Member Spotlight: Carrie Laboski, Research Leader & Soil Scientist and SSSA President

 

What project are you currently working on that excites you the most?
 I really enjoy serving as President of the SSSA. It’s exciting to work with and learn from other soil scientists as we tackle issues related to promoting soil scientists and soil science as a discipline.

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve received?
One of the best pieces of advice that I have received was, “don’t limit yourself”. In the context of the conversation, the advice meant to not be afraid of choosing a more difficult/challenging path if there is likely more opportunity on that path.  

Do you have a mentor that has helped you in your professional career? How have they helped you?
I have had many formal and informal mentors. These mentors have been not only senior professionals, but also peers and occasionally those I supervise. They have provided me guidance and encouragement on a wide array of topics including thinking about research ideas/approaches, connecting with extension clientele, navigating organizational structure, and mentoring and supervising others.

As a woman, what is a challenge/obstacle you have faced in your career?
Twenty-some years ago when there were few women in Extension Specialist roles. The biggest challenge was demonstrating to clientele that a woman could provide high quality, trustworthy information. I feel that many of those barriers are lower today, as more women fulfill these roles. 

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
How does it fall into the context of your industry? To me, Women’s History Month is a time for the nation to not only celebrate, but also reflect on, the achievements of all women past and present. Through reflection, I hope that we can identify and eliminate barriers to women’s success as soil scientists.