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Episode 39: At the intersection of climate change and human health: A conversation with Marie Russell, Ph.D.
Marie Russell is an ORISE postdoctoral fellow at the Environmental Protection Agency studying the intersection of climate change and human health. Her doctoral degree is in mosquito ecology and she recently published a perspective piece in "EcoHealth" on beneficial use impairments (think litter on beaches as one example) in the Great Lakes Region and the increased risk of mosquito-borne disease, which garnered some media interest and interview opportunities. In this conversation, Russell talks to guest host Matthew Underwood about her research, the perspective piece, how she became interested in the field of mosquito ecology, and what she hopes happens next.
To learn more about ORISE opportunities at the EPA, visit Current EPA Research Opportunities.
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Victoria Knight is a health policy reporter for Axios, on online news outlet dedicated to efficient coverage of the news and topics shaping the world. She covers healthcare and Congress. Ten years ago, Knight was an intern for ORISE, helping tell the stories of ORISE research program participants. In this episode of the ORISE Featurecast, hosts Michael Holtz and Matthew Underwood talk to Knight about the evolution of her career. She almost went to medical school but decided her heart wasn't in it and wanted to pursue a career in journalism. Knight talks about working for a news outlet that is changing the way news is shared, including insights about the company owners, and what "Smart Brevity" is all about. Her internships, graduate education, mentors and collaboration are all part of our discussion. Check out our conversation.
Elle Winfield is an ORISE Fellow at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Her research focuses primarily on the development of an ecofriendly essential oils-based larvicide meant to kill mosquitos. Around the world, mosquitos are responsible for transmitting diseases like Zika, malaria and dengue. Eradicating mosquitos in their larval stage prevents them from become adults and thereby capable of spreading disease. During this conversation with ORISE Featurecast hosts Michael Holtz and Matthew Underwood, Winfield takes a deep dive into the importance of her research, other activities she does as part of her fellowship, how she cultivated her interest in science and more.
Cybil "Nikki" Cavalieri is an ORISE Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the USGS Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, working on climate change refugia in Tanzania. With her research, Cavalieri aims to provide agencies and communities in Tanzania with information to be able to help make decisions on how and where to prioritize resources for conservation. Hosts Michael Holtz and Matthew Underwood talk to Cavalieri about the meaning of her research, how she became interested in biogeography, the importance of collaboration when you're working remotely—not only is Cavalieri not working in Tanzania on the regular, she lives deep in the Great Lakes Woods—and how good mentors can change the path of your life. Plus, you'll hear about her travel adventures and her love for all manner of creatures.
For as far back as she an remember, Karen Valdez wanted to be a dentist, and went to dental school in Mexico. Still, she longed for an education in the US and took English as a Second Language classes at El Paso Community College. Valdez's interest in science fueled her desire to continue her education. In this episode of the ORISE Featurecast, hosts Michael Holtz and Matthew Underwood talk to Valdez about her role as an ORISE Fellow at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where she is conducting research into tick-borne illnesses. Throughout the conversation, Valdez talks about how she came to love science, her educational journey, the importance of mentorship and collaboration, and what she hopes comes next in her career trajectory.
This episode of the ORISE Featurecast is our monthly look at the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program. Matthew Underwood sits in as guest host for this episode with guest co-host Amy Szczepanski, a member of the current AEF cohort. Matthew and Amy talk with three members of the 2017 AEF cohort – John Galisky, Chris Wright and Kelly McCarthy – who participated in the development of the five-year strategy for STEM education. The five-year strategy was an effort to strengthen the federal government's commitment in the STEM education ecosystem to equity and diversity, evidence -based practices, and engagement with the national STEM community. The strategy highlighted collaboration with learners, families, educators, community leaders, and employers. The AEF fellows were among the many stakeholders included in the development of the plan, which really was focused on expanding and improving the nation's capacity for STEM education and preparing our future workforce.
The Environmental Protection Agency's Great Lakes National Program Office has a fundamental role to collect and disseminate data on the physical, chemical and biological integrity of the Great Lakes waters. Isabel Dunn and Suse LaGory are ORISE research program participants at EPA GLNPO. In this episode of the ORISE Featurecast, Dunn and LaGory talk about their love of the Great Lakes region, the importance of conservation, what it's like conducting research on the Lake Guardian, the EPA's Great Lakes research vessel, what led them to become interested in science as a career, the importance of mentorship and collaboration, and so much more.
The Library of Congress serves as the research library for the U.S. Congress and is also the nation's oldest federal cultural institution. The Library of Congress manages the largest collection of books, photographs, maps, and manuscripts in the world. Programs for learners of all ages are constantly in development, making the Library perfectly suited for Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows. In this episode of the ORISE Featurecast, host Michael Holtz and co-host Amy Szczepanski talk to Amara Alexander and Kelsey Beeghly about their AEF experiences at the Library of Congress. To learn more about the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship, visit https://science.osti.gov/wdts/einstein.
Melissa de Vera is an assistant director in the Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction for the Indian Health Service. The IHS is recruiting interns for its summer program. de Vera talks about the trajectory of her career and the surprising turn her life took toward environmental engineering, and what interns will do during their summer appointment. She says that while interns are classified as civil or environmental engineers, they don't have to be studying those disciplines. Rather, applicants should have a heart for public service.
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that is responsible for providing federal health services to American Indian and Alaska Native people. The Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction (DSFC) with IHS administers a nationwide Sanitation Facilities Construction (SFC) program that is responsible for the delivery of environmental engineering services and sanitation facilities to American Indians and Alaska Native people.
To apply, go to https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/HHS-IHS-2024-0005
Mariana Sorroza is an intern in the National Nuclear Security Administration Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program. Her research focuses on the importance of "soft skills," like interpersonal communication, presentation skills and the like. While they're called "soft," Sorroza believes these skills to be very important. In this episode, host Michael Holtz talks to Sorroza about her internship, plans for her future, the importance of representation in the science and the importance of taking care of your mental health. Tune in for a wide-ranging and important conversation.
This episode of the ORISE Featurecast continues our monthly exploration of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Fellowship. This month, host Michael Holtz and guest co-host Amy Szczepanski talk to two educators who are AEF Fellows at the USGS. They talk to Sarah Slack and Samantha Willsey about a day in the life at USGS, what inspired them to become educators, what they hope to take back to their communities when their fellowships end, and so much more. To learn more about the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship, visit https://science.osti.gov/wdts/einstein.
Jenny Paul, who is an ORISE Postdoctoral Fellow at the Environmental Protection Agency's Gulf Ecosystem Measuring and Monitoring Division and Gulf of Mexico Division, is the recipient of the ORISE Future of Science Postdoctoral Award. In this episode of the ORISE Featurecast, Paul and host Michael Holtz discuss her research in benthic ecologies, what the Future of Science Award means to her, the importance of mentorship and collaboration, and so much more. Learn more about Paul and the ORISE Future of Science Awards.