On Wednesday the 20th, science majors around campus gathered in Boyd 011 to discuss career opportunities in policy and diplomacy. Natalie DeGraff was invited to give the talk by Dr. Turski, professor of Environmental Science.
DeGaff had plenty of experience to share with the group of meteorology and environmental science students. The talk focused on global health and how climate change is going to affect infectious diseases in the future. DeGraff suspects that through policy and diplomacy governments can curtail such catastrophe.
DeGraff explained that she hopes students can, “Take a step back from their individual focuses and recognize the global nature of so many issues that are inextricably linked,” DeGaff continued, saying, “To solve these issues requires a broad array of investment from all areas of study. And of course, that policy is a core requirement for any government to function properly.”
DeGaff then went into her personal story, particularly on her career path in the field, in hopes of encouraging students to pursue a similar career. DeGaff restated what college students hear all of the time, “It is all about who you know.” DeGraff said that after getting her masters in science technology, she moved from jobs in the White House to the UN.
DeGaff explained to the group that she was once interested in working in a laboratory but feared that her work wouldn’t be seen by the public and she would not make an impact. “If you want to make an impact I think it is wise to work with policy,” DeGaff reiterated.