Spotlight on CASL staff member Stephanie Samuelson

October 8, 2025

Enjoy the following Q&A with Stephanie Samuelson, Administrative Specialist in the Department of Social Sciences

Name: Stephanie Samuelson

Position:  Administrative Specialist 

Time at UM-Dearborn: Eleven months 

What does a typical workday look like for you? Coffee first, then helping to assist my department faculty and chair with various administrative things. 

What do you enjoy most about your job? The people are what I enjoy most about my job. I love learning about what each of the faculty members do and how passionate they are about their work. I also appreciate how helpful everyone is. I love that I can ask admins from different departments about things I don't know and that they are willing to share their knowledge.

What was your first job? My first job, I worked as a maintenance staff member for an office building while going to school. I now have a lot of respect for those who keep facilities clean. 

What do you do to relax? My favorite way to relax is to spend time with my husband and kids checking out new places, going for a run, helping track bird collisions through Project PAT, and reading.  

If you could have any one skill or talent that you don’t already have, what would it be? I wish I could play an instrument. I love listening to strings and would love to learn the violin. 

What’s the proudest moment of your life? Marrying my best friend.

If we were to create a UM-Dearborn playlist, what song would you want to include? The "Turkey Vulture Rap" by Joe Reilly. I may perform upon request.

Where is your favorite place on campus? The Interpretive Center and the trails behind it are such a gem. Even before working at UM-Dearborn, this was my favorite place on campus. 

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I am in training to become a Michagain Master Naturalist. 

What quote or slogan do you live by? "Change doesn't start with planting; it begins with uprooting." ~ Zim Flores 

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you were a teenager? I wish I would not have been so afraid to try new things and would have let myself get outside of my comfort zone more, because those are the times I have been able to personally and professionally grow.