We hope you enjoy this series where we meet and get to know employees from across campus. Would you like to be featured? Contact us at campusnews@csufresno.edu.

Name: Rochelle Harris
Title: Administrative Support Assistant II
Department: Kinesiology
Academic Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, West Chester University

How long have you worked at Fresno State?
I have worked here for nine months in the kinesiology office.

Are you a Valley native?
I was born and raised in Fresno, so I grew up hearing about Fresno State. I am really glad that I have an opportunity now to work and pursue educational opportunities here.

Do you have a campus mentor or someone who has helped you in your career?
Carmen Chapman has been tremendous in acclimating me to the kinesiology office. Her wisdom and guidance has allowed me to grow as an administrative assistant.

Tell us about your department and what people may not know about it.
Kinesiology is the study of movement. Students in this department learn the biological science of how the body moves, how to work with grade school students in a physical education setting, learn about the administration side of sports, and the psychology behind sports and the athletes.

We offer very exciting activity classes, which are not limited to just kinesiology students, but to all who desire to have fun and stay active. Such activity classes are martial arts, different types of dances, fencing, and basic massage, just to name a fraction. Our newest additions are pickleball and table tennis.

What is a memorable moment you had at your job?
My greatest moments at work have always been related to solving problems or creating solutions for faculty and students. It is great to work in a space that allows creative thinking and working outside the box to find solutions and being able to enhance our department.

What is the most interesting or unusual job you've ever had?
The most interesting job that I have is being an educational YouTuber. I use my platform to educate and help students retain microbiology. The ways of how and where students are being taught have moved from the classroom to online. I have made it my mission to reach students where they are and that is on social media.

What are you most passionate about in your field and why?
As an administrative assistant who works with students who learn about biological science, I have made the decision to continue my education here in the biology graduate program, specifically microbiology. Microbiology has been a passion of mine where I can dive into the world of microbes and see how they affect humans, animals, and our environment.

What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important?
Reaching students where they are and helping them navigate through academia is my most notable accomplishment to date. When operating in my passion of microbiology, I have assisted students with understanding and retaining what they study via Instagram and YouTube. On the administrative side, I enjoy helping to guide students in the right direction.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
I love baking sweet pastries, exploring my creative crafty side and reading historical and mystery suspense novels.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?
I am an introvert and people who were close to me always believed that I would never leave Fresno. I proved them wrong! I had the amazing opportunity to drive across the country twice. I hope that I will have more opportunities to see and experience the rich cultures that make up America.