Employee Spotlight: David Phelan, Business Manager
David and his wife
This Staff focus The series features Earth Institute staff from Morningside, Lamont and Irvine Medical Center campuses.This series aims to highlight the important work done by our staff to keep the Earth Institute running smoothly and support us mission Lead the world on a more sustainable path. These interviews discuss the careers of the staff, their interest in our research, and insights that may be relevant and useful to the rest of us.
The focus of this month is David Phelan, who works at the Lamont campus. As the business manager of the communications team of the Earth Institute, he keeps the department running smoothly and is always ready to help colleagues in need.
What is your current role?
I am the business manager of the communications department of the Earth Institute.
How and when did you contact us?
I started in June 2001, when there was a team of five people, and the office was in Lamont Hall Lamont-Dougherty Earth Observatory. My main office is still in Lamont, and I am now in my fifth position. This is the record I was told.
What aspects of your work motivate you?
This Professional knowledge I was deeply impressed at the Earth Institute.I remember how our experts were invited over the years Every natural disaster, From tsunamis to earthquakes and everything in between.
What interesting and unforgettable things have happened on campus?
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami occurred on December 26, when most people were on vacation. I remember that my wife and I went to Lamont to assist the then communications director in handling media requests. We spent very busy days, but it was an unforgettable experience!
I have always enjoyed participating Lamont Open House, Especially when watching young people get excited about science. This is also a great opportunity to work with other people around the Earth Institute with whom I usually don’t interact.
An interesting story, at least from my perspective. One of my office locations in Lamont is Guest House 6; my office has a door a few feet away, and I often open it when the weather is nice. One day, I left for no more than five minutes, then came back and saw a 3-4 foot long snake under my table. I found a broom, picked up the snake with its handle, and decided to show it to my colleagues in another office. I sincerely think they will like it because they are nature lovers. News Flash: Nature lovers are not equal to snake lovers. They screamed as soon as they saw the snake, ran out of the house, and continued to run a distance.
David and his family
David and his grandchildren.
How do you spend your free time?
My wife and I like to travel and take every opportunity to travel. During the pandemic, we explored some local destinations. We also like setting up a few lawn chairs in some of our favorite places along the Hudson River and the Hudson Valley.
Although we have no children, we do have two lovely “grandchildren” (a separate story), and we spend a lot of time with them. They are the source of happiness!
If you could give us a lesson or suggestion, what would it be?
David and his wife
“Giving is happier than receiving.” Looking back on my life, the happiest moment is when I have the opportunity to help others, from volunteer work to spending time with my grandchildren. Whenever I feel “frustrated”, I will try to do something for others, which always refreshes me!
How does the epidemic affect you?
It reminds me how much I don’t like the city (sorry to the city dwellers), or the commute that comes with it. I really enjoy spending more time with my wife, who has been working remotely since March 2020. It limits our travel, which has always been a challenge, but forces us to explore local destinations.
