students.”
Outside of work, Emily is actively involved in the California Native Plant Society and volunteers for invasive plant removal projects. She enjoys hiking, gardening, sketching, and painting, as well as spending time with her husband Phil, their cattle dog Kirby, and their cat Momo.
Upon being recognized as Employee of the Month, Emily expressed her gratitude: “There are so many incredible people here at SRJC who deserve recognition. I’m honored to be a part of this amazing department and grateful for the privilege of supporting our students.”
Congratulations again to Emily Hoeft, a dedicated member of the SRJC community!