Maura Barcia Figueras and Maria Martinez Named Department of Physics Employees of the Year
Congratulations to Undergraduate Program Professional Maria Martinez and Events and Front Desk Administrator Maura Barcia Figueras for being named the 2025 Department of Physics Employees of the Year!
Maura and Maria are often the first line of service for the department fielding both public and internal requests for service and information. As Events Administrator, Maura is tireless in her commitment to meeting continual rolling deadlines and making sure events like colloquia, student group meetings and faculty seminars are a fun, welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Maria serves as the primary coordinator of all undergraduate-related logistics in the department, from scheduling classrooms to working with faculty teaching schedules and helping students register for classes. Both Maura and Maria balance these responsibilities with steadfast kindness and professionalism.
In addition to serving as the primary contacts for the physics main office, Maria and Maura worked together to ensure an efficient and seamless transition as the main office space underwent major renovations from May 2024 through January 2025. They made sure that vital department services continued unhindered while the staff were temporarily relocated to adapted facilities in Duane.
“Thanks to both Maura and Maria for continuing to go above and beyond in supporting our students and our faculty during a disruptive time,” Department Chair Tobin Munsat said. “They do an enormous amount for the department, both in the public eye and behind the scenes, and a lot of appreciation from their colleagues came through in their nominations.”
Because of Maria and Maura’s tireless work, the main office staff is now resettled into the newly renovated Duane main office space.
Maura Barcia Figueras (left) and Maria Martinez (right)