Career Pathways Program

Pierre Agostini - Professor Emeritus of Physics

Name: Pierre Agostini

Job Title: Professor Emeritus of Physics

Organization: The Ohio State University

Website: https://physics.osu.edu/

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, Doctorate Degree

General Job Duties and Tasks:

Engaging in Physics Research
Mentoring Physics Graduate Students
Teaching Physics to Undergraduate College Students
Communicating Physics Discoveries to the Public

Favorite Part of Your Job:

Learning new things, having the opportunity to be curious and try something new

Anything Else to Share:

I’m very grateful to the Ohio State Physics Department for having given me this position. I hope that my work will inspire young scientists to keep exploring. Physics is far from being all discovered and understood. Use your imagination and your passions and your will to understand things.

Unique Facts (that directly relate from your career to Ohio):

Physics impacts so many of our growing industries and exciting endeavors in Ohio: from NASA Glenn to the growing semiconductor industry to the shifting needs of our electrical grid.

Was this your original career?

When I started university, I wanted to do math. They discouraged me. They said, ‘Math is too hard.’ So, I tried physics.

Anything unique about your career path?

You never know what will be useful. The road is success can be a long one. A trick I discovered in 1979 wound up being used in the research that won the 2023 Nobel Prize. One of the most important innovations to make our research possible was a disc with a hole in it. It’s been a random walk.

Bonnie Ayars - Dairy Program Specialist at Ohio State and Dairy Judging Coach

Name: Bonnie Ayars

Job Title: Dairy Program Specialist at Ohio State and Dairy Judging Coach

Organization: The Ohio State University

Website: ohio4-H.org; https://cfaes.osu.edu

Education: High School Diploma/GED, Bachelor's Degree

General Job Duties and Tasks:

Teaching, mentoring, recruiting, coaching, and assistance with Ohio 4-H dairy programs

Favorite Part of Your Job:

Connecting with and mentoring student development

Anything Else to Share:

It is the greatest job in the world as I observe growth and maturity.

Unique Facts (that directly relate from your career to Ohio):

Education, like Ohio, is the "heart of it all." and our land grant university is pivotal in the progress of careers that include hands on experiences and research. However, our extension outreach is second to none with 4-H being a major force in positive youth development that is sustained in multiple generations of Ohio citizens.

Was this your original career?

In my youth, there was nothing more important than my involvement with 4-H. I had dairy, sewing, and junior leadership projects. One of my dairy cows was quite special. The choice was made to sell her and that cow named "GiGi" sent me to college. It was a first in many ways for my family. Today, whenever I am a speaker at events, I mention that cow and 4-H as my ticket to a future career.

In 4-H, I was a delegate to Ohio 4-H Club Congress, National 4-H Club Congress, National 4-H Dairy Conference, a 2x state award winner, and 6 years as a camp counselor including State Leadership camp. Beyond 4-H, I also had a musical background that led me to perform at Club Congress where I met Dean Kottman of Ohio State. Through a long and winding career path, I eventually graduated from OSU from the College of Agriculture and Home Economics. Fast forward to 34 years as a Home economics teacher and now 18 years at Ohio State, I have lived a career specializing in connections with youth. I have also been a 4-H advisor, volunteer, and longtime advocate since I grew up in the county where 4-H was created.

Family life and life on our farm is integral in my life. My husband John and I have been married 52 years and became the parents of 4 sons. They too carried on a proud tradition of 4-H involvement and Ohio State. Along the way, we were inducted into the Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame and also received the Dairy Science Hall of Service award and now have two endowed scholarships at the university in honor of a deceased son. Giving back has and will continue to be one of our primary goals.

So many stories and other life honors could be shared, but the one basic theme here is that a career path should be about pursuing a passion. I have often said that "students have defined my life, and yet at other times, they have saved my life".

Anything unique about your career path?

At 73 years of age, most of my pathways have clearly become outdated! That is why my resume is like reading War and Peace. However, I can remember a gentleman first year teacher in 1973 earned more than I did as he was considered the "breadwinner." When I had the first child, there was no maternity leave and insurance only covered hospitalization. Times have changed and I have adapted with them, around them, and for the good of the cause. Not quite the story you were looking for, but relevant. Also at a time when others retire, I still work at OSU, do barn chores every morning and night on our dairy, own and manage our ice cream business, and manage our farm's event center where we host many elementary field trips. My husband and I both have been blessed with good health.

Abbey Cohen - Assistant Director Initiative Development and Processing

Name: Abbey Cohen

Job Title: Assistant Director Initiative Development and Processing

Organization: Ohio Department of Higher Education

Website: https://transfercredit.ohio.gov

Education: Bachelor's Degree

General Job Duties and Tasks:

Assist in the development of new Military Transfer Assurance Guides (MTAGs) by conducting ongoing research and collaborating with faculty members and other resources
Conduct ongoing research to see if see military-specific credentials can fit into the Industry-Recognized Credential Transfer Assurance Guide (ITAG) structure
Assisting with the administration of military, apprenticeship, and transfer initiatives
Pursue the feasibility of adding state-registered apprenticeship programs as potential ITAGs by conducting research and collaborating with faculty and apprenticeship resources

Favorite Part of Your Job:

Being able to collaborate with other teams within the agency
Form professional connections with individuals all over the state of Ohio in higher education
New opportunities for professional growth
Each week is different, there are always new and exciting initiatives and ideas
Knowing that I am helping students

Was this your original career?

