Message from the Director of Technology & Project Management
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Nikki Giaquinta
Director, Technology and Project Management
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At UC San Diego, technology isn’t just a tool - it’s a bridge. A bridge between policy and practice, systems and people, data and decisions. That’s the mindset that drives the Technology Program Management team within IPPS. We're a group of business systems analysts and business intelligence experts committed to building smarter, more intuitive solutions that strengthen the foundation of our campus supply chain.
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Our mission is to make processes as seamless and automated as possible - from procurement to payment, logistics to data integration. Behind the scenes, we support platforms like Oracle Procurement, Concur, and PaymentWorks, while also generating analytics that drive strategy and improve efficiency. We work closely with partners across IPPS, ITS, and technology providers to ensure every solution aligns with campus needs and goals.
At our core, we see ourselves as connectors. We blend systems thinking with data-driven insights to deliver processes that balance compliance, usability, and innovation. Whether we’re designing new applications or refining existing workflows, we aim to simplify the complex and help campus users focus on what matters most: advancing research, education, and service.
Looking ahead, one major initiative we’re preparing for is Oracle’s modernized Procurement interface, which is launching this summer. This update offers a mobile-responsive design and significantly enhanced search functionality, especially during the checkout process. The new predictive, type-ahead search for projects, tasks, and expenditure types is a game-changer, and we’re excited for campus to experience faster, more intuitive navigation.
Our recent impact underscores the value of thoughtful automation. In 2024, we helped the university save over 55,000 hours through operational improvements. Highlights from this year include automating PO rejection notifications and delivering better visibility into expense report integrations with Oracle.
We’re also exploring the possibilities of AI to elevate our operations even further. Collaborating with ITS, we’re looking into applications for Triton GPT and seeking out partnerships with peers in higher education and industry to learn and innovate together.
At IPPS, our strength lies in delivering practical innovation - solutions that simplify, inform, and empower. We’re proud to play a role in UC San Diego’s continued excellence, and we're looking forward to what’s next.
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Small Business Development & Sustainability Office
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Core Bio Sustainable Cold Chain
A 'Cool' Collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific
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Core Bio Services has partnered with Thermo Fisher Scientific to launch a sustainable cold chain program for designated cold storage products that are in high demand within the campus research community.
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The Core Bio sustainable cold chain program is a smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable way to get the cold storage products you rely on. Are you part of the research community? Shop cold with Core!
The sustainable cold chain program is the result of a successful 6-month pilot with Thermo Fisher Scientific, during which select labs tested a returnable and reusable temperature-controlled shipping system for products ranging from -20°C to +4°C.
As a result of the pilot, we:
- Diverted significant packaging waste (EPS, paper coolers, gel packs) from landfills
- Improved cost-efficiency, environmental sustainability, and delivery performance
- Secured laboratory endorsement for this enhanced process in support of campus zero-waste goals
Based on the success of the pilot, we have transitioned the last-mile distribution from the Trade Street warehouse to Core Bio Services' on-campus facility, bringing the system closer to labs and improving service even further.
Check out other sustainable initiatives developed in partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific on Blink: Pipette Tip Recycling program and Greener Product Alternatives.
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Procurement Spotlight
LCS Agreement Renewal Supports Campus Infrastructure and Small Business Goals
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IPPS Strategic Procurement is pleased to announce the renewal of our agreement with Leak Control Services (LCS) to continue providing advanced corrosion control solutions for UC San Diego. LCS has a long-standing relationship with the university, delivering cathodic protection and water treatment technologies to mitigate corrosion in copper piping systems across campus since 1988.
LCS recently completed its Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification with support from the Small Business Development Office, further advancing the university's commitment to supplier diversity and inclusive procurement. As a certified small business, LCS contributes to UC San Diego's goals for engaging local and underrepresented businesses while delivering specialized technical services backed by industry recognition and patented innovation.
The renewed agreement with LCS offers campus departments a streamlined and compliant path to access these essential services, reinforcing UC San Diego's infrastructure resilience and environmental responsibility.
Visit the Housing and Dining agreement supplier Blink page for information on how to engage LCS for leak prevention services.
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UC San Diego Passport Office
Passport Card vs. Real ID
The Real ID Act went into effect on May 7. A Real ID-compliant form of identification will be required for domestic air travel and to access certain federal facilities.
Individuals who do not possess a Real ID may obtain a Passport Card as an alternative.
The UC San Diego Passport Office encourages all members of the campus community to secure any form of a Real ID now, to be ready when travel plans arise. To apply, or for more information, please visit the UC San Diego Passport Office or contact us at: sscpassports@ucsd.edu.
The Passport Card provides a convenient, compliant form of identification that is:
- Accepted for domestic flights and entry into federal facilities
- Valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean
- Compact and easy to carry
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Earth Week Highlights
Student Outreach Success
This April, Surplus Sales made significant progress in connecting with students and making Surplus resources more accessible for all Tritons. The Surplus team successfully integrated a secure remote point-of-sale (POS) system with their online catalog - a challenge that previously hindered their ability to offer surplus items at tabling events.
