Get to know F&S: Patsy Rampersad
For most of 2020 and 2021, the St. George campus was much quieter than usual. But essential workers like Patsy Rampersad have been working as hard as ever to keep campus running smoothly.
Rampersad is Caretaking’s lead hand for the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research. In her role, Rampersad delegates and communicates daily assignments to her team members. She also cleans key public spaces such as washrooms and ensures high-touch areas are properly disinfected.
During the pandemic, Rampersad and her team pivoted, adjusting their processes, and sharpening their focus on quality.
“Our entire cleaning protocol has become very meticulous, and I have been keeping up with the high standards and demands,” said Rampersad. “I’m focusing extensively on our cleaning strategies because we have to make sure our students are safe.”
Collaboration is one of the most important ways through which Rampersad and her team adapt to changes. And collaboration is not just between caretakers, but with digital team members too.
“I love helping my peers and I also enjoy working with the new equipment that we have. One of them is the ECOBOT Scrubber 50,” said Rampersad. “That’s our newest friend and the newest addition.”
The ECOBOT Scrubber 50s were recently implemented to improve efficiency, cleaning buildings automatically based on programmed floorplans.
Training has also played a role in helping caretakers like Rampersad improve the team’s performance and adapt to new needs.
“There is a great deal of personal development and growth at F&S,” said Rampersad. “The department implemented courses for our staff. This way, we are always up to date with new products, procedures, and can enhance our skillsets.”
As the U of T community returns to campus, Rampersad and her team continue to clean and disinfect to keep people safe.
As for the future, Rampersad wants the heightened focus on quality and disinfection to continue at the University even after we emerge from the pandemic.