My career goal has always been to be in a position where I could help others, whether that be through a non-profit organization or a government agency. I was enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard for 6 years and ultimately wanted to help active-duty service members, veterans, and other military-connected individuals become aware of their benefits and utilize them. While I was completing a bachelor's degree in International Relations, I learned of a job opening at the Department of Higher Education thanks to the Office of Military and Veterans Services at Ohio State. The position included assisting with military and transfer initiatives—two topics I was familiar with as an active-duty transfer student. Because of my military background and passion to help others, I am delighted that I am now in a position where I can assist military-connected and transfer students in reaching their educational goals.

Anything unique about your career path?

As a member of the Ohio Army National Guard, I obtained my bachelor's degree without accumulating any debt, thanks to the Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program (ONGSP), Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA), and the Post 9/11 GI Bill. By earning college credit for my military training, I was able to expedite my degree. The military has offered me diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth, allowing me to explore various career paths alongside my academic pursuits. Despite graduating with a degree in international relations, I discovered a passion for cybersecurity and information technology. I've chosen to pursue a Master of Science in Information Technology to further develop my skills in this area and take advantage of the various educational opportunities in the state of Ohio.

Logan Eisenhart - Primary Care Provider & Professor

Name: Logan Eisenhart MSN APRN FNP-C

Job Title: I have two jobs, Professor at a State University and Primary Care Provider in Family Practice

Organization: Kent State University, PCP at Axesspointe Health Center

Education: High School Diploma/GED, Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree

General Job Duties and Tasks:

Medical Provider in an outpatient family practice office
Educator of Nursing students in a Bachelor of Nursing program

Favorite Part of Your Job:

Positively impacting the community by providing healthcare services and training the nurses of tomorrow.

Anything Else to Share:

To anyone who was ever told that they couldn't do something... yes you can. Let that negative talk be the gas that lights your fire on your road to success.

Unique Facts (that directly relate from your career to Ohio):

Project Learn is an affiliate of the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Aspire program.

Anything unique about your career path?

Yes, I received a grant to take my GED through Project Learn that covered the cost of the test. I also got several scholarships in college that were for GED graduates only. Project Learn is an affiliate of the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Aspire program.

Was this your original career?

From GED to PCP

At the age of 17, I moved out on my own and dropped out of high school for personal reasons, including a difficult family life. Despite the uncertainties that lay ahead, I felt this was the healthiest choice for me at the time. This decision marked the beginning of a journey characterized by resilience, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth.

Obtaining my GED in 2011 through Project Learn in Akron, Ohio, was a pivotal moment in my life. It represented a significant milestone, reaffirming my commitment to education and opening doors to new opportunities. However, the transition to higher education was not without its challenges. Despite being financially independent, I encountered obstacles that hindered my access to college due to the lack of formal emancipation. I could not go to college until the age of 23.

In response to these challenges, I immersed myself in the restaurant industry, where I gradually ascended the ranks and assumed leadership roles. My tenure as a General Manager at the age of 22 underscored the valuable skills and resilience I had developed through my unconventional path.

I recognized a calling to pursue a career in healthcare and managed to find the BRIDGES program at Kent State University where I met a mentor, Carrie White, who encouraged me to give nursing a try. Graduating from Kent State University's RN ADN program in 2018 marked the culmination of years of hard work and determination.

Entering the healthcare profession, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of preventable chronic diseases on individuals and communities. Motivated by a desire to address the root causes of these health disparities, I embarked on a journey of continuous

learning and professional development.

Earning my BSN in 2019 and subsequently completing my MSN online in 2022, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforced my commitment to advancing healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes. Serving on the frontlines as an ICU and ER level one trauma nurse during this unprecedented time further solidified my dedication to providing high-quality, compassionate care to those in need.

Today, as a Family Nurse Practitioner in primary care, I am honored to leverage my knowledge and expertise to empower individuals to take proactive steps towards better health. I also have the privilege to treat those in my community who struggle with addiction to drugs and alcohol in our outpatient MAT treatment program.

In addition to my clinical practice, I am privileged to serve as a faculty member in the BSN program at Kent State University, where I have the opportunity to inspire and mentor the next generation of nurses. I treasure the time I spend with the students and love seeing those "lightbulb" moments in class.

My journey from dropout to nurse practitioner serves as a testament to the transformative power of resilience, determination, and a steadfast commitment to lifelong learning. Each obstacle I encountered along the way served as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery, ultimately shaping me into the compassionate, skilled healthcare provider I am today. I hope by sharing my journey, others can see they can do it too.

I am also currently working on my doctoral degree. My doctoral degree of study is a Doctor of Nursing Practice with a concentration in Leadership. My estimated graduation is December of 2025.

