Being inquisitive started at a very early age for me. When I had a toy that made noise or had moving parts, I wanted to know how it worked and what made it work.

My scientific training helped me develop problem-solving skills to answer the “why” question. I started college as an engineering major and quickly learned that I could be an electrical engineer with a physics degree. After switching, I found the physics program to be refreshing, welcoming, and challenging—and I have always prided myself on facing each new challenge as an opportunity to be the best I can be.

The skills and knowledge that I acquired during my educational journey were second to none and enhanced my analytical, organizational, and leadership skills. While I thoroughly enjoyed physics, my path ultimately went in a different direction. Physics had prepared me for new opportunities outside the world of science.

I left Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to utilize my skills in the service of the United States Air Force Reserves. For eight years I was an avionics guidance and control systems specialist. Today I am an Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)-certified information technologies manager at Saint Peter’s Healthcare System in New Brunswick, New Jersey. At Saint Peter’s I have the opportunity to use my skills to manage technical staff, lead projects with cross-functional teams, and serve as a member of the Leadership Development Team, Diversity Committee, and Space Planning Committee.

In my community of Franklin Township, I was appointed by the United States Department of Justice to lead the Crisis Response Team. I serve alongside the chief of police, Town Council members, the school superintendent, and other township residents. I am also a member of a grassroots organization called Community 4 Change, where I was selected to be the coordinator for the Media Relations Team. I write press releases and editorials and conduct press conferences on behalf of the organization.

I can now see how to approach problem solving from a scientific perspective, using quantitative methods to come to a resolution. That allows me to be strategic in planning and tactical in execution. The scientific method has afforded me the opportunity to successfully work in a collaborative environment and find resolve in highly stressful and emotional situations, whether at work or in my community.