Catherine “Katie” Bossé
Scientific Technician I
Plant Soil & Environmental Sciences
Katie has worked at the Plant and Soil Analytical Lab for many years at a variety of sample processing and analytical tasks. Her extensive and varied background includes training in soils and geology and she has maintained an endless fascination with the stream of samples that pass through the lab. Despite running the same procedure sometimes hundreds (or thousands) of times, she frequently finds unusual, fascinating, or unique aspects. Stones sieved from soil or compost samples will often be displayed as prizes and be the subject of speculation as to the source or underlying geology. This intense interest has enabled her to maintain her enthusiasm and perspective on her job all these years.
Katie sometimes works with very objectionable samples, but she always maintained a sense of humor about working with the “tail-end of agriculture”. Also, not everyone can comfortably work with boiling concentrated acid digests and do it safely day after day. There have been some “interesting” chemical reactions over the years, but Katie is living proof that proper safety equipment is worn for a reason. Her safety record is spotless.
Katie always showed great enthusiasm for the students who work at the lab. They often assist her in the processing (grinding) of plant samples during the summer and fall. She coordinates and oversees this aspect of their training and work, making sure they are both safe and proficient. She always has time to ask about their class work or give sage advice about a problem.
And of course no description of Katie would be complete without mentioning “Katie the Artist”. Art is her abiding passion – especially painting. In fact this will be her “second career” in retirement. Over the years, the lab staff has been treated to a stream of paintings, proudly shown off on the way to the framing shop. In fact, on the exhaust vent pipe in her work area she painted a 4 foot high flower mural in full bloom, to “lighten up” the room. This semi-famous display will be a permanent reminder of her many talents, unless some resourceful museum conservator is willing to be very creative with a hacksaw!
Thank you, Katie, for your overall 20 years of hard work for the agricultural and horticultural communities across Maine and the University of Maine and best of luck with your second career. Congratulations on your retirement!