You’ve lived in a lot of different places — and some fairly remote places for someone who works in science. Could you share a bit about your journey?

I consider myself very lucky to have lived in such interesting places in the U.S. I’ve mostly lived on the East Coast but now live in Libby, Montana. The balance between career and personal life was the main motivation for the moves I’ve made in the past couple of years. So far, I’ve found that fit in Libby. Having a diverse science background like mine has proven to be an advantage for me throughout my moves. I can fit in many industries career-wise; I like having that flexibility.

Would you mind walking us through your career?

I worked as a research scientist for 13 years. In college I started working on HIV therapeutics/AIDS pathogenesis and rheumatoid arthritis. After receiving my B.S. in Biology, I worked as a research technician at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia focusing on the regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in lupus patients. After two years, I decided to pursue a Ph.D. in Microbiology & Immunology. My thesis research focused on the contribution of omega-6 fatty acids in the development of autoimmune diseases. Continuing my scientific training as a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana, I concentrated on Salmonella research.

I then decided to apply my skills in a different arena and received the Science & Technology Policy Fellowship through the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). As a fellow, I worked at the EPA Office of Water in Washington, D.C. with scientists and policy makers to investigate approaches to implement high-throughput methods under the Safe Drinking Water Act & the Clean Water Act.

Virginia Kocieda, Senior Research Associate

How do your professional background, education, and TLS all tie together?

Good question: they don’t! I, however, do use my broad scientific background and transferable analytical/research skills to contribute to the work I do at TLS.

What inspires you in your day-to-day life – both professionally and personally?

I’m driven to learn something new everyday – this applies professionally and personally. Expanding your horizons can be done every day by learning something new about the work you do, about yourself, and about the world around you. I really enjoy learning because in reference to what you just learned the old becomes new again. New information transforms the old and new patterns, connections, and meanings can come through. This inspires me.

What three traits define you?

Patience, inquisitiveness, and authenticity

What’s your favorite part of working at TLS?

This is my first time working in the private sector and working within medical sciences in this capacity – it’s very exciting for me! Everything is new to me: from the data that is collected to how it’s analyzed. The challenge of the work itself and required adaptability one must have to be successful here keeps you on your toes. There’s never a boring moment! That’s what I like about working at TLS.

Of what are you proudest in your career?

I feel like I’ll be able to answer that question when I’m 80. My career has taken many turns throughout my life and is bound to do so in the future. It’s been an incredible ride. So, I guess I can say that I’m proudest of taking that ride.

What would you most like to tell yourself at age 16?

“Everything works out in the end.”