Thankful for Science
Published November 16, 2021
We’re thankful for our hardworking researchers that contribute to EPA’s mission to protect human and environmental health. Read about what some of our researchers are thankful for this year.
The protection of human health and the environment depends on the cooperation and collaboration of a vast army of EPA colleagues whose actions are aligned to the mission of the Agency. While I’m thankful for all of my colleagues who help EPA meet its mission, here I acknowledge five special colleagues, Susan Stone, Jason Sacks, Gail Robarge, Beth Hassett-Sipple, and Stacey Katz. Together, over many years, they have established partnerships and translated EPA science into public health communication products and research projects that advanced environmental public health within the Agency and met the needs of the American people. –Wayne Cascio, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Research and Development
I think, like many, I’m very thankful this year for the scientific progress that enabled such a quick and effective Covid-19 vaccine to be produced. Although people can still get sick, and very young children cannot be immunized yet, it’s allowed us the freedom to feel safer and healthier and to start working our way back toward a somewhat normal life again.
I also feel incredibly thankful for my wise and helpful mentor, Dr. David Eastmond, who has been an inspiration for me both in science and in life for nearly two decades now. I’m also very thankful for having such intelligent and supportive colleagues. Their shared dedication to their work inspires me to work harder. –Catherine Gibbons, Genetic Toxicologist
I am thankful for Robert Goo in EPA’s Office of Water for always pushing me to explore how to move things forward and advance green stormwater infrastructure and nature-based solutions to support diverse communities.
I’m also thankful that nature-based solutions are being adapted and applied worldwide to make communities more resilient to climate change impacts and for urban green spaces and corridors that provide wildlife habitat, recreational uses, and help support mental and physical well-being. –Jason Bernagros, Biologist
I am thankful for Dr. John M. Johnston. Dr. Johnston is an internationally renowned ecologist. I received his valuable guidance and full support as mentor during my Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education postdoctoral research participation at EPA. I am fortunate to continue my collaborative research and development activities under his supervision.
I am also thankful for the traditional knowledges (ancient knowledge and distinctive designs that have been practiced around the world to address the humanity’s needs for millennia). These traditional knowledges are still meaningful today in the face of the climate crisis that may provide valuable information for modern science and technology. Few examples of such traditional knowledges include typical Greek Knossos water system, Roman reservoirs, North American Clovis wells, and Nepali stone-spouts, in addition to ancient knowledge of the Veda, Ayurveda and Yoga practice that are embraced in modern holistic health management approaches. –Santosh Ghimire, Environmental Engineer
I’m thankful for my mentor, and chemist colleague, Bill Rugh. He has been an exceptional mentor; flexible, candid, resourceful, patient, and eager to invest in me without hesitation. I’m grateful for his time and knowledge as we transition the management of the Integrated Stable Isotope Research Facility from his hands to mine. –Lisandra Santiago-Delgado Trine, Chemist
As a scientist working in the lab, I am most thankful for the fact that the Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center building has been maintained in good condition during the pandemic. This is the result of collective effort of many people, including our manager, security staff, and housekeeping staff. –Tao Li, Chemist
I am thankful for many of the contract staff that support EPA’s work. Their work is often behind the scenes - from staying onsite during COVID to keep many of our labs running to helping us navigate project transitions such as shifting in-person conferences to virtual – but deserving of admiration and thanks. –Anne Mikelonis, Environmental Engineer
I am thankful for my colleague John Glaser who is a chemist and has his office in the same hallway as mine. There have been numerous hallway conversations and I have learned so much from John. John reads/listens over 100 books a year. He has wealth of knowledge just about everything. Our discussions cover from astrophysics, to fungi, to enzymes, to Chinese medicine, to cranberry pie. I am always learning something new from John.
A scientific discovery I am thankful for is heliocentrism. Humans finally realized the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun, rather than Earth-centric geocentrism. It was a pivotal change of our view about the Earth, ourselves, and our roles in the universe. I am also thankful for the Ancient Chinese ancestry discovery of Tao, the holistic beliefs of the natural order of the universe. The wisdom has guided many eastern philosophies, culture, medicine, ways of living through millenniums. –Cissy Ma, Research Engineer
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the researcher alone. EPA does not endorse the opinions or positions expressed.