Lyda Garcia - Associate Professor / Extension Meat Specialist

Name: Lyda G. Garcia

Job Title: Associate Professor / Extension Meat Specialist

Organization: The Ohio State University

Website: https://ansci.osu.edu/our-people/lyda-g-garcia

Education: PhD

General Job Duties and Tasks:

Teaching
Extension
Research
Serving community needs
Educating the masses

Favorite Part of Your Job:

Working with People
Talking about Meat Science and its role in the meat industry
Witnessing the A-Ha moments

Anything Else to Share:

I also serve as the meat judging coordinator / coach

Unique Facts (that directly relate from your career to Ohio):

Meat Science is a critical component to the production of food animals. Meat science lets producers know whether adjustments should be made or not regarding management practices. One who understands the basics of meat science will be one step ahead. Those involved in raising food animals should have a good understanding of the end product; this can only work in their favor.

Was this your original career?

Originally, I wanted to join the Air Force out of high school. However, my mother (against me joining the military) convinced me to give college a chance, since I had received a full scholarship to judge livestock at a two-year college (Clarendon College). I quote (from my mother), "The air force will always be there, your scholarship will not."

Anything unique about your career path?

A uniqueness to my path is, I was not planning on going to college. But when I started, I could not stop. I found myself continuing to the next level as doors opened up for me. I could not help but to pay attention to the types of doors opening around me. With the help of great mentors, I took advantage of new opportunities regardless of the unknown. I did this simply by trusting the process. During my 11 year college journey, I did two internships with large scale meat processing facilities in the US, visited 32 states, and traveled to Mexico, London, and Ireland. It was not my plan to reach a level of a PhD, but doors kept opening along the way. It was during my PhD I realized how much I enjoyed, and was good at, teaching and working with livestock producers, adult learners and youth interested in this area (meat science). So, I took advantage of my strengths and have made a career out of it.

Allyssa Hedges - Meat Inspection Training Officer / EIAO

Name: Allyssa Hedges

Job Title: Meat Inspection Training Officer/EIAO

Organization: Ohio Department of Agriculture

Website: https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/meat-inspection

Education: High School Diploma/GED, Coursework in biology, chemistry, animal science, agribusiness, and/or food business management

General Job Duties and Tasks:

Perform Food Safety Assessments (FSAs) and sample collection at meat and poultry production facilities that are licensed with the Ohio Department of Agriculture's Division of Meat Inspection
Develop, modify, update, and deliver training for Division of Meat Inspection staff
Provide initial training for new hires and refresher training for established meat inspection staff including, but not limited to, humane handling, ante-mortem inspection of livestock and poultry, post-mortem inspection of red meat and poultry, sanitary dressing and pathogen reduction, sanitation, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system verification, product and environmental sampling, label verification, and communication
Monitor and assess training effectiveness and training needs for Division employees and plan training activities to meet those needs
Serve as a liaison with USDA-FSIS for FSIS training and IT support and with various ODA Divisions for state-administered training

Favorite Part of Your Job:

Going to all different types of food production facilities: Slaughterhouses, raw meat processors, facilities that make charcuterie-type products, meal providers, etc.
Working with livestock and seeing how the product gets from hoof to plate
Ensuring consumer confidence in the meat and poultry products that are produced at ODA-inspected meat and poultry establishments
Continuing to learn as policies, regulations, and technologies change
Traveling through all parts of Ohio to visit inspected facilities or meat inspectors

Anything Else to Share:

We have meat inspectors and state-inspected establishments in all areas of Ohio, so you do not need to live in a certain area to work in meat inspection.

Was this your original career?

I was originally planning to go to veterinary school, as I thought that was the only occupation where I could work with livestock and make a decent living as someone that didn’t come from a farming background. I worked at a mixed animal veterinary clinic in high school before getting my bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences from Purdue University. While in college, I continued to work at the animal clinic and a Standardbred breeding farm during the summers and worked at the Purdue Veterinary Lab Animal Care facility during the school year. After graduating college, I worked as a toxicology technician at a research laboratory for 3 years before applying to be a meat inspector with the Ohio Department of Agriculture. I was a meat inspector in Central Ohio for 3 years before taking a position as an Enforcement, Investigation, and Analysis Officer (EIAO) with the Division of Meat Inspection where I performed food safety assessment (FSAs) at state-inspected facilities throughout the state. After 4 years as an EIAO, I stepped into my current role as the Division training officer, but I still perform FSAs as needed.

Dr. Marci Howdyshell - Senior Director of Scientific Content and Research

Name: Dr. Marci Howdyshell

Job Title: Senior Director of Scientific Content and Research

Organization: COSI

Website: www.cosi.org

Education: Ph.D.

General Job Duties and Tasks:

I am a scientist. I lead a team of scientists at COSI, Columbus’s hands-on science museum.
We work with other teams to ensure that all exhibits, programs, and products created by COSI are scientifically accurate, accessible, and engaging.
We work with STEAM experts from universities and organizations to help them share their science with the public.

Favorite Part of Your Job:

Working together with all of the amazing people on the COSI team
Exploring and teaching about all areas of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)
Helping to improve exhibits at COSI
Learning new things every day
Meeting people who visit COSI!

Anything Else to Share:

I am a physicist by training. In my career at COSI, I get to explore and teach about all areas of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

Was this your original career?

My career goals changed a lot through the years. I didn’t always dream of being a scientist. I enjoyed math and was very creative as a kid. Both of these skills serve me well as a scientist. When I learned that some scientists get to help museums better communicate science with the public, I knew I had found my dream job!

