Exploring Finance at UVA: Whitney Richardson

Welcome to 'Exploring Finance at UVA'! This is a recurring blog feature highlighting finance professionals from across Grounds, beyond UVAFinance. Meet a diverse array of staff members and delve into their roles and insights in the world of finance within the greater UVA framework.

If you or someone you know would like to be featured in Exploring Finance at UVA, please email bv8h@virginia.edu

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Whitney Richardson, Astronomy Department Fiscal Administrator and Outreach Coordinator

Whitney and her portable planetarium

What do you do in your role?

On the fiscal side, I help faculty, staff, and students in the Astronomy Department purchase the things they need—whether it’s to build instruments, support their research, or for travel. Sometimes, we need strange things. For example, we had a student who built a drone but needed a beach umbrella to test it in the hot sun, so I helped with that. My goal is to make it easier for people to do their work, whatever it is they need to do that. I actually have a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Astronomy, so I have a personal interest in the science itself and want to support everyone in doing their best work.
In addition to the fiscal side, I also help with department outreach. One of the major programs I help with is Dark Skies, Bright Kids (DSBK), which was started by Professor Kelsey Johnson. It’s an outreach program run by our graduate students to get kids interested in astronomy. I manage logistics and help organize things like lessons and events. We do one-off events too, like taking portable planetariums to different venues. Just last week, we were in the Rotunda with a portable planetarium to help the 3rd year students relax during mid-terms. I am also starting a program where we loan out our portable planetariums to local schools and teach the teachers how to use them.

Who do you work with most in UVAFinance?

I have lots of questions, so I often use AskFinance, but my go-to is Danielle Hancock. She used to work in our department, so she understands all our quirks and knows exactly how to help.

Stella & Monty

What rhythms exist in your work? What is your busy season?

It’s always something! There’s a constant rhythm to the work. Every month, I handle account certifications, travel reimbursements, and other ongoing financial processes. During the semester, we have a lot of school events, and over the summer, we host a variety of camps here and at other locations. I’m involved either directly or on the financial side of things. I also help coordinate the department ETF purchases each year. Since we are a small administrative staff (myself, my supervisor Barbara Johnson and coworker Gabby Fuller) there is always something going on and we pride ourselves on being problem solvers.

What do you like most about what you do?

I really enjoy the people I work with. My supervisor, Barbara Johnson, is great—she’s super flexible (she doesn't mind that I bring my dogs to work!). The faculty here are wonderful too. They understand that we’re all working toward the same goal. It’s that idea of “a rising tide raises all ships.” Everyone is kind, dedicated to their work, and willing to help one another.

How does your work further UVA's mission?

Outreach is a big part of what we do, so that's one big way we support UVA's educational mission. Bringing astronomy into the community is something I’m passionate about, and I’ve been doing it since high school. Through DSBK and department events at McCormick Observatory we reach thousands of community members each year.

Whitney's space (or maybe it's Stella's)

What’s something interesting or funny about your work?

I’m actually the coach of the Roller Derby at UVA CIO. I’ll show anyone how to roller skate and teach them that exercise doesn’t have to mean running on a treadmill—it can be something fun like skating. My team doesn’t mind if I fix a skate for someone while I'm running reports, paying for things or answering questions. I also live at the Fan Mountain Observatory with my husband, who’s the caretaker. It’s pretty cool living out there with the telescopes—it definitely adds a unique twist to the job! I started at UVA as a telescope operator for the 40” telescope at Fan, so it’s great to be able to help keep it active.