I was encouraged in this direction by several women who were environmental biologists, enjoyed their work, and had satisfying personal lives. I made the decision to pursue graduate studies in the field of environmental biology, focusing on impacts of water pollution on aquatic organisms, ecosystems, and human health. I would encourage other women or young women and girls to choose careers in my field because the work is very challenging and satisfying. There are many environmental problems in the U.S. and worldwide. A person working in this field has the opportunity to advance scientific knowledge or to apply scientific knowledge in a practical, positive way to make a difference and leave a legacy.
Environmental work is important, necessary work.
I would give the following advice to someone who wanted to choose my career. First, I would recommend that she obtain an interdisciplinary background including biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, engineering, hydrology, toxicology, and environmental planning. In addition to having a broad background, it would be wise to have a specialty or a particular niche. Obtaining real world experience while in school will make one's education more meaningful, give a student an idea of what kinds of jobs she would like, and provide experience and professional contacts that will be a good foot in the door for employment after graduation. Unfortunately, the job market for aquatic ecologists and other environmental biologists is tight now, especially in Seattle.