STJR Graduate Contributes to Space-Based Research
When Emily Roberge was a graduate student in genetics, her classmates often noted her skill at explaining scientific concepts. Deciding to apply this skill to a career in science communication, Emily entered the STJR program in 2009. Today, Emily applies her science background and communication skills to fostering space-based research.
Emily helps to manage research at the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), which is in charge of the International Space Station US National Laboratory. Research areas at CASIS include remote sensing and Earth observation, biomedicine, and materials, physical, and plant sciences.
Emily works closely with investigators to develop research ideas and craft effective grant proposals. Therefore she is constantly learning new things. “I get to work with new exciting projects and extremely innovative ideas every day, and that is just fantastic,” she said.
The skills Emily refined in the STJR program are essential for her job. She learned, for example, to write persuasive, engaging communications targeted to scientists. “That is extremely important in my position now because most of the marketing we do is for the scientific community, trying to attract new investigators to do projects with us,” she said.
Emily’s STJR training also has helped her in other professional endeavors. For example, what she learned in her science editing course helps in the freelance writing and editing business she co-owns. In this business, she helps scientists with publications and grant proposals.
Emily received her master’s in STJR in 2010. She also has a BS in biochemistry and molecular biology from the State University of New York at Albany and a MS in molecular and human genetics from the Baylor College of Medicine.