University of Houston Libraries employs a number of students in various departments. While library facilities remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to recognize and celebrate the work of a few of our outstanding students employed during the spring 2020 semester who have contributed to the Libraries’ mission of advancing student success, knowledge creation and preservation, and globally competitive research.

Ivan Lopez

Ivan Lopez
Psychology
As a Learning Commons studio technician, Lopez records, mixes, and masters songs, produces instrumentals, and creates arrangements. Lopez serves as president of the new and upcoming music organization on campus, Astro Music Foundation.

“The creation and development of Astro Music Foundation is currently one of my biggest projects. After working with various artists and expanding my network since I first started my journey in the music industry, I brought my entire network together to create AMF and from that I plan on creating one of the greatest record labels the city of Houston has ever seen. Some of my biggest career goals for 2020 include getting a gold or platinum plaque and working in the music business full time.”

Sara Nafaryeh

Sara Nafaryeh
Mathematics – Option in Mathematical Finance; Minor: Economics
In her role in Special Collections, Nafaryeh files documentation of artifact collection data, trains other student workers, pulls and re-shelves archival material and books within closed stacks, and takes care of front desk duties.

“This is my first job as a student worker and I couldn’t ask for a better one. I’ve gained self-confidence, people skills, and leadership abilities.”

Naomi Palomares

Naomi Palomares
Psychology
Minor: Quantitative Social Sciences
Palomares works in Special Collections with archivist Julie Grob, assisting with projects related to the DJ Screw Hip Hop collection, cleaning vinyl records, or boxing rare and special books that are in delicate conditions.

“Working with Julie and the rare materials at Special Collections has shown me how lucky we are as UH students to have such materials available to us. I’ve learned to take advantage of all the resources that are available to me. As for career goals, I wish to continue with my education in graduate school, either focusing on clinical psychology or cognitive neuroscience. My ultimate career goal would be to work at a research center or hospital, to continue the advancement of our understanding of the human brain.”

Krista Renée Pape

Krista Renée Pape
Soprano Master of Music, Vocal Performance and Pedagogy
Some of Pape’s duties at the Music Library include recovering old books through reconstruction, repair, and sewing, maintaining study and work spaces, and creating fun and interactive displays that help patrons learn and get to know library collections.

“I’ve worked for the library for two years. My favorite part of the job is sewing new scores before placing them on the shelves for the patrons to peruse. It’s a sneak peek at new product, while also holding the power to the literal binding and spine of the book. It’s like doing book surgery!”