This event is intended for students and early career professionals to learn about USGS science and an opportunity to meet USGS staff across three different science disciplines. There will be opportunities to learn how to obtain a career with USGS during our Human Resources (HR) session where USGS HR staff will show you how to navigate USAJobs and provide tips on how to build your federal resumé and submit an application. 

Eight USGS Centers are hosting this virtual event to showcase various science career paths within USGS. You will learn about the mission, philosophy, and the research done by USGS in the Southeast, and then have the chance to talk with USGS staff and scientists in three topic-specific panel discussions.

In the Science Support panel, USGS staff specializing in information technology, science communications, data management, and administration will discuss these critical disciplines and how they contribute to the success of USGS science, as well as how they pursued and achieved their careers at the USGS.

In the Technical Capabilities session, attendees will interact with staff from diverse specialties such as laboratories, marine operations, scientific diving, field operations and programming—all important areas that contribute to and enhance the prestige of USGS science.

During the Research session, scientists with expertise in Biology and Ecosystems, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources, and Water Resources will discuss their academic background, scientific experience, current research, and career paths.

While the event focuses on science and careers in the Southeast, this event is open to students and early career scientists and professionals located anywhere in the U.S., including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. 

By registering for the event, you will receive the meeting invite as well as all related resources shared during the event. We understand that schedules may prevent you from attending the entire event. We encourage you to tune in when you can. We will also record the sessions and share those with registrants after the event. 

By the end of the event, you will know more about the important work USGS does and especially those activities taking place in the Southeast U.S. We hope that you are inspired by our staff’s passion for their work and you choose to pursue a career with the USGS!

Event Agenda

Introductory Session 

All times are Eastern Standard Time (GMT -5).

10:00 AM – Welcome and Housekeeping - Linda Debrewer

10:05 AM – Introduction to USGS - Nick Aumen

10:20 AM – Overview of the USGS’s Southeast Region - Nick Aumen

10:30 AM – USGS Centers in the Southeast

• Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) - Matthew Struckhoff
• Wetland and Aquatic Research Center (WARC) - Adam Pérez
• St. Petersburg Marine and Coastal Science Center (SPMCSC) - Lauren Toth
• Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC) - Brett Johnston
• Central Midwest Water Science Center (CMWSC) - Kendra Markland
• Lower-Mississippi Water Science Center (LMGWSC) - Rachel Dubose
• Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center (OK-TX WSC) - Scott Ikard
• South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC) - Jimmy Clark

11:00 AM – Introduction to USGS Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility – Kirk Rodgers

11:15 AM – Human Resources Workshop – Alicia Gomez

• USAJobs Tutorial 
• Building Your Federal Resume 

12:15 PM – Questions

12:30 – LUNCH BREAK

 
Panel Discussions 

1:00 PM – Session 1: Science Support: Information Technology, Data Management, Science Communications, Administration 

Speakers:

• CERC – James Quade (Administration)
• CFWSC – Dianne Lopez-Trujillo (IT)
• CMWSC – Jon Nania (Deputy Director for Operations)
• SAWSC - Debbie Gordon (Communications)
• SPMCSC – Breanna Williams (Data Management)

2:00 PM – Session 2: Technical Capabilities: Field Technicians, Marine Operations, Facility Managers 

Speakers:

• CERC – Vanessa Velez (Safety Officer)
• CFWSC – David Segal (Hydrologist)
• SAWSC – Whitney Smith (Assistant Director - Data Chief)
• SPMCSC – Nancy DeWitt (Geologist)
• WARC – Christina Hunnicutt (Computer Science)

3:00 PM – Session 3: Research Staff: Science Staff in Water Resources, Biology and Ecosystems, and Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources 

Speakers:

• CFWSC – Brett Johnston
• LMGWSC – Dan Kroes
• OK-TX WSC – Kristine Blickenstaff
• SPMCSC – Johnathan Woodruff
• WARC – Laura D’Acunto

4:00 PM – Event End 

USGS Centers in the Southeast