Any idea who represents you on Staff Council? The feedback we’ve received suggests that many University staff members would answer “no.” The Councilor Spotlight series is intended to introduce new Council members and how they serve the University on Staff Council. Why would you want to contact your representative? They can elevate your concerns or ideas, help you find information, and connect you with resources across campus. Click here to find your representative.
Staff Council Spotlight: Jyoti Arora
Function Representative, Research; Scientific Services & EHS
Meet Jyoti Arora, Assistant Research Scientist at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, who brings a passion for research, advocacy, and making a positive difference to her role on Staff Council.
Jyoti’s path to the University of Iowa began in New Delhi, India, and brought her to Iowa City to pursue a PhD in Human Toxicology. Today, her work focuses on cancer research, where she studies macrophage-generated vesicles and their potential to enhance anti-tumor responses in ovarian cancer. But for Jyoti, contributing to the University is about more than the work happening in the lab.
She joined Staff Council because she wanted to advocate for research staff, connect with colleagues across the University, and contribute in whatever way she could to making the University a better place. One of her priorities is helping peer researchers receive greater recognition for the important work they do. She sees Staff Council as an opportunity to turn ideas into conversations and conversations into meaningful change.
Since joining Council, Jyoti has also gained a new appreciation for just how much Staff Council does. Its work extends well beyond what many people might expect, supporting not only the University community but also initiatives that have an impact on the broader community. And if you ask Jyoti what staff should know about Council, her answer is simple: “They’re super cool!” She encourages all University staff to attend the monthly meetings, learn more about what is happening across campus, and discover resources they may not know about.
Outside the lab and Council meetings, Jyoti enjoys pickleball, movies, hiking, and camping. She is also frequently accompanied by her dog, Aloo, whose name means “potato” in Hindi. Between outdoor adventures and movie nights, Aloo is never far from the action, although it is unclear whether Aloo appreciates the hiking or is simply along for the snacks.
If Jyoti could have any superpower, she would choose an undo button for life. Sent an email too quickly? Undo. Took a wrong turn on a road trip? Undo. Made a questionable purchase? Definitely undo. And if something goes particularly well, she’d want a redo button too.
Learn more about our other new Councilors and the latest news for University staff in our newsletter articles here.