Using science to protect inland waters; Insights from women with distinguished careers in national environmental science and policy
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Science is the backbone of decision-making at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA). I am one of women currently working in EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD), the Agency’s scientific research arm. Over the past 10 years I have led or contributed to national research initiatives intended to inform Clean Water Act (CWA) policy decisions and support implementation of CWA programs to monitor, regulate, and restore inland waters, including wetlands. Reflecting on my 10 years at EPA, I am struck by the disproportionately high number of women working in wetland research and protection at the federal level. Here, I provide career insights from some of the distinguished women – all leaders – I have been privileged to collaborate or interact with while at EPA. I also reflect on the unique opportunities and challenges encountered in my own career as a federal scientist doing policy-relevant stream and wetland research. The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.