Program Officer Says You Are More Equipped Than You Think

Name: Harry Alesco (he/him/el)

PhD: Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2022

What is your current job?

I am a Program Officer for the National Academy of Sciences, based in Texas.

My job involves grant management for evidence-based funding opportunities of universities in the Gulf region. Also, programmatic research related to energy systems and to other funding activities.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

My interaction with faculty from a position outside of academia. Seeing how my work benefits students is extremely rewarding.

What is the most important skill you developed or experience you had during your PhD that now helps you in your current position?

Adaptability

How did you build the skills necessary for your current role?

Internships and fellowships outside my academic program. I was a National Academies Mirzayan Fellow, and that was life changing.

I also took additional courses outside of my program of research including technical writing and policy courses.

How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?

Reaching out to colleagues and contacts I've met through internships

PhD student ➡️ Nat. Academies Mirzayan Fellow ➡️ PhD graduate ➡️ Program Officer

If someone is interested in a similar role, what would you recommend they start doing now to prepare?

It is important to acquire several skills and pursue interests and opportunities outside your academic program.

Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?

After quite a few rough times and challenging circumstances, I got to experience firsthand the fragility of academic structures and lack of support for young professionals. I then decided to pursue a career elsewhere still having an impact in the scientific landscape.

What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

1. You are more equipped to pursue the career you want than you think. You have all the tools, expertise, and intelligence to do so.

2. Focus on the goal which is to graduate and move-on. Learn to see beyond what's in front of you.

Are there any components of your identity you would like to share, including how they have impacted your journey?

I'm an LGBTQIA+ and immigrant professional. These have greatly impacted and shaped my journey in challenging ways while having also been my strengths in creating community and showing authenticity and uniqueness.

And for those interested, what was your main area of research?

I studied safety and sustainability for emerging technologies in the chemical industry, relevant to energy systems. I focused on how feasible it'd be to deploy these compounds known as MOF.