The world is changing fast in the wildlife kingdom and we need to be able to help wildlife thrive in their natural habitat. We couldn’t do this without the help of wildlife biologist and zoologist. These professionals study the characteristics and behavior of animals – gaining a better understanding of how they interact with each other and their environments. Through breeding programs, informational presentations, and collecting and analyzing biological specimens, zoologists and wildlife biologists work on the front lines of the effort to preserve our planet’s biodiversity.
Research and development managers help organizations determine if an undertaking will meet business goals. Think about your favorite flavor of ice cream. A research and development manager was likely tasked with overseeing important research into its development – the cost of the ingredients, analyzing consumer trends on nutrition and flavors, and finding efficient and cost-effective methods to produce it. Their findings enable businesses to make informed decisions and make products people love.
If you are curious and creative, then being a research scientists could be the path for you! They can be found working across every industry, from biology and chemistry to environmental science, pharmacology, physics, computer science and even history. They plan and conduct research by formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments and analyzing the results in order to expand knowledge. They may work for environmental agencies, food companies, universities, government entities or on publicly funded research projects.
Are you a natural leader who loves technology? Do you thrive helping others reach their goals? If you answered yes to both, you might want to consider a position as a scrum master. They ensure that the daily projects related to software development are completed efficiently and effectively. They work with all areas of a company to create a seamless collaboration with the software development team. They remove obstacles that might delay the team’s goals and help the team align their work to the company objectives.
Are you a constant learner who likes seeing others succeed? A career as a secondary teacher may be right for you! By applying multiple hands-on teaching methods, secondary teachers help students understand advanced, applicable scientific-based principles. In this setting students, are able to explore careers and educational programs available after graduation. Secondary teachers are instrumental in uplifting the next generation.
Software engineering architects are visionaries and planners, ensuring organizations have a software infrastructure that supports their unique business needs. With an understanding of goals and functional needs, they research and design customized software solutions, oversee development and implementation and ensure on-going functionality. With an eye to the future, they ensure that software systems are able to evolve with changing trends and emerging technologies.
Application software developers are the creative minds behind the apps we use every day, and not just the ones on our smartphones. Word processors, games and even internet browsers are all examples of programs created by application software developers. These professionals analyze the needs of businesses and consumers, then leverage their skills in computer science and software engineering to design, test and develop applications that meet those needs.
Just like a theater set designer does for stage production, systems software developers work behind-the-scenes, designing the operating software that enables daily technology production – computers, phones, tablets, routers and more – to work; basically anything that has a chip in it requires a systems software developer to make it operate. Applying the principles of computer science, mathematical analysis and engineering, these professionals research, design, develop and test operating system components, drivers and debuggers to ensure that the daily technology show always go on.
Soil shares the same structure and capabilities as the largest human organ—the skin. Both are complex, layered, protective yet flexible and support every function that sustains life. Soil scientists study soil’s dynamic composition to understand how it can be managed to protect and improve agricultural practices, environmental quality and human health.
Technical problems usually don’t have a one-size-fits-all solution and that’s especially true for businesses and organizations with large scale software systems. It’s the job of solutions architects to understand user or functionality issues and resolve them by researching, designing and managing the implementation of solutions. Their work ensures that organizations are able to maximize efficiency and achieve their goals.
We only have one earth, and it’s important that we protect it by being environmentally responsible. It’s the role of sustainability specialists to help businesses implement green and sustainable practices that reduce a company’s environmental footprint, ensure compliance with regulations and meet organizational goals and objectives
Toxicology is often referred to as the “Science of Safety” – toxicologists use the power of science to test and predict how various chemicals may cause harm. These scientists typically have a strong understanding of science and biology – working primarily in laboratory settings to study the effects and proper doses of substances ranging from pesticides to prescription drugs. Toxicologists play a key role in protecting public health, the environment and animal welfare.
Veterinarians are the animal experts—from pets to livestock. And their deep knowledge stems from research and development; they understand the whole animal. They use this expertise to diagnose, treat and research diseases and sustain animal life for years to come.
Veterinary pathologists diagnose diseases by going straight to the source—they examine animal tissues and body fluids. Veterinary pathology is divided into two branches: anatomical pathology (examination of organs, tissues and bodies) and clinical pathology (examination and urine and blood). This isn’t for the faint of heart—veterinary pathologists are the crux of sustaining animal health.
From traffic lights, to banking, to school work — most aspects of our daily lives rely upon functional software programs. It’s the job of a software quality assurance engineer to ensure that programs operate exactly as intended. They are involved in all aspects of the process – planning, developing and assessing progress. They closely monitor the development phase, conducting multiple testing phases to ensure program performance meets quality specifications and functions as expected.
From beautiful rainbows to disastrous hurricanes, weather is a powerful force that greatly affects agriculture. Extreme weather conditions can negatively affect crop yield, increase the threat of pests and diseases and livestock production. By studying the earth’s atmosphere and predicting weather patterns, meteorologists help farmers and ranchers to understand, plan, and predict impactful conditions.
