A(vocation)

This episode features a discussion with Dr. Kara Parker, an educational psychologist in the
College of Education at The University of Findlay. We had a wonderful chat about her
experiences in music, as well as how she changed careers to focus on educational psychology.

The avocation topic for today’s podcast? What can I say, I’m a sucker for musicians. Not only
did she make a living in Opera early in her career, but she also managed bands on tour before
transitioning into educational psychology.

If you have someone in mind at UF that should be a guest on this podcast, PLEASE send me
an email at [email protected]!!

This episode features a discussion with Brent Wickham, one of the accounting faculty members
of the College of Business at The University of Findlay. We discuss how he found his way back
to UF after earning degrees and doing work in industry.

The avocation topic for today’s podcast? Brent and I share this one - he’s also a musician who
plays guitar!

If you have someone in mind at UF that should be a guest on this podcast, PLEASE send me
an email at [email protected]!!

This episode features a discussion with Dan Haas, the Director of UIS at The University of
Findlay. We talk a little about how he ended up doing some awesomely nerdy work at UF, but
also quite a bit about a couple different interests of his.

The avocation topic for today’s podcast? Well, per the title of the episode, we do discuss Dan’s
PEZ dispenser collection, however, we also talk about another interest of Dan’s that I find truly
fascinating - you’ll have to listen to find out what that is!

If you have someone in mind at UF that should be a guest on this podcast, PLEASE send me
an email at [email protected]!!

This episode features a discussion with Dr. Ray McCandless, the Chief Information Officer as
well as the vice president for information technology at The University of Findlay. We cover his
journey from a faculty member teaching international relations/public affairs to his current role
as the CIO/VPIT for the university.

The avocation topic for today’s podcast? British sports cars - Ray has a few cars that he enjoys
tinkering with as well as actually driving on occasion!

If you have someone in mind at UF that should be a guest on this podcast, PLEASE send me
an email at [email protected]!!

This episode features a discussion with Dr. Darin Fields, the vice president for academic affairs
at The University of Findlay. We cover his journey from Tucson to Findlay, with a few stops in
between.

The avocation topic for today’s podcast? Astrophotography - including how Darin built a mini-
observatory in his backyard complete with a retractable roof!

Here is a link to Dr. Fields’ Astrophotography pages: http://course.wilkes.edu/astroimages/
If you have someone in mind at UF that should be a guest on this podcast, PLEASE send me
an email at [email protected]!!

Episode 001 – An Introduction:
This episode is a brief intro to the A(vocation) podcast, where Damon Osborne (that’s me, your
host!) shares the path that led him to UF professionally, as well as the things that he does
outside of work to maintain sanity! This overall premise will serve as the general template for
future episodes as well.
If you have someone in mind at UF that should be a guest on this podcast, PLEASE send me
an email at [email protected]!!