Hometown/home base: from Eagle River, AK; currently resides in Eagle River, AK.
Years at Weston: 3+ years.
Unique path to STEM and career passion and purpose: “My background is in maritime trades. I had worked in commercial fishing and as a harbor master before taking a break to stay home with my two children. When my youngest started school, I began pursuing a degree in Geology from the University of Alaska, Anchorage.
I chose this field for the opportunity to work outside and support environmental health.”
Role at Weston: “I’m a Geoscientist II—recently promoted from Geoscientist I. I support our Remediation practice and perform remedial investigations and surveys primarily for oil and gas clients in Alaska.”
Work highlights: “I love the challenging aspects—often complex logistics and conditions—of remote, “off the grid” work and the opportunity to see landscapes that most people don’t get access to. In addition, it’s enlightening to be a part of the solicitation and reporting process from the perspective of our technical services, from proposal through the final report. Each important piece of the cycle sheds light on the other, and it’s professionally gratifying and motivating to understand specifically how we address environmental needs for our clients and one’s own role in that.”
On demonstrating leadership and finding a safe space at Weston: “I try to step up and take responsibility for as much of the work and its quality as I can. My age can be an asset in the field, as I am acutely aware of and comfortable with my limitations and know how to work safe and work smart. My greatest hope is that the example I set is in facing and balancing our weaknesses with our strengths; when our teams do this, we become stronger in the long run.”
On her mindset and perspectives on bias: “Every situation is different, of course, but in general, I recommend pursuing communication with the individual in question first; and to give them the benefit of the doubt (if possible). We probably all have blind spots. I think most people would be surprised to learn that something they said or did caused offense and would want to immediately correct that behavior if they knew about it. You have to trust your own instincts, but I think, in our society, a little bit of grace often goes a long way.”
Final thoughts: “I’ve always believed we can all make our corner of the world a better place. A great start is to treat everyone with respect.”