 What is your current job and what does it entail?
I serve as a project officer at the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, DC. I provide cradle to grave management of extramural grants and fellowships in EPA's Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program, which provides educational support for full-time masters and doctoral level students who plan to pursue environmental careers. We're helping to develop our future leaders in environmental science, education, assessment and restoration efforts. I am also a member of the ecosystem team and help manage grants for research on the impacts of urbanization on aquatic ecosystems. I use my scientific expertise in reviewing technical reports, during site visits to many of the grantee institutions, and when I attend meetings and conferences to catch up on the progress our fellows are making in their respective areas of research.
What was the key factor in your career decision?
Being able to help people and the environment while still keeping in touch with the science.
What do like most about your career?
I like being involved with directing some of the cutting edge science that is so important to EPA's mission, particularly in the ecological arena. I also enjoy attending various meetings to promote the STAR program's grants and fellowships.
What do you like least about your career?
Sometimes we do not have as many resources to put towards our research goals as we would like, but we always focus on the positive.
What do you do to relax?
Read, cook, watch TV and movies, travel.
Who are your heroes/heroines?
Besides Jesus Christ and my family, anyone who has worked for the equal rights of those oppressed.
What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field?
Take the best science and math courses available. Gain as much experience as possible in the field you're interested in or a related field (even if you have to volunteer).
Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?
I think there are more opportunities to gain experience and possibly tailor a career depending on the arena (academia, corporate, government). Experience is the key.
What will you be doing 10 years from today?
Hopefully, I will still be in a position to help people and the environment in whatever I'm doing. If I ever find myself doing something that is not helpful to someone, I may have to rethink what I am doing.
Salary:$60,000 - $80,000
Email:jones.brandon@epa.gov
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