What is your name and role here at DEB? Emily Mellicant, Biologist

How did you find out about NSF? I did an NSF-funded REU back in undergrad and got to spend the summer in Minnesota studying lakes. Afterwards, I presented a poster on my research at a conference, and I remember the NSF logo didn’t print properly on my poster. I ended up drawing my own out of fear that some program officer would come by and make a comment. It was a great introduction! Since then, I’ve been working on and off either as an NSF employee or on NSF-funded research projects. The last couple years, I’ve supported National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) in producing their Science and Engineering Indicators reports. My pride and joy are creating the data visualizations for the STEM workforce.

Tell us a little about what you studied in school. I studied marine science and geology, then later environmental chemistry (under the guise of a geography degree). I grew up sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and studying fresh and saltwater environments has always been my passion.

Cats or Dogs? Cats!

What fictional family would you most like to join? The Roses from Schitt’s Creek? Or maybe the Bennets from Pride and Prejudice. Love those quirky families that are there for each other when the chips are down.