The American Physiological Society Conscious Choice and Serendipity

The American Physiological Society Conscious Choice and Serendipity in Your Career Trajectory: A Panel Discussion Organizers: Lisa R. Leon, Ph. D. , US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine Erica Wehrwein, Ph. D. , Michigan State University Experimental Biology 2014 San Diego, CA April 29, 2014 Integrating the Life Sciences from Molecule to Organism

A Government Physiologist’s Perspective Kathy L. Ryan, Ph. D. US Army Institute of Surgical Research Chief, Research Regulatory Compliance Division JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, TX The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the author and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.

BIOGRAPHY 1992 -1999: I worked as a research physiologist for the US Air Force under a contract to Trinity University. As a contractor, I was not directly employed by the US government. I also taught at local universities at night from 1992 -2001 to keep teaching on my CV and increase my career options. 1999: I moved to the US Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR) as an Army employee (i. e. , civil servant). I served as a research physiologist performing both animal and human research. 2012: I became the Chief of the Research Regulatory Compliance Division. In my new role, I facilitate research by helping investigators 1) navigate IACUC and IRB approval for their protocols; and, 2) maintain compliance with their protocols. Additionally, I provide education on the ethical conduct of research and regulatory requirements for performing research to investigative staff and leadership.

CAREER PATH TRAJECTORIES • Trained to be an academician but was provided an opportunity to stay in my hometown and work for the military. I was open to the chance, even though had not considered while training • Served on IACUC (Chair) and IRB (member) when given the opportunity. Helped establish a Scientific Ethics Committee. Consequently, given the opportunity to assume leadership of the Research Regulatory Compliance Division. • Moral of the story: Take opportunities when they arise as they may prepare you for your next job, either within government or back in academia or even industry. Be open to something new.

SKILL SETS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES THAT IMPROVE CHANCES OF SUCCESS Communication skills • Able to present effectively both orally and in writing - to science peers but those without a science background (e. g. , leadership) Flexibility • Mission dictates what needs to be done - successful scientist will be able to adapt (within reason) • Go with the funding • Innovate within a new research area Not unlike academicians seeking NIH funding in the “hot” areas. This is an opportunity to learn.

SKILL SETS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES THAT IMPROVE CHANCES OF SUCCESS Collaborative skills • Pull in experts in the field • Much of government science is collaborative, so… Be a team player • The “lone wolf” scientist will not do well in government laboratories • You have to be a good follower before you can be a good leader • Need good interpersonal skills to work effectively

SKILL SETS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES THAT IMPROVE CHANCES OF SUCCESS Openness to acquisition of “non-bench” career skills • May be asked to perform more management and business-like activities - Contracting officer’s representative to a company - Temporary program leader These are opportunities

EXPECTATIONS AND POTENTIAL OBSTACLES Be prepared for bureaucracy • “Cost” of working for the government - If you can’t accept, you won’t be happy as a government scientist • Typically, you can find work-arounds for some things, other things are not negotiable Accept it Understand that Congress is in control • Current political climate has “big government” under fire • Result in the past year of furloughs, funding cuts and downsizing. It is out of your control