A Q&A With OVPR Senior Administrative Associate Michael Humphrey
This month we meet Senior Administrative Associate Michael Humphrey, who joined the OVPR team earlier this year. He shares how he helps keep the office running smoothly — from managing travel logistics to maintaining the all-important candy bowl — and why Disneyland is still his favorite place in the world.
What does your role entail as a senior administrative associate?
As the senior administrative associate, I assist with the day-to-day operations of the office — ensuring break room and file room supplies are in stock, purchasing office furniture and equipment, and processing payments and invoices. I assist department meetings by managing room reservations and catering orders and overseeing conference room setup and cleanup. I also take care of travel logistics and reimbursements.
Most importantly, I make sure our candy bowl is filled with treats to keep that office morale high.
What is your favorite thing about the job so far? Any big surprises?
The people are my favorite thing about my job. Everyone is kind, courteous, professional and fun. The OVPR team works hard, and their enthusiasm towards research and a job well done is the kind of attitude you want to be surrounded by.
I was surprised by the level at which the office operates. The research happening at UT reaches across the globe. Each department under OVPR supports some aspect of that research, and that’s awesome to be a part of.
What brought you to Texas? I know you moved here from San Diego earlier this year.
Yes, I moved to Austin in January from San Diego, where I was born and raised. Over the years I’ve had family move out this way, and once my son was born I wanted him to grow up with family.
So far the move has been great, and my son loves getting to see his grandma and grandpa more often!
What do you think of Austin so far? What do you like most about it?
Austin is great! There’s so much to explore and discover. My son and I love to go to Pease Park and see the giant troll.
The music scene is awesome — there are always a lot of great bands that come to Austin. There is a lot of great food too, especially the BBQ! Terry Black’s BBQ absolutely lived up to the hype.
Being able to do all of that in a day is definitely what I like most about Austin.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’m usually spending my free time with the family. My son and I play in the backyard, dance around to some music or watch a Disney movie. We might go to a park or visit a record store for some new vinyl when we do get out of the house.
Of course, one of my favorite leisure activities might be simply taking a nap.
What is your favorite place in the world, and why?
My favorite place in the world is honestly Disneyland. Growing up in southern California, we were only an hour away; as a kid, I would go all the time.
Some of my best memories are the days when my parents or grandparents would take me and my sisters out of school for the day to go to Disneyland, eat beignets at New Orleans Square and ride the Haunted Mansion a million times.
Now that I’m a dad, I can’t wait to make memories like that with my son.
And finally, most important: If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
My forever meal has got to be ramen (I’m talking real ramen, not instant). Tonkotsu ramen with chasu pork, a soft-boiled egg and green onions? I could never get tired of that. Give me all the sauces and chili powder to throw on top of it, too.
My favorite Austin ramen spot so far has been Ramen Tatsu-ya, but there are still a lot more spots I want to try.