Anything unique about your career path?

I worked in several different fields before my job at COSI. I was an experimental physicist in graduate school at The Ohio State University. I taught in public schools during my postdoctoral fellowship at Vanderbilt University. I volunteered and worked at nonprofits. It took me a little while to find my current career, but all the experiences and skills I gained during that time made me better at my job today.

Melissa Kmetz - Third Grade Language Arts Teacher, 2023 Ohio Teacher of the Year and 2024 Ohio Teacher Fellow

Name: Melissa Kmetz

Job Title: 2023 Ohio Teacher of the Year/2024 Ohio Teacher Fellow/Third Grade Language Arts Teacher

Organization: Last year, I was Ohio Teacher of the Year. Year #2 of that process is a sabbatical. So, this year, I'm on sabbatical with the Ohio State Board of Education and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. I've been a teacher for 21 years, and next year, will be returning to my role as a third grade language arts teacher at Lakeview Elementary in Cortland, Ohio.

Website:https://sboe.ohio.gov/educator-standards-and-progr...

Education: Master's Degree

General Job Duties and Tasks:

As the 2023 Ohio Teacher of the Year:

Advocate for educational equity for Ohio's students
Serve as a spokesperson and advocate for the teaching profession
Make public speaking appearances statewide
Elevate issues teachers face, amplify educator voice, inspire others to join the profession, aid in retention of educators
Celebrate and encourage appreciation for the diverse abilities, qualities, and achievements of students everywhere
Collaborate with educators, colleagues, policy makers, government officials and advocacy groups to mobilize support for policy change and advocate for reforms that improve student outcomes
Meet with Governor DeWine to discuss issues that impact Ohio's students, educators and schools

As Part of the 2023 National Teacher of the Year program (through the Council of Chief State School Officers):

Network and engage in professional development opportunities with the other 54 State Teachers of the Year, five times, throughout the course of the year.
Attend the National Teacher of the Year orientation in Sunnyvale, California. There, educators travel to Google campuses for tours, undergo media, speaking and advocacy training, and participate in a fireside chats with educational leaders.
Visit Washington, D.C. to be honored at the White House, meet the President of the United States, First Lady and U.S. Secretary of Education.
Visit Capitol Hill to meet with elected officials
Attend NASA Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, to participate in various space simulations, missions, team-building activities, and learn from former astronauts
Attend the Impact and Influence Conference in Princeton, New Jersey to plan next steps for after our year of service
Travel to the College Football Championship sponsored by the Extra Yard for Teachers to attend an educational summit, participate in a football toss to raise money for school districts, run in a 5K, and be announced on the field before the College Football National Championship game.

As the 2024 Ohio Teacher Fellow:

Work with the Office of Educator Effectiveness to continue amplifying educator voice and aid in educator recruitment and retention
Speak at various educational summits and conferences
Shine a spotlight on educators across Ohio by filming a video interview series where I interview the 2023 State Board District Teachers of the Year in their hometowns
Gain insight on and show my support for high quality literacy instruction following the Science of Reading through a partnership with the Literacy Team at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
Work with the Literacy Team to film a video series that captures high quality literacy instruction based on the Science of Reading in schools throughout Ohio
Engage in leadership and professional development opportunities

Favorite Part of Your Job:

Having a platform that allows me to make a broader impact on students, education, and the teaching community
Visiting schools to meet and speak with students and educators

Having the opportunity to travel and speak about things I'm most passionate about (truly seeing one another, equity, inclusion, diversity, leadership and legacy, change-making)
Being invited into spaces where educational decision-making takes place
Getting to work with my Ohio Teacher of the Year coordinator, cohort, and team
Working with my wonderful and talented team, at the State Board of Education, in the Office of Educator Effectiveness
My partnership with the incredible educators on the Literacy Team
Forming a family with the 54 State Teachers of the Year, who are some of the best and most talented educators I could ever meet
Having the support of the Ohio Education Association, and being asked to serve on OEA's Human and Civil Rights Committee
Meeting President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and Secretary Miguel Cardona
Collaborating with Governor DeWine to ensure our teachers and students have what they need to be successful
Being given a voice to enact positive change
Traveling and meeting such wonderful people

Anything Else to Share:

In May, I get to travel to Washington, D.C. to receive the NEA Award for Teaching Excellence
This year, I get to give the commencement address at my alma mater, 25 years after graduating from there!

Unique Facts (that directly relate from your career to Ohio):

Being 2023 Ohio Teacher of the Year has been the greatest joy of my life. It's brought opportunities I never thought possible and has filled my heart in every way. It also allowed me to have a sabbatical year with the Ohio State Board of Education and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, where I've met and learned from the most talented, wonderful individuals. None of that would have been possible if the parent of one of my students hadn't nominated me for this honor.

Anyone can nominate a special educator for Ohio Teacher of the Year, and I encourage you to do so! It will mean everything to that educator!

Was this your original career?

As a child, I spent two weeks in a medically induced coma. After, I spent weeks in the hospital, and that experience really impacted me. When I was well enough to leave, I knew I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others, I just wasn't sure how. For the longest time, I thought I wanted to be a doctor so I could work in a children's hospital just like the one I'd been in. Then, I considered being a school psychologist. However, as I got older, I decided teaching was the path for me.

