What inspired you to enlist?

I was always intrigued by the military when I was a child, and September 11 was the catalyst that turned an interest into a call to arms. Once I made that decision to enlist, the Marine recruiting station was the first one I saw so I walked in and stayed for five years as an infantryman.

How did your time in the military prepare you for your work at the Lab?

My military service didn’t exactly prepare me for my current job, however, the life experience and the responsibilities matured me beyond my years and have served as the groundwork for how I pursue my career.

What is your contribution to the Lab’s scientific mission?

I support the Biosciences division through the field finance team. My main objective is accurate and timely financial stewardship as well as working with research staff to obtain grant funding. My military training did teach me to listen more than you talk; before you ask a question, put yourself in the shoes of the other person and try to answer it yourself.

Read the other 3Q4 profiles from the 2020 Veterans Recognition Month series.