The Department of Economics is excited to introduce two new staff members this autumn quarter: Michael Bettis, Administrative Assistant, and Heidi Hannah, Graduate Program Manager. Please help us welcome them!
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Hello Everybody! My name is Michael Bettis and I am the new Administrative Assistant. I am a transplant from Arizona who moved here in 2008. I graduated from Western Governors University with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. I’m looking to continue my schooling and work towards my master’s. I am hoping that my variety of experiences thus far can help me to succeed in this role with the Department of Economics!
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, watching anime, anything outdoors, and playing Magic the Gathering. A few of my favorite items to make are sous vide chicken with fried capers and shallots, smoked pulled pork sandwiches, and cheesecake! My top 5 anime recommendations (in no particular) order are Tokyo Ghoul, Eureka 7, Samurai Champloo, Food Wars, and Yowamushi Pedal. I have completed the Seattle-to-Portland bike ride three times. I am currently learning to snowboard and hope to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in the next 5 years. If I am not doing any of the above activities, you can find me at a card shop with friends playing Magic the Gathering; Commander is my main format but I have a few Modern decks as well.
Feel free to stop by and say hi. I look forward to getting to know you all! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need help. You can reach me at mgbetti1@uw.edu.
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My name is Heidi Hannah, I am the new Graduate Program Manager of Economics. I am originally from Louisiana and Georgia and moved to Washington almost 10 years ago now. I graduated from UW with a BA and then continued at the UW Evans School to get my MPA. I have worked at the University of Washington since I was a student, fell in love with it here and just never left! I have worked at UW Bothell (IAS Dept), Communication Leadership program, The Graduate School (Graduate Enrollment Management Services), and the School of Pharmacy. I am so excited to be in the Economics department because I can already feel the sense of community present here.
In my personal life, I am married with a 3-year-old little boy named Rhett, and a second one on the way. I currently spend most of my free time chasing after my toddler. I love to travel and have visited roughly 30-40 countries. I am hoping to get to travel again once this pandemic calms down. I also love to try new restaurants so if you know of any great “hole in the wall” type places, let me know!
I am looking forward to working with the Economics community and I am here to help in any way you can. Please feel free to reach out to me at hmhannah@uw.edu at any time!