In high school, I saw how some of my teachers changed the lives of students who needed them the most. Witnessing the impact they had in the lives of others inspired me greatly. Then, my senior year, I was asked to sit on our school's Continuous Improvement Committee. There, I saw the change that could be made when dedicated individuals worked together. Both of those experiences inspired me to become an educator.

I went on to get a Master's Degree with a Specialization in Reading, and soon after, my sister joined me in our school! She is our school's guidance counselor. Now, there are two Miss Kmetzes in the building! You can oftentimes find my mom in our building, too. She is always there to lend a helping hand in my room!

I couldn't love being a teacher more! Every day, I get to inspire and empower my students to become leaders and world-changers. Then, as Ohio's Teacher of the Year, I was given the opportunity to inspire and empower on a much larger stage!

When we truly see each other, and work together to lift one another up, there's nothing we can't accomplish!

Anything unique about your career path?

I earned a full academic scholarship, from the Stavich Family, to Youngstown State University. This scholarship helped my family greatly, as it even covered the cost of books!

Jason S. Kong - Consumer Protection Laboratory Director

Name: Jason S. Kong

Job Title: Consumer Protection Laboratory Director

Organization: Ohio Department of Agriculture

Website: agri.ohio.gov

Education: Master's Degree, Chemistry or Microbiology degree preferred

General Job Duties and Tasks:

Oversees all chemistry and microbiology testing programs in agricultural commodities, human and animal foods, and livestock fair samples to support the state's regulatory division work
Manages supervisors, scientists, technicians and support personnel necessary for the laboratory to be successful in daily operations
Works with state and federal regulatory partners in communication, providing subject matter expertise and rapid response to emergencies affecting the state or nation
Oversees the operational and capital budgets, equipment and infrastructure of the laboratory to ensure laboratory operational readiness
Develops and enacts policies to ensure any testing performed in the laboratory is defensible, timely and safe

Favorite Part of Your Job:

I love that I can be doing anything on any given day! Whether I'm helping address a foodborne outbreak, working on a construction project or working with the best minds in the nation to guide future policies, I know that everything I do is to directly serve the public good.

Anything Else to Share:

As the Laboratory Director, I set the priorities and culture of the laboratory. I want every single person in the laboratory, whether administrative support, a technician, or a scientist to know that without their contributions we cannot protect Ohioans and others effectively!

Unique Facts (that directly relate from your career to Ohio):

Analytical chemists and microbiologists are vital to supporting the mission of not just the Ohio Department of Agriculture, but many other agencies in the state!

Was this your original career?

I have always admired my father's ambition to be a public servant. As a civil engineer, he told me that being a public servant was the "most direct way to help people." This left a lasting impression on me at a young age and I have pursued a similar ambition ever since. After obtaining my Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Chemistry, I served as an analytical chemist at the Office of Indiana State Chemist for five years, testing to protect consumers from mislabeled pesticide products and pesticide misuse. I started working at the Ohio Department of Agriculture in 2013 as a Chemical Laboratory Supervisor for the Consumer Protection Laboratory, overseeing the state's chemical testing on agricultural commodities such as feed and fertilizer. In 2019, I founded the agency's Hemp testing laboratory section and oversaw operations related to pesticide testing up until I was chosen to serve as the Laboratory Director in 2021.

Anything unique about your career path?

I received a Certificate in Public and Non-Profit Leadership from OSU's John Glenn College of Public Affairs, in 2021, fully funded by the state's employee development funds and just in time to begin my new position as a Laboratory Director.

Haley Palmer - Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development

Name: Haley Palmer

Job Title: Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development

Website: ohio4h.org or huron.osu.edu or extension.osu.edu

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree

General Job Duties and Tasks:

Establish and maintain a comprehensive 4-H volunteer system by identifying, selecting, training, and evaluating adult 4-H volunteers.
Design, implement, and deliver educational programming in collaboration with volunteers and partner organizations.
Collaborate with committees, volunteers, and community partners to achieve program goals and establish partnerships.

Organize and oversee overnight residential camps annually, including camp counselor training, staff training and management, meal planning, and facility management.
Support county fair activities in collaboration with junior and senior fair boards.
Contribute to county, multi-county, and state Extension teams to advance the mission and values of Ohio State University Extension and 4-H Youth Development.

Favorite Part of Your Job:

I enjoy that my job is challenging yet rewarding, particularly in working with youth and witnessing their growth.
I enjoy the opportunity to work with older youth, such as 4-H Camp Counselors, and witness their hard work come to fruition.
I love being a part of nurturing tomorrow's leaders and witnessing the capabilities of our youth in the 4-H program.
I love that I get to collaborate with the community and our dedicated volunteers, acknowledging the privilege of leading such an awesome program.

Anything Else to Share:

There are so many different things we get to do in this position. No two days are alike! It’s always fun to explain to someone what my day to day looks like or what I do in my role because it is very vast in responsibilities. The diversity of tasks in this position keeps it dynamic and engaging. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, whether it's processing volunteer applications, coordinating livestock tagging events for the county fair, collaborating with community partners on programming, working on statewide projects in Columbus, or training 4-H Camp Counselors. This variety is one of the reasons why I find this role so fulfilling and enjoyable.

