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Melissa Sizemore
Emergency Management Officer, Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency
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There are so many opportunities [in STEM] to be able to tailor what interests you.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
My job is to prevent, prepare, mitigate, respond and recover from all disasters both natural and man made. I essentially act as the local FEMA, with less budgetary funds and resources. Our field uses various scientific methods to analyze past events and disasters in order to improve plans and response during future occurrences.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
I chose to go the emergency management route while obtaining an education in atmospheric science. I realized that I could educate more people about weather safety, and make communities more resilient against the hazards they face everyday.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
Being able to adequately work and pave the way with new methods and ideas in a male dominated field.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
I love working in the field of STEM, because everything is ever changing and you never stop learning. I feel like I am a lifelong learner, and there is no reason to continue to do things the old way when new and more innovative methods are being introduced daily.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
The field of STEM is such a rewarding feeling, and the job availability is vast. There are so many opportunities to be able to tailor what interests you.
INSPO / FUN FACT
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” - Wayne Gretzky