This is a new feature in Impact focused on highlighting the "hidden talents" among UTMB's employees. If you have a hidden talent—or know someone who does—please tell us at impact.newsletter@utmb.edu. Thanks!
Name: Dr. Matt Dacso
UTMB Talent: Associate Professor of Internal Medicine
Hidden Talent: Jazz saxophonist
Dr. Matt Dacso has taken his love of music from playing in jazz groups on Galveston Island all the way to starting jazz groups on the other side of the world. In fact, Dr. Dacso’s afro-jazz group, the Trans-Kalahari Quintet—which is based in Botswana in Southern Africa—has recorded three albums together. He says he still travels to Africa to record and play gigs, and has had the opportunity to record with several other Botswana-based jazz artists.
Name: Richard Briley
UTMB Talent: Software System Specialist II, Office of Clinical Simulation
Hidden Talent: Trumpet player
Richard Briley is also a talented musician, playing the trumpet in the Galveston Island Jazz Project. Other members of the performing group include Dr. David Flores, who works in UTMB’s Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, and Dr. Dacso.