Unique Facts (that directly relate from your career to Ohio):

There is an Extension Office located in all 88 Ohio Counties, with Extension Educators like myself that serve the unique needs of their communities.

Was this your original career?

Growing up involved in 4-H and FFA, I always aimed for a career related to agriculture, working with youth, and serving the community. I earned my bachelor's degree in AgriScience Education from The Ohio State University, providing me with a teaching license. While the traditional career path for this degree is to become an agriculture teacher, I found my path leading me to non-formal education. I now have a master’s degree in Agricultural Communication, Education and Leadership.

Anything unique about your career path?

Despite not growing up on a farm, I became involved in 4-H, challenging the misconception that one must be from a farm background to pursue a career in agriculture or be involved in 4-H. Often times when I tell people that I am a 4-H Educator they often ask if I grew up on a farm and I am happy to share my story with them.p

Van Parker - Freelance Musician

Name: Van Parker

Job Title: Freelance Musician

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree

General Job Duties and Tasks:

Playing concerts with various orchestras and bands
Participating in recording sessions
Creating recital and concert programs

Teaching young musicians

Favorite Part of Your Job:

Bringing music to people all over the world

Anything Else to Share:

A career in music takes a lot of dedication and hard work but it is definitely worth the effort!

Unique Facts (that directly relate from your career to Ohio):

Ohioans are lucky to have high quality professional orchestras all over the state making it a great state to work as a musician in.

Was this your original career?

I wanted to be a professional musician since my junior year in high school at Stivers School for the Arts. I practiced diligently and earned degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory and Northwestern University before starting to take auditions for professional ensembles. Now I play regularly for the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Cleveland Opera Theater and the Firelands, Lima, and Youngstown Symphonies.

Anything unique about your career path?

Musicians begin training from a young age and I took advantage of as many youth and honors ensembles as I could including the Springfield Youth Symphony, Dayton Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and Dayton's Muse Machine.

John Payne - Pulmonary Services Site Manager

Name: John Payne

Job Title: Pulmonary Services Site Manager

Organization: Ohio Health

Website: Ohiohealth.com

Education: Associate's Degree, With State Licensure

General Job Duties and Tasks:

Breathing Treatments
Critical Care
Emergency Care
Life Support Ventilators
Diagnostic Testing
Patient Rehabilitation
Neonatal Resuscitation

Favorite Part of Your Job:

Saving Lives/Improving Quality of Lives

Anything Else to Share:

Wonderful, rewarding field. As a Professional in Respiratory Therapy, you can always feel the benefit you provide for patients and the tremendous satisfaction of having bettered their lives.

Unique Facts (that directly relate from your career to Ohio):

Respiratory Therapy is in great demand. It is a field of critical needs and projections are for even more demand in the future! The health care industry badly needs more Respiratory Therapists!

Was this your original career?

Respiratory Therapy was not my original career goal. In fact, I had never heard of it. Often, the more traditional roles are much more well known. After exploring lots of different potential careers I began to consider Health Care. Upon researching the different options in Health Care I found that Respiratory Therapy had the perfect mix.

Anything unique about your career path?

Once deciding on Respiratory Therapy I learned as much as possible as quickly as possible. Diving into emergency and critical care helps establish the foundation from which to branch out into the many different areas of the Respiratory Therapy Profession. OhioHealth has extensive options for tuition paid education and internships.

Daniela Peña Hernández - Section Head, Virology

Name: Daniela Peña Hernández

Job Title: Section Head - Virology

Organization: Ohio Department of Agriculture, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory

Website: https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/animal-health

Education: High School Diploma/GED, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, DVM

General Job Duties and Tasks:

I proudly serve Ohioans with my work at the Ohio Department of Agriculture!
We perform laboratory tests that look for viruses or antibodies against viruses
Our tests help veterinarians diagnose diseases in all kinds of animals, from pets and livestock to wild ranging white-tailed deer
I also collaborate with other animal health professionals in the development of new tests
When new diseases emerge in animals, we work as a team to identify them and control their spread

Favorite Part of Your Job:

Diagnosing a disease is like putting together a puzzle. The animal's history, the clinical signs, and the laboratory tests are all pieces of the puzzle. My favorite part is when the pieces come together! It's like CSI but with animals.

Anything Else to Share:

My research interests are viral diseases of poultry, emerging infectious diseases, and applied microbiological methods.

Was this your original career?

When I was in high school, I thought I was going to be an agricultural engineer! So no, veterinary medicine was not my first choice, but I always loved agriculture. When I was in vet school, microbiology was my favorite class. I enjoyed practicing veterinary medicine but I still looked forward to every opportunity to spend time in the lab. For that reason, I applied to an international research experience program, then to a clinical microbiology residency program, and now I work as a veterinary virologist for the Ohio Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. I could have never fathomed where I would be today when I was in high school, but as long as your decisions are true to your heart, they will lead you to the place you belong.

Anything unique about your career path?

