Kay T. Ho

Marine Eco-toxicologist
Kay Ho

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

If you want to stay in the sciences and you want to have any control over the work you'll be performing, think about going all the way to a Ph.D.

Education

  • B.S., Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis
  • M.S., Environmental Toxicology, Cornell University
  • Ph.D., Chemical Oceanography, University of Rhode Island

Salary

$100,000 - $125,000

Contact

ho.kay@epa.gov

What is your current job and what does it entail? 

I am an environmental research scientist at the Environmental Protection Agency laboratory in Narragansett, R.I. We develop methods to assess coastal marine ecosystems. We are currently studying the effects of "emerging" contaminants -- pharmaceutical, personal care products and nanomaterials -- on marine ecosystems. Many of these compounds are never evaluated for ecological effects before they are sold to consumers, so there is very little environmental information available about their fate and effects. I spend about 35% of my time in the lab/field and 65% at my desk.

What was the key factor in your career decision? 

Finding an undergraduate program in environmental toxicology at the University of California at Davis. It showed me there was a way to combine my scientific training with my interests in the environment.

What do like most about your career? 

I like to think that what I do makes a difference in environmental regulation in this country.

What do you like least about your career? 

The bureaucracy, "administrivia," red tape, and how long it takes anything to happen in the government.

What do you do to relax? 

Hang with the kids and friends, run, garden, cook, yoga, knit, quilt and listen to music.

Who are your heroes/heroines? 

Rosa Parks for refusing to give up her seat on the bus. Georgia O'Keefe for painting so beautifully. Joni Mitchell for her voice and her lyrics.

What advice would you give a student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field? 

If you want to stay in the sciences and you want to have any control over the work you'll be performing, think about going all the way to a Ph.D.

Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why? 

I believe there will be opportunities in environmental sciences. Unfortunately, we (as a society) have a long way to go before we have a clean and healthy environment.

What will you be doing 10 years from today? 

I hope we will have a more holistic approach to environmental management and be able to use our mechanistic knowledge to explain changes in the field. I think there will also be major changes in the way we relate information (Internet, etc.).