Program Specialist

Welcome to MCB Ann Larrow!

Hear from Program Specialist Ann Larrow

What is your educational background?

I have an Associate degree in science lab technology with a concentration in histotechnology; a BA in History; and an MS in Organizational Development and Leadership (a cross-disciplinary degree from Sociology and Political Science). I recently completed coursework for the Project Management Professional certification and have taken a variety of other self-study classes over the years.

What is your position? When did you start working in MCB?

I started as a Program Specialist with MCB on July 11, 2016.

What attracted you to work for NSF?

I was looking for a position where I could continue building a solid resume for professional development. Learning that MCB is interested in creating/maintaining a flexible, adaptable organization by staffing it with creative, forward-looking people was intriguing.

What have you learned so far from your position?

I was impressed with the professionalism of employee orientation; loved hearing HR refer to new hires as “Top Talent,” then following up by inviting us to attract similar talent by updating our Linked In profiles; and have been thrilled with the reception and helpfulness of staff members throughout the building. I have been impressed with what I’ve seen of how the organization uses technology to manage processes and look forward to learning more about where it works best, where it doesn’t work as well, and helping to plan and implement improvements. As for my job duties…ask me in a month or so.

Welcome to MCB Kelly Ann Parshall!

Hear from Program Specialist Kelly Ann Parshall

What is your educational background?

I majored in English writing with a concentration in African Studies. My objective was to work in development in sub-Saharan Africa. However, when I received my Peace Corps invitation, it was to the South Pacific. Despite the surprise, I had a great experience working in health and environmental initiatives in the small island nation of Vanuatu. This fall I will start attending American University part-time to pursue a masters in Global Environmental Policy.

What is your position? When did you start working in MCB?

As a Program Specialist, I support the Genetic Mechanisms cluster as well as the Systems and Synthetic Biology cluster. I started working in MCB in April 2016.

What attracted you to work for NSF?

When my Peace Corps service concluded, I knew I wanted to work for the government or at a nonprofit. I particularly loved my third year assignment working for the German government on climate change, conservation and natural resource management initiatives. In the biology community in Vanuatu, I saw extraordinary technology-facilitated advances like drones zapping invasive crown of thorns starfish to save reefs. While the projects MCB funds are a bit different, I am happy to support such a wonderful mission.

What have you learned so far from your position?

As someone who has worked in aid, I have spent a significant amount of time applying to grants, assembling funding leads and liaising with donors. It’s nice to be on the other side! NSF operates on a significantly larger scale than any organization I’ve ever been a part of before. It’s amazing to see the thoroughness and transparency with which grantees are selected. I’m looking forward to supporting the entire proposal process as the year progresses.

Welcome to MCB Lauren Leary!

Hear from Program Specialist Lauren Leary

What is your educational background?

I have a BS in Psychology from Colorado State University and an MA in Sustainable Development: International Policy & Management with a focus on Program Monitoring and Evaluation and Social Entrepreneurship from the School for International Training (SIT Graduate Institute) Washington DC Campus.

What is your position? When did you start working in MCB?

I am a Program Specialist (PS) and started work in October, 2015.

What attracted you to work for NSF?

I have always been fascinated by science and enjoy understanding complex systems and processes. Studying nature and various components of science inspires creativity in all facets of my life, particularly my photography, and I am excited to learn more about scientific innovations and research that is being conducted. NSF seems like the perfect place to quench my thirst for knowledge around areas I am most passionate about: psychology, data visualization, education, art, nature, and biodiversity & wildlife conservation. It also seems like a great place to grow professionally, and the fact that it sits high on the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government ranking doesn’t hurt either. 😉

What have you learned so far from your position?

I have learned a lot about the directorate, the ways in which NSF’s funding contributes to scientific advances and sustainable development, am slowly starting to learn the nuances of the systems I will use as a PS, and best of all, that the people who work here are genuine, passionate, and kind people who I am looking forward to getting to know more throughout my time here.

This is MCB! Hear from Claudia Garcia

The Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) supports fundamental research and related activities designed to promote understanding of complex living systems at the molecular, sub-cellular, and cellular levels. Behind our mission stands a group of individuals whose efforts and great work make this Division outstanding; we are proud to showcase their hard work via this blog.

Claudia Garcia has a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from George Mason University. She is currently working on her second bachelor’s degree in Accounting. She came to NSF through the Pathways Program in February 2013. The Pathways Program in the federal government is designed to provide current students, recent graduates, and students with advanced degrees an opportunity to explore federal careers while enrolled in school. As Program Specialist, Ms. Garcia provides administrative support to the Molecular Biophysics and Cellular Dynamics and Function clusters. Furthermore, Ms. Garcia assists six program directors with the approval proposal cycle, which includes compliance checking, panel set-up, and award distribution. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and outdoor activities like biking and hiking.