During college, I worked part-time for the university. My work was 90% washing laboratory dishes at the Animal Nutrition lab. It helped me cover my meals. I obtained my first internship through a knowledge competition held by a private company. The award came with a cash price that I used to retire my sister's hand-me-down 10-year-old laptop. For the international research experience, a fully funded program was a must. And finally, during my residency program, I doubled as a research assistant to obtain a salary from the university. Not having a lot of money is not unique, but there are ways to avoid debt, and I encourage you to find them.

Katie Roland - Registered Respiratory Therapist

Name: Katie Roland

Job Title: Registered Respiratory Therapist

Organization: Nationwide Children's Hospital

Website: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/careers/whats-...

Education: Trade/Vocational School, Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree

General Job Duties and Tasks:

Patient care profession
Assess, treat, monitor, follow-up and care for patients with lung and heart disorders
Care for a wide array of patients such as lung disease, heart disease, neuromuscular disease, trauma victims, premature babies, children, adults, and the elderly
Utilize high technology equipment for patient care such as ventilators and heart/lung bypass machines
Perform and interpret diagnostic procedures, such as lung function tests, blood gas analysis, heart function monitoring, tests related to sleep-related breath disorders, and airway hypersensitivity tests

Favorite Part of Your Job:

Each day that I work is different! Sometimes I am taking care of patients on their worst days when they are coming in as a trauma victim and other days I am taking care of patients who are getting ready to go home after rehabilitating from a long hospital stay.

I learn something new every day at work and get to work alongside others in a team setting.

Anything Else to Share:

Respiratory Therapists work in multiple settings including hospitals, clinics, patient homes, offices, and helicopters/ambulances. The profession offers many advancement opportunities, such as receiving additional credentials (such as a Neonatal Pediatric Specialist), management positions, and education positions.

Unique Facts (that directly relate from your career to Ohio):

There are over 20 accredited respiratory therapy programs throughout Ohio offering Associates or Bachelor's programs. There is a need for Registered Respiratory Therapists in hospitals across Ohio.

Was this your original career?

I attended The Ohio State University where I received my Bachelor's Degree in Respiratory Therapy. While in college, I worked as a Respiratory Care Assistant at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Upon graduating college, I started working as a Respiratory Therapist at Nationwide Children's Hospital. I have worked at NCH for five years now. I have worked in multiple roles and shifts and now work as Night Shift Clinical Leader, which is a management position that allows me to lead my peers while still taking care of patients.

Anything unique about your career path?

A large portion of my college tuition was paid for through a College Advantage 529 Plan. I also received a scholarship from Nationwide Children's Hospital during my last year of college that provided tuition assistance as well as a job following graduation and licensure.

Doug Thornton - Technical Director / Senior Research Leader

Name: Doug Thornton

Job Title: Technical Director / Senior Research Leader

Organization: Battelle

Website: www.battelle.org

Education: Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, Typically people in my role have at least a bachelor's degree. I personally have a Ph.D. There are many ways to develop and demonstrate skills and in fields where demand outstrips the talent pool, managers get creative. The higher the degree, the less practical demonstrated experience is required. Formal education certainly helps, particularly in deep technology areas and in written communications, but it is not the only path.

General Job Duties and Tasks:

Communication.
In this role you listen to people’s challenges, problems, inefficiencies, and pain points. Then you work to match up those needs with technical capabilities and limitations. And must do so at a high level of abstraction which involves considerable skill in estimation.
When you are trying to bring technology to bear on a problem, many reasons can keep a good solution from being adopted. Those could be technical, financial, regulatory, timing, and business processes. My goal is to rapidly identify as many of those factors as quickly as possible to see if investment in technology and the efforts to deploy those technologies will stand a good chance of success in carrying out our mission to translate scientific discovery and technological advances into societal benefit.
Once we establish the outward-inward communication to match what needs to be done, what can be done, and what should be done, my role is to continually reinforce that communication to drive a team to solve the problem and keep the customers interested in the forthcoming solution. Along the way, we have to make hard decisions about trade-offs, that is, is a feature worth it, or is an objective too hard to meet within the time or money given.

Favorite Part of Your Job:

Seeing or hearing of a technology that we built from an idea impacting society.
Technology transition, that is, taking a concept from a laboratory into the real world, can be high-risk. Typically, only 1 out of 10 of even the best-thought-out technologies make it across what is considered the ‘valley of death.’ When we succeed with a new technology, it’s a great triumph and makes the 9 failures worth it.

Unique Facts (that directly relate from your career to Ohio):

Battelle hires in many areas, at all experience levels.

Was this your original career?

I’m a bit weird in that context. I don’t operate on long term goals. The world is too large and there are too many things not within my control for me to state ‘this is what I want to do and this is what I want to be’.

Instead, even since undergrad, I have assessed opportunities and failures as they have confronted me. While that may put me on a winding path, I also am not constantly fighting an opposing current. This is also why I have succeeded in customer development.

Throughout my career, I have listened to the challenges, listened to what others are telling me, and then used the tools I have to navigate the world's complexities. If you go into a discussion trying to sell a specific capability and focus on that, you may not hear what is being asked of you. The same can be true of life; people may be better at recognizing your talents than you yourself can, and listening to them can benefit all.

