Sawdust and Creativity, a chat with Mr. Ray Urbanski

There are many individuals on the IMSA staff and faculty, some who are seen more often than others. Mr. Ray Urbanski is one of the behind-the-scene staff members, a jovial longstanding member of IMSA who works in the Grainger Lab, furthering innovation and problem solving in a unique environment like IMSA. His take on IMSA as a unique academy, though not heard very often, is worth being considered.

AOKOLI: What do you like the most about IMSA?

URBANSKI: “The students.” I enjoy “producing challenges” and “opportunities” for them.

AOKOLI: What is your role here at IMSA?

URBANSKI: “I help people see that science is meant to be fun and exciting. People come here [to the Grainger Lab] for help.” I “provide an environment of innovation and problem solving in a human condition environment” and establish “communication” for the students, to make them feel welcome.

AOKOLI: What are some of the weaknesses you see at IMSA?

URBANSKI: “None from that perspective of IMSA not having ‘enough stuff’ or anything like that. IMSA is always changing.” And in doing so, some things that did not work at IMSA before, which could have been considered “weaknesses,” were able to be transformed into things that do work and can be called IMSA’s “strengths.” It is all about “how to evaluate” and “make things better.” It is not like this with other schools, schools that operate within one “framework” and don’t change.

In order for students at IMSA to truly succeed and go out into the world and advance the human condition, they need people to invest in them. Thank you, Mr. Urbanski, for working behind the scenes and helping make students better by pushing them to great heights.