Justin T. Gaines, the newest Classified Staff member in BARA, works directly with Diane E Austin, a PI, on various sponsored projects interacting on the border with communities in Ambos Nogales (Sonora, Mexico) and in the Arizona Strip with the Kaibab Band of the Paiute Tribe. In his spare time Justin likes to read, ski and scuba dive.
Kevin Oakes is BARA's Support Systems Analyst, Sr. For the past six years, he has coddled, cursed and cajoled BARA's network infrastructure into some semblance of functionality. When not putting out minor technology fires or growing BARA's IT capacity, Kevin spends his time with his spouse Rainy and their 2-year old son Finley, who is now proficient enough with a toolbox to help handle the perpetual repairs demanded by their 90-year old house and 40-year old cars. Whenever possible, Kevin, Finley and Rainy enjoy leaving the desert for mountaintop lakes or coastal tide pools.
Maria C. Rodriguez, has been at the UA and BARA for over 25 years starting as a Bilingual Secretary (Spanish and English) and is now the Business Manager, SR, for BARA. Her responsibilities include overseeing all of the administrative functions for BARA. Maria's personal interests include a campus book club and volunteering weekly in the evening at St. Mary's Hospital at the Patient Information Front Desk. Maria had served on the SBS Staff Advisory Council until recently.
Armando Vargas, has worked at the university for 28 years plus starting as a student sign printer and catering assistant in the Student Union and is now the Associate Accountant in BARA monitoring and processing paperwork for the many sponsored project accounts. His personal interests include organizing the annual La Fiesta de San Agustin del Tucson, being a member of the University Community Chorus, and volunteering as a supernumerary with Arizona Opera. Armando is the current representative for BARA to the SBS Staff Advisory Council, and works with the UA SAC on its Employee Recognition and Human Resources Committees.
Nancy Young, has been with BARA for almost six years handling the front desk, greeting BARA personnel and guests, and processing paperwork including payroll roster entries, UA vehicle reservations, stores and vendors ordering, etc. Her personal interests are completing a Bachelor's in Commerce from UA-South and going on to a master's degree, following the interests of her two adult sons, and visiting her father and grandfather in Silver City, NM. Nancy has been the department's UA Cares coordinator for the last few years.