Chemistry Overview

	B.S. - Chemistry, University of Arizona M.S. - Biochemistry, McGill University
	Regulatory Action Leader in Environmental Chemistry
	"If you are interested in working for EPA, I would recommend that you take as many environmental courses as possible."

"The division of EPA that I work in is responsible for the registration of microbial and biochemical pesticides. This can be new pesticides or modifications to existing pesticides. It's my job to make sure that they meet our regulatory standards before they are registered. I have colleagues who review the scientific data when it comes into this office. My job is to manage the review process and write the final regulatory decision documents. What I do is largely scientific so a scientific degree is necessary. If you are interested in working for EPA, I would recommend that you take as many environmental courses as possible. Agronomy and soil chemistry are both very useful, as well as specialization in entomology, weed science, or microbiology.

Communication is another important aspect of the job. My environmental stewardship work involves educating the public about alternatives to pesticides and how they can manage pests in their homes and outdoors and working with the turf grasses industry to reduce the risk of pesticides.

An entry level position at EPA for someone with a B.S. in chemistry would typically involve review of data and documents under the supervision of someone at a higher level. If you have been in the Peace Corps, this experience will put you ahead of other applicants. Another is to enter the agency in a non-scientific position and move up."