Hello, my name is . . . Eric Solomont
On Mondays, the Daily Voice introduces you to a member of the UMass Medical School community—could be a new face, or maybe one that’s has been around for a while. We’ve asked our subjects to answer a few questions that might give you insight into their personalities. If you have a suggestion as to someone who might be profiled, let us know at ummscommunications@umassmed.edu.
What brought you here to UMass Medical School?
Prior to coming to UMMS, I had worked for several years in the Financial District in downtown Boston. In 2000, I came to UMMS as a consultant to help out in stabilizing the Newborn Screening data system. I enjoyed working on a project that seemed to mean more than what I was doing when supporting IT for mutual funds. So, when I was offered the opportunity to work on such projects on a regular basis, I embraced it.
What do you love most about the work that you do?
I enjoy supporting the people and projects across the different areas throughout the enterprise. The research community, Commonwealth Medicine, the state labs, the administrative areas . . . every day the job is something else.
What is the practical application of your work?
I am responsible for the Information Services group Product Support and Technology (PS&T). In addition to application and web development, PS&T makes certain that a veritable cornucopia of products, both home grown and third party, are available for use. Hopefully, without you ever knowing about it.
Which trait do you most admire in yourself?
Modesty.
What’s the question you’re most often asked about your work – and the answer?
Well, people in my family always ask me, “So you run everything at UMass?” To which my answer is, “Yes . . . yes I do.”
Describe yourself in six words or fewer.
Fun, amusing, moderately intelligent, hardworking, hipster.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, name three things you would want.
How about 2 things:
A boat
A star to steer her by . . .
If you could have dinner with a famous person, living or dead, who would that be and why?
Emily Dickinson. In truth I’ve had a crush on her since college, and I would really like to know if she was as far out in left field as I think she was.
What are some of your hobbies/interests outside of work?
I enjoy dabbling on the guitar and ukulele. I am truly awful, but I have a lot of fun on them. I enjoy cooking too, but that I am actually pretty good at it. I also like playing almost any game or sport. Some of my favorites are sports such as volleyball, golf, tennis and football, and games such as chess, bridge, Diplomacy and Risk.
What do you consider the most interesting thing about yourself that most people might not know (and you would want to tell them).
I spent time working banana fields in Israel, and I would do it again.