Postdoctoral Enlightenment: How NOT to Plan Inconsequential Research.

I had the privilege to be mentored by Jim Ryan at the USEPA as a Postdoctoral Fellow from 2000-2002.  In the lessons of this adventure, I was challenged produce impactful research with discourse to serve society.

Our research efforts included evaluation of in-situ immobilization of Pb via phosphate amendments and the impact of metal speciation on bioavailability.  These research efforts were outside the norm of conventional research and were designed to balance novel investigations with regulatory decision-making.

As with previous mentors in my life, Jim Ryan left a huge impact on my career vision and goals.  I enjoyed the rigorous challenges and debates we engaged in during my early career.  I certainly benefited from his knowledge and he learned to appreciate “squiggly lines”.