Women in Science and Engineering Blog Series Part Three: Jody Gostomski

In recognition of Women's History Month, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) presents a special blog series featuring candid responses from female ECBC employees and leaders on their experiences as females in the science and engineering fields. The third blog in this series features Jody Gostomski, a biologist for the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center's BioSensors Branch.

Being a biologist for the U.S. Army’s Edgewood Chemical Biological Center for the past nine years has been an extremely rewarding and challenging endeavor.  Throughout my career at ECBC, it has been apparent to me that our senior leaders and management have built this Organization upon a solid foundation that supports and encourages professional and personal growth opportunities to all.  Personally, this environment has proven to be an invaluable reminder that the obstacles and shortcomings that are endured from time-to-time in the workplace are not based upon our gender or ethnicity but rather the limitations that we place upon ourselves.

My genuine advice to young women pursuing a science or engineering career is to remove any limitations that you control. That is the only way to most efficiently develop and surpass your career path.  Pursue research avenues that excite you, because your inner enthusiasm drives the most innovative research and leads to the highest level of achievement and satisfaction.  Strive to see each and every goal you create come to fruition. Work diligently on developing professional networks across all directorates through participation developmental programs that are offered.  Eagerly pursue and accept all opportunities that are presented to you.  Most importantly, be active in the recruitment and training of future leaders in order to motivate and mentor those who strive to follow in your footsteps.

Jody Gostomski is a biologist for the BioSensors Branch within the Research and Technology directorate at the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center.  Currently, she is earning a master’s degree in Biotechnology at the Johns Hopkins University.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, Department of the Army, Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.