Hello,
My name is Rhonda Bayoud-Snyder. I am a student in the Technical Writing graduate certification program at UNT. I retired two years ago after a long career as a chemist. I have my B.S. and M.S. degrees in chemistry from Southern Methodist University. I also play the violin in a couple of community orchestras.
I retired after working 44 years as an analytical chemist and a rewarding career in the hospital products and cosmetic industries where I held various technical and leadership roles. As an analytical chemist, I used various analytical laboratory instruments for testing. Early in my career, I did much of the maintenance and repair of our chromatography instruments myself. As the instrument technology became more sophisticated over the years, I chose to contract that work out, mostly with the instrument manufacturers. At home, I replaced light fixtures, door hardware, and installed drapery hardware, replaced faucets, and other minor plumbing work. I even did some drywall repair when painting the house. I am proficient at changing my violin strings. I recently assembled a shower chair for my brother. After getting married, I let my husband take over. He likes to fix and build things, so I have not done as many DIY projects since we got married. Regardless, I do feel satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment when completing my own repair projects.
I am thrilled to learn about the iFixit site. We often don't think twice about replacing something when it breaks, instead of trying to fix it. Growing up, my mother would take small appliances, such as the toaster, to the repair shop. Do those small shops even exist anymore? I am impressed that iFixit and its growing community of fixers are working diligently to develop repair guides, thus promoting sustainability and a greener world!
Kind regards,
Rhonda Bayoud-Snyder