About
Take one part passion for organizing information and creating efficient processes; blend that with one part philosophical commitment to higher education and scientific inquiry. Sprinkle liberally with one part comfortable camaraderie among people of varying levels of technical expertise. Shape these motivations via extensive experience in technical communications, information technology documentation, and Unix systems administration.
House that combination within the crucible of Caltech and USC for a while, with an additional infusion of inspiration from LOPSA, and you’ll find the result to be a very motivated IT project manager who loves her work.
My name is Adele Shakal.
Since I joined USC in 2006, I have worked in the enterprise Information Technology Services team to document the central USC email system, coordinated relocation of the enterprise applications and operations to our new data center, rolled out Google Apps for Education as an opt-in for all USC students, and participated in and coordinated internal ITS efforts on the IT Due Diligence in preparation for the university’s purchase of two hospitals. I am now coordinating a number of projects related to USC’s Blackboard courseware service.
We live in interesting times, and I wouldn’t want life to be dull.
All will be well. We’ll do just what we set out to do. We can do it.
I enjoy organizing information, writing, reading, crochet, knitting, dancing, sewing, science fiction and fantasy, making jewelry, gardening, going to open-air markets, marking the passage of the seasons, road trips, learning about ancient cultures, camping (day-hiking, car-camping and backpacking in wonderful wild places), and enjoying good food and long talks with good friends.
I live passionately, and I focus intently on activities at home and at work. I am a perfectionist endlessly fascinated by life, the universe and everything. This also means that I am endlessly striving for one of those “work-life balance” things I’ve heard so much about.
I’m Adele, and this is my website. Pull up a comfortable chair, have a cup of tea, and be welcome.