What are your primary job responsibilities?

I manage and execute research grants at Universities and small business on behalf of the Army Research Office

What is a typical work day-in-your-life like?

I spend a lot of time evaluating white papers, proposals, developing topic ideas, meeting with PIs, and participating in reviews and workshops.

How did you find your first job?

Networking and little luck

What level of education (Bachelor's, Masters, PhD, etc.) is required to do your job? 

PhD

What is your work schedule like? Do you ever work weekends or nights?

9-5, rarely work weekends or nights

Do you travel for work? If so, in what capacity, and how often?

I travel often visiting universities and going to conferences, workshops, and program reviews.

What is your work environment like? Do you work mostly with a team or mostly independently? Do you stand, sit, or move most of the day?

Largely independent but am part of a larger team with whom I collaborate with often. Mostly sit or stand throughout the day. 

What do you like most about your job?

I get to be at the tip of spear while working with the brightest minds in the field to help shape, develop, and execute exciting new research topics. 

What are some tools or skills that you can't live without? These can be technologies, soft skills, hardware, or anything else you can think of.

Zoom

What skills, traits, talents do you have that you think make you a good fit for your job?

Strong technical credibility, leadership, and communication skills

What's your best productivity trick?

Taking occasional breaks to walk around to clear the mind

Do you have any habits that are essential to your professional success that you wish you started earlier?

Seeking out strong mentorship from others

What's the best career advice you've ever received? What career advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?

Find a strong mentor to help guide your career and try to maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity

How do you build community in your career field? Are you part of any professional organizations?

ACS member, participating and organizing reviews, workshops, and symposia is great way to build community and connect with others