On April 15, 40 in-person and 13 remote attendees gathered to hear from Dr. Eve Chase, Northwestern alum and current data scientist. Dr. Chase’s journey from academia to government agencies served as the focal point of the latest installment of the CIERA Connections series.
Chase was introduced by Dr. Sharan Banagiri, a CIERA Postdoctoral Fellow in Professor Vicky Kalogera’s research group. Chase completed her Ph.D. in Astronomy at Northwestern University in Prof Kalogera’s group, where she applied data science techniques to the detection of gravitational waves and kilonovae.
Titled “STEM Careers in the Public Sector: from National Labs to Police Accountability to the Federal Government,” Dr. Chase’s talk provided an overview of her professional journey. Throughout her talk, Chase shared invaluable insights and actionable tips for scientists contemplating a transition from academia to the public sector. The talk illuminated the diverse opportunities available for STEM professionals to make meaningful contributions beyond traditional research settings. 
With over four years of experience as a data scientist in government roles, she currently serves in the U.S. General Services Administration’s Office of