So, my story of how I got here starts at high school lacrosse practice. I was a moderate player, never a star, but started for 3 years in high school. At some point during my junior year, I thought to myself, “If I were in middle school and as skilled as I am now, I’d be a star player. I decided to do that with engineering. I started reading engineering books and building circuits on my own so that I had 2-3 years of experience ahead of my grade level. This allowed me to plow through internship and mission-critical tasks early on. That then led to task leadership and customer engagement. Along the way, I earned 3 degrees, 2 of which were because of the opportunity. I am now here.

Anything unique about your career path?

I worked. I had a job in food service since I was 14. I prioritized spending money and time on items that gave me skills and necessities. I bought a computer and software to build engineering skills. I bought a car to commute to my job. I bought books. It wasn’t until my senior year of college that I didn’t have a job and school at the same time. Those jobs transitioned from food service to internships, and then I switched from full-time student part-time jobs to part-time student, full-time jobs after completing undergrad. Because I worked, earned some limited scholarship money, and had some support from my parents, I could complete 17 years of schooling without substantial debt.

Victoria Van Tassell - Space Operations Officer, Second Lieutenant

Name: Victoria Van Tassell

Job Title: Space Operations Officer, Second Lieutenant

Organization: United States Space Force

Website: https://www.spaceforce.com/how-to-join/officer

Education: High School Diploma/GED, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree is not required but preferred for advancement to Officer ranks of Major and beyond

General Job Duties and Tasks:

Serve the United States military in a leadership role
Formulate space operations policies
Coordinate space operations
Establish training requirements and performance standards for space systems
Plan, organize, and direct space operations programs
Provide guidance on proper use and care of sensitive materials

Source: https://www.spaceforce.com/officer-careers/space-o...

Favorite Part of Your Job:

I have not yet entered active-duty military in this role as I am currently completing my Master’s degree in aerospace engineering at The Ohio State University. I will enter active duty in June or July 2024 and will be able to answer this better in a few months.

Anything Else to Share:

A video interview is currently required for all USSF candidates.

Unique Facts (that directly relate from your career to Ohio):

Going through Air Force ROTC at any college in Ohio (I attended The Ohio State University) is one pathway to becoming a USSF officer.

Was this your original career?

I have always wanted to dedicate my career to serving others in a large-scale manner, and I credit this largely to being a Girl Scout for 12 years. I enjoyed learning about math, science, and problem-solving from a young age. I have been obsessed with learning about outer space, reading science fiction, and studying space travel technologies. Joining the Space Force specifically was not my original career goal because that opportunity did not exist until the USSF was established as a military branch in December of 2019.

Anything unique about your career path?

In high school, I did the following to set myself up for success in college which led me to this career path:

I used College Credit Plus and AP test scores to earn college credits
I applied for and earned an Air Force ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) scholarship at The Ohio State University
I held leadership roles on clubs and teams, such as Captain of the Swimming and Cross-Country teams
I consistently prioritized my physical fitness and academics
I was a Girl Scout for 12 years through which I avidly volunteered in my community and earned my Girl Scout Gold Award

In college, I did the following to continue setting myself up for success in my career:

I did not take out student loans or accumulate any type of financial debt
I held summer internships and research positions in engineering roles for 3 years during college
I continued to prioritize my physical fitness and academics
I stepped outside my comfort zone by public speaking as much as possible
I took on high-visibility leadership roles in Air Force ROTC
I made my advising Air Force ROTC Officers aware that I was interested in joining the Space Force when it became an official U.S. military branch
I applied for and received permission to earn my Master’s degree (on Fellowship at The Ohio State University) before entering active duty

Daniel Walker - Weights & Measures Administrator

Name: Daniel Walker

Job Title: Weights and Measures Administrator

Organization: Ohio Department of Agriculture, Division of Weights and Measures

Website: https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/weights-and-measur...

Education: Bachelor's Degree

General Job Duties and Tasks:

Plans, implements, evaluates, organizes and administers Ohio requirements regarding weights and measures as established in Chapters 1327, 901, 733 and 319 of revised code and by federal agencies (e.g., NIST, USDA, FDA, FTC, EPA).
Supervises managers engaged in laboratory metrology services, laboratory type evaluation services, license registration, field inspection and testing, rule review, policy development and services provided to local government jurisdictions.
Obtains and monitors budget, facilities, equipment, and supplies.
Directs state, county, and city inspections and tests of measuring equipment and field standards. The most common equipment that we regulate are gasoline pumps and retail scales which measure products being sold.

Favorite Part of Your Job:

Learning something new every day!
Helping to ensure that commercial transactions are fair and balanced. We help to ensure that customers receive the amount of product for which they pay, and that businesses are fairly compensated for the amount of products they sell.

Anything Else to Share:

Our motto is 'equity in the marketplace.'

Unique Facts (that directly relate from your career to Ohio):

In Ohio, each county employs their own Weights and Measures Inspector(s) who help ensure that measuring devices are accurate, and that packaged products contain the proper amount as stated on the label.

Was this your original career?

Not many people know that Weights and Measures exists! I know I didn't when I was making career plans early in life. I graduated college with plans to be an electrical engineer, but my first job as a field service engineer for a scale company quickly revealed the regulator side of the business. I truly enjoy using my skills to help protect Ohio's businesses and consumers.