In this episode we meet Mellisa Powers-Taylor, a science leader that wears many hats, including AIPG Michigan Section Past President, US EPA On-Scene Coordinator, and STEM Advocate and Geology Enthusiast. Mellisa shares her path in science and how she has become accomplished in her career. Including:

• How she discovered a surprising interest in geology during college.
• The importance of professional networking while in college and early in your career.
• The need for women to lift each other up and the power of being confident, kind, and empathetic in the workplace.
• Why you should not be afraid to look for an opportunity that is a better fit for you.
• The impact of staying relevant within your field and industry.

Mellisa Powers-Taylor is an Environmental Geologist with nearly ten years of professional experience working on contaminated site investigations and remediation programs.  She earned bachelor degrees in Environmental Science and Geology and a masters degree in Geology from Wayne State University. Mellisa was an Environmental Protection Specialist with the US Army and a Superfund Project Manager for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. She now works for the federal government implementing Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) programs.

She=mc2 is proud to be sponsored by Agilent Technologies. Agilent is a leader in life sciences advancing quality of life through people, products, planet, and prosperity. Agilent Technologies is a global leader in the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, delivering insight and innovation toward advancing the quality of life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers' most challenging questions. Learn more at www.agilent.com.

sh(e)=mc2 is a new podcast that celebrates the light, energy, and power of women leaders in science. Maya Murshak, CEO of Merit Laboratories is the host, Heidi Komar of BlueOpps, LLC is the executive producer, and Zoe Komar of Michigan State University is the audio engineer. To connect with our podcast or suggest a future guest, please visit our website.