April 2, 2020

Meet Our Team: Bethany Navis, B.S.

Bethany is a Research Technician Intermediate

Please tell us what position you hold in the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program!
I joined the Prechter team in August 2017, and currently I am a Research Technician Intermediate. On the team, I ensure the lab runs efficiently for scheduling visits, daily tasks, and completing appointments. I work on the PRIORI and Integrated Apps study with recruiting and enrolling new participants, as well as completing weekly mood assessments. All the research techs work on the Longitudinal Study, including myself. With over 1,300 participants enrolled in the Longitudinal Study, and over 900 active participants, all of us really collaborate to ensure the study continues to run smoothly.

I am also the education subcommittee leader for the Department of Psychiatry's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. I spend my time organizing educational opportunities so the department can continue to conduct inclusive and diverse research, as well as providing high-quality care to all members of the community.

The Department of Psychiatry's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee - Bethany is in the first row, second from the left in the blue sweater 

Please walk us through a typical Monday in your position!
When I first get in Monday morning, I always make myself a cup of coffee! But then I get right to work responding to any voicemails or emails from the weekend. I also make sure appointments are prepped and ready to go for the day. The research techs review appointments scheduled for that day and split up tasks equally. I may be consenting someone right at 9 a.m. or may do a phone appointment later in the afternoon. I also complete any assessment calls for my Integrated Apps study. Each day is something a little different, and I like the variety!

What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my friends outside of work. I also started embroidery recently, so I spend time practicing that while I watch some of my favorite shows on Netflix: The Office and Parks and Rec. When the weather starts getting nicer, I also enjoy going for walks, reading outside, and spending time at the lake.

What’s the best thing about working at the Prechter Program? 

Bethany presenting a poster

I love my coworkers! Everyone at the Prechter Program is so supportive, caring, and kind. If I’m having a bad day, they try to cheer me up. We celebrate each other’s successes. They are truly amazing people and I’m so lucky I get to work with them.

Where do you hope to go next in your education and your career?
I was just accepted to the University of Michigan’s Master of Social Work program for Fall 2020! Currently my goal is to do therapy with children and adolescents, with a focus on equitable care for racial and ethnic minorities.

And finally: What are three things you’d take with you on a deserted island?
On a deserted island, I would take all of the Harry Potter books, my embroidery supplies, and sunscreen.

Bethany and her colleagues posing at the Big House, the University of Michigan's football stadium 

 Bethany's bio can be found here.