Building the future of ecology: A program manager’s perspective

Choosing a career in ecology can be daunting. A wise mentor reminded me “We all contribute to science in different ways - some teach, some research, some communicate and set policy, and others enable.” As a federal program manager, I have the unique joy of enabling science. I get paid to talk and think about ecology’s next big ideas and challenges, then I get to implement those ideas through engaging the community, solicitation, review and award of valuable research funding. Having the ability to shape and steer ecological research, is my way of enabling the future of ecology.