No detail is too small for a microbiologist; they’re experts on microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and algae. But they don’t stop at the nitty gritty—they take their knowledge of these microscopic creatures to see the bigger picture. With this greater understanding, microbiologists can change the world.
Ever wondered how DNA was discovered? That was the work of a molecular and cellular biologist! These scientists study cells’ interaction and their diverse functionality to discover what fuels and sustains life. Their research is applied across many areas—including genetically engineering new crops, applying DNA-based technology for animal breeding, addressing environmental health and so much more.
You are what you eat, and it’s a nutritionist’s job to ensure that the food consumed by people has a positive impact on health, growth and wellbeing. Working in the agbioscience sector, they may evaluate the nutritional value of feed, make observations to better understand eating habits, or adjust nutrients in products.
A plant biologist knows plants and their life cycle better than they know themselves. They use that knowledge to maximize, protect and manage crops and agricultural plants and trees. Starting from the root—literally, with expertise in soil and pests—plant biologists research the perfect conditions for plants to thrive in. Because of their research, farmers make the most of their yearly crop to feed the world.
Centuries ago, ears of corn were less than an inch long and only produced about ten hard kernels that tasted like dry, raw potatoes. The corn we grow and eat today is 100 times larger, with about 800 sweet and juicy kernels. The evolution from a tiny, tasteless crop to a flavorful food staple is the work of plant geneticists. By selectively breeding crops based on desirable qualities – such as yield, flavor, size and nutrient value – plant geneticists improve and create new varieties of crops and plants.
Plant pathologists evaluate plant species from both a micro and macro level to determine pathogens affecting the life and production of the plant. This career is vital for the innovation of plant growth and production practices that protect individual plants and are environmental safe and effective.
Process engineers are critical thinkers and problem solvers – applying scientific principles and mathematics to improve processes that develop the products we enjoy every day. Whether turning milk into cheese or oil into gasoline, these professionals specialize in maximizing the efficiency of transforming raw materials into final products. These innovations keep overhead as low as possible for production companies and prices down for consumers.
The average grocery store carries over 47,000 products – that’s a lot of food and a lot of choices for shoppers. Production Food Development Specialists are responsible for creating new food strategies and products that will appeal to consumers. They oversee the entire product development process, from conducting market research and trends, to product testing, packaging and marketing. They are innovators and team players, collaborating across many cross-functional teams and groups.
If you’re a stickler for detail and have a knack for data analysis, then you might consider a career as a quality control analyst. Responsible for ensuring that the products and food that we buy meet established quality standards, quality control analysts conduct tests, interpret results and conduct visual inspections. They may identify products that don’t meet established standards and advise on solutions.
Market research analysts are facts-first people. Using data from the research they gather, they can make or break the case for any cause—such as food security and public health. With their ability to create compelling arguments and presentations, they strategize for a more sustainable, efficient future, every day.
Plan, direct or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as identifying strategies to promote products or services along with developing strategies on pricing. The end goal of a marketing manager is to identify potential customers and increase the demand for their product or service over competitors.
Daily, legal counsels work individually, or collaboratively, to protect and defend their company or clients, while provide legally sounds advice on operations and transactions.
Ever peeked inside a laptop or cell phone and wondered how it was created? It was likely the work of a computer hardware engineer. Using design methods, problem-solving and logic skills, computer hardware engineers build computer systems and their related components. From processors to memory devices, 3-D printers to self-driving combines, computer hardware engineers shape the future of computer technology.
Every time a student searches the web, a nurse updates patient records or a farmer checks the weather forecast, they generate data. Data curators use their deep understanding of data applications to help businesses, organizations and IT professionals establish common goals and utilize this data to accomplish them. With more sophisticated ways to leverage the huge amounts of information we create, data curators help us become more efficient, informed and productive.
The focus of an entomologist’s work can take them anywhere in the world as an expert in one main thing: insects. Entomologists study everything about insects from their classification to their behavior, life cycle, distribution and so on. A boundless and versatile career, entomologists work as researchers, teachers and consultants—for universities, private companies or government agencies. Where bugs go, entomologists follow; their impact is truly global.
Modern industries provide us with convenience and comfort—but unfortunately there is potential for dangerous waste and pollutants as well. When these pollutants endanger the quality of our air, soil and water, environmental engineers strive to solve these pressing issues and improve conditions. They work to advance issues like waste disposal, unsafe drinking water, recycling and sustainability.
When the environment is under attack, so is the air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil we use to grow our crops. Environmental scientists investigate potential environmental threats and create plans to prevent and fix them. They investigate issues like mysterious frog deformities and death of livestock due to soil contamination. As experts in natural science, they have the responsibility to act both as environmental advisors and advocates to companies and governments.
We often don’t think about where the food we eat was grown or how it was processed and packaged – because food safety inspectors are our food security guards! They ensure that local, state, federal and global health safety standards are strictly adhered. They may travel to various locations – farms, food labs, manufacturing facilities and restaurants – confirming that proper procedures for food storage, handling, processing and packing are taking place.