Surplus hosted pop-up sales on campus for the first time, bringing unique secondhand treasures directly to students. The team set up shop on Library Walk Monday-Friday during Earth Week. Over 100 items sold, including tech gear and even a beach cruiser, while diverting more than 600 pounds of materials from landfills. Thank you, Tritons!
To deepen engagement, Surplus also offered shuttle tours of their Trade Street warehouse and storefront, welcoming campus members to learn how items are processed and rehomed as part of the university’s circular economy.
These events mark important progress toward making Surplus Sales more accessible, especially for students without easy access to the off-campus storefront. The team hopes to build on this momentum with future pop-ups and expanded shuttle service, continuing their commitment to sustainability and service innovation that supports UC San Diego’s diverse community.
Join Surplus Sales Secondhand News to stay connected and see what's "new" at Surplus.
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Campus Partnership Program
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Empowering Financial Futures
University Credit Union X Women In Business
We’re proud to share the success of the recent Financial Wellness event hosted by Women in Business (WIB) at UC San Diego, and supported by University Credit Union (UCU), a dedicated member of our Campus Partnership Program.
A special thank you to Coley Curtis, Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor from UCU, who delivered an insightful and empowering session for students. Her guidance on budgeting, building credit, and financial planning offered students practical tools and inspiration as they navigate college life and plan for their financial futures.
This event is a shining example of how our campus partnerships contribute to the vibrancy and well-being of student life. Through the Campus Partnership Program, IPPS collaborates with mission-aligned organizations like UCU to deliver meaningful, student-centered programming that goes beyond the classroom.
We’re excited to continue building these powerful connections that enrich our campus community.
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UC San Diego Triton Student Employee of the Year
Sergio Podsiadly
Kudos to fellow IPPSter Sergio Podsiadly for earning the Triton Student Employee of the Year award! Sergio, who received the top honor in our VC area, credits the leadership of his mentor, Jasmine Montilla, for reinforcing the positive team culture at IPPS that allows him to thrive.
"... I would like to take a moment and acknowledge that I wouldn’t have developed as much as I did without [Jasmine's] leadership. It has genuinely helped shape my growth, and I really appreciate the trust, clarity, and support provided along the way. [Jasmine] sets high standards while also creating space for people to do their best work, and it makes a real difference. I know the positive team culture we have doesn't happen by accident, and I’m grateful to be part of it." - Sergio Podsiadly.
Congratulations, Sergio and Jasmine!
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Kristen Weidler
Associate Director of Logistics
Kristen Weidler has transitioned into the role of Associate Director of Logistics. With over a decade of leadership experience across Student Mail, the Trove, Campus Mail, and the Logistics Business Operational Excellence team, Kristen’s expanded role is a strategic move to better support the evolving needs of UC San Diego.
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In this new capacity, Kristen will now also oversee Moving Services, Passports, and Surplus Sales - key areas that directly support campus operations and the UC San Diego community. Her broadening portfolio allows for greater alignment and efficiency across Logistics functions, ensuring our teams are better positioned to serve campus departments and stakeholders.
Kristen’s thoughtful leadership, operational expertise, and dedication to continuous improvement make her well-suited for this expanded role. We look forward to the continued impact she and her team will have in enhancing Logistics services across campus.
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Patrick Etienne
Vice President of Relationship Management at US Bank
Patrick Etienne will be leaving UC San Diego to pursue an exciting new opportunity. Patrick has accepted the position of Vice President of Relationship Management at US Bank.
Patrick joined IPPS in November 2016 as the Procurement Card Analyst. Through dedication and leadership, he advanced to lead the Corporate Card Products team, overseeing the Procurement Card, Travel & Entertainment Card, and Virtual Card programs with an annual spend of over $180 million with thousands of cardholders and suppliers. Under his guidance, the team earned multiple accolades, including US Bank’s “Best in Class” for the Virtual Card Program across the UC system in 2021 and 2022, and again in 2022 for all Commercial Card Programs.
Patrick’s engaging leadership style, optimism, and ability to steer both people and programs through challenging times have made a lasting impact. His presence will be deeply missed.
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Tom Swank
Payment Services Coordinator
Please join us in recognizing and celebrating Tom Swank as he moves on from his role as Payment Services Coordinator at IPPS to begin an exciting new chapter in his life.
Tom has been a valued member of the IPPS team since 2017, starting in Disbursements/Payment Authorization before joining Accounts Payable in 2021 and then the Expense team in 2022. Most recently, he brought his expertise and energy to the Payment Services team, where he quickly became a campus favorite and go-to resource.
Over the years, Tom has contributed significantly to our operations and the broader campus community. Tom’s dedication, insight, and sense of humor have made a lasting impact on IPPS and those who’ve worked with him. He will be greatly missed by both colleagues and campus partners.
Thank you, Tom, for your years of service and commitment. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
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