NIST has one of the world’s premier earthquake risk groups and getting to know my new NIST colleagues greatly expands my ideas for my thesis research which is also in earthquake analysis for cold-formed steel structures. This program not only provides financial support for the research work, but also more importantly, it continues to enhance my ability for research collaboration and advance my professional research knowledge and experience more efficiently.

The PREP program has provided me with the opportunity to work with great researchers at JHU and NIST. I believe that this experience has been very beneficial for my personal and professional growth, and has made me a better researcher.

Being part of the HNPC affords me dual-status as a full JHU postdoc and a full NIST associate, with the benefits and resources that come with these positions. For me, one of the critical benefits is access to mentoring from both JHU faculty and NIST staff. This has not only opened up paths to collaborate scientifically but also given me a broader space to share and receive feedback on my ideas.

It has been a rewarding experience to work with researchers from both academia and government, with different perspectives on the process of research and its end goal. As a result of these fruitful collaborations, I have co-authored a manuscript with collaborators from both JHU and NIST, published in Mathematical Biosciences […] My experience with PREP program and HNPC office has been very constructive. Due to the institutional support provided by them, by the Applied Mathematics and Statistics department at JHU, and by NIST, I have been able to attend many national and international conferences to present my work.

The HNPC has created a rewarding collaboration between my team and the seismic researchers at NIST, particularly Mathew Speicher. We have worked on projects that have had impact on several national standards including AISI S400 and ASCE 41. The depth and breadth of NIST’s seismic expertise combined with my domain expertise in cold-formed steel buildings and structures has allowed us to advance several issues that are helping to enable engineers to create more resilient buildings.

Through this PREP program, I have developed countless technical skills, interpersonal connections, and professional scientific experience that I’m sure will facilitate my future career. I am grateful for the opportunity provided by JHU and I highly recommend this program for anyone looking to get professional science experience after transitioning from an academic background.