What’s in our food, and how do we safely process, package, preserve, store and distribute it? Food scientists find the answers for us, helping our food taste good, and making sure it’s good for you. By understanding foods’ composition, food scientists lead the effort in securing our health alongside our food supply.
Not all formulas are created equal—formulation requires a blend of both art and science. Formulation chemists study substances that do not react with each other—but have advantageous effects as a mixture; examples include pesticides, fertilizers, paints, cosmetics, etc. These scientists are curious about not only how a formula can be improved chemically, but how it can better serve both farmers’ and consumers’ evolving needs.
The number one cause of crop loss is fungi. Preventing crop loss is critical to our food supply, the food supply of production animals and our economy – which is why fungicide chemists are critical to farm production. Fungicide chemists formulate fungicides that prevent and kill harmful fungal parasites and diseases that pose a threat to crops and plants. They study chemical compounds to identify toxins that manage fungi and won’t harm plants, while adhering to environmental regulations.
How do microorganisms in the fermentation process relate to food and medicine? Fermentation scientists have the answers for us. Always on the lookout for new uses for fermentation, they’re leaders in helping us connect the microscopic to the big picture.
Comparing biochemists to biophysicists is like comparing apples to oranges – or actually – atoms to molecules. Biochemists study molecular functions, such as how cells metabolize chemical compounds, like food and medicine. Biophysicists focus on atomic functions, and how the laws of physics affect biology, like the effect of zero gravity on plants and animals.
How can we grow crops that resist disease, withstand droughts or yield larger produce? Bioengineers solve issues like these by enhancing or augmenting biological processes. This may mean working to develop a transgenic papaya that resists the ringspot virus, a strain of cotton plant that is able to tolerate herbicides or a type of popcorn that produces more kernels. In this way, bioengineers help improve the productivity of crops used for food, fiber and fuel.
Have you ever seen a map displaying where influenza outbreaks are located during flu season? That’s the work of a bioinformatics scientist! Complex scientific research yields vast amounts of valuable data – but how is all that data managed and shared? Bioinformatics scientists design computer tools and databases for processing and analyzing the resulting data to ensure that the information obtained is able to be interpreted and shared, paving the way for new discoveries across the globe.
We live on a truly miraculous planet – the perfect combination of breathable air, liquid water and the only known home to living organisms. Biologists study Earth’s life in all its forms, from bacteria to horses and everything in between. They seek to understand how living things came to exist, how they function, what they do, and how they’re impacted by external factors. Because of biologists, we have a better understanding of the planet we call home.
Are you curious about the world around you and excel at solving problems using math and biology? You may have what it takes to be a biostatistician. A biostatistician is someone who uses mathematics and statistics to explore and solve problems in biology. They design experiments in the fields of agriculture, environment and human healthcare to solve problems that will make life better for us all.
Chemical engineers are in the business of making chemical manufacturing safe and efficient. They design chemical plant equipment and create processes for chemicals and products that are essential to everyday manufacturing—gasoline, rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper and more. And they do it all by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics and engineering.
Chemists are the leaders in the lab, with the ability to think both qualitatively and quantitatively. Known for their high quality standards, they produce chemical analyses that allow us to continually discover and deepen our knowledge about the world we live in. We only get one Earth—and with a chemist’s help—we understand it more deeply and can make better decisions for how we treat it.
What does climate change mean for our planet’s future? For the future of our society? Climate change analysts answer these questions by researching and evaluating data to make scientific predictions about our climate system’s future. They lead the global movement for protecting Earth’s natural resources by using their research to inform world leaders and make actionable recommendations for sustainability.
Do you love to tell a story? Is talking to people one of your strengths? Being a communications manager could be the career for you! Overseeing a brand’s internal and external messaging, this role is vital to ensuring an organization’s message is clear, consistent and aligns with a company’s goals and objectives.
Computational biologists use data and experimentation to construct models of complex biological systems and processes—all with the intent to make new discoveries about how living things function. These scientists identify and challenge assumptions, innovate and test solutions, changing the way we understand the world around us.
You’ve probably heard of virtual reality, but how about virtual chemistry? Computational chemists conduct research and experiments virtually, using computer simulations to build and study chemicals and their behavior. This allows scientists to perform experiments that would otherwise be too dangerous, impractical or expensive to conduct—making research more efficient and paving the way for new discoveries and innovations.
Did you know that the first computer took 3 years to build and weighed over 50 tons?! Thanks to the work of computer and information research scientists, computers are now small enough to fit on your wrist, and process data 100,000 times faster. These scientists develop innovative ways to improve the efficiency and functionality of complex computing systems, enabling us to access information more quickly, store data more securely and automate tasks and processes. Their work advances agriculture, healthcare, business and education, helping make all aspects of life more productive.
From blue jeans to insulin, chemistry is responsible for many of history’s most important scientific breakthroughs. As the detectives of the chemistry field, analytical chemists identify substances and how they behave. Their work is used in many industries both in and outside the laboratory – you can find analytical chemists working in forensic labs identifying evidence, in environmental labs testing for toxins and pollutants or in the animal pharmaceutical field developing new drugs to improve our pets’ health.
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