Industry Seminar Series: An Arsenal of Experiences: Maneuvering the Frontlines of a Modern PhD Career ... to ARL

Embarking on a career as a scientist or engineer after your PhD is akin to navigating a complex battlefield. My own career journey has been nothing short of tortuous, filled with pivotal decisions, unexpected twists, and a plethora of opportunities that I've adapted to along the way. I've soldiered on through the manufacturing plants of industry to the ivory towers of academia, eventually arriving at the dynamic terrain of the Army Research Laboratory - the vanguard of the Army's R&D efforts. I'll share not only my career experiences but also my perspective of the operational environment within the national laboratories. Throughout my journey, I've held roles of scientist, team leader, branch chief, and senior leader within ARL. In this ever-evolving landscape, I'll also touch on some contemporary themes from my sabbatical, including machine learning, AI, and science of science. Rest assured, I'll keep these discussions high-level and commander ready. So, if you're curious about my career experiences, what a career in a national laboratory like ARL entails, and how to autonomously forge your own unique path in the dynamic jungles of science and engineering, this talk is for you. Let's maneuver the frontlines of the modem PhD career together.