Professional Staff Senate Profile: Christine Belus

Christine Belus.

Published April 5, 2021

Each month, the Professional Staff Senate profiles one of its members. This month's featured member is Christine Belus, event and outreach coordinator for the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and communications coordinator for UB's Artificial Intelligence Institute.

How long have you worked at UB?

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I have been working in UB CSE for 15 months, and I joined the AI Institute three months ago.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I’ve enjoyed developing new programming and events for our students, faculty, and staff.

What’s the most difficult part about your job?

Six weeks after starting my position with Computer Science and Engineering, we went remote for the pandemic. Pivoting to working remote while trying to get settled into a new position and learn how UB functions was interesting. It also required some creativity in shifting a traditionally in-person event coordinator role to the remote environment.

What would you say is your biggest achievement at UB?

I’m proud that as a new employee I was able to transition my position to completely virtual in just six weeks after starting. With flexibility and creativity, we’ve been able to keep our students, faculty and staff engaged and informed.

Tell us something about your department that isn’t well known.

UB president, Satish Tripathi, was a faculty member in Computer Science and Engineering before being named Provost in 2004, and later President of the University in 2011.

If you were to share some advice for other professional staff, what would it be?

Get out and meet people from other departments. UB is a huge institution and there’s probably someone out there that can help you achieve your goals or complete a project. Through collaboration, we will create a stronger institution. 

Do you have any hobbies? What do you do for fun?

Being in the kitchen, whether I’m making an old favorite or developing a new recipe, is where I’m happiest. When I’m not cooking or baking, I read, lift, do yoga, bike, run and spend time with my dogs, cats and husband. I also compete in duathlons and triathlons… when we’re not in the middle of a global pandemic.

Do you have a favorite meal you like to prepare?

I love to prepare many of my grandmother’s recipes including her red sauce, homemade pasta, apple pie and several of her Christmas cookies. She died when I was 19 and I feel most connected to her when I’m in the kitchen.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I’m looking forward to an extended vacation in Bonaire in the not-too-distant future.

Any other fun facts about you?

I take my coffee very seriously. I have a subscription with a local roaster and also have a coffee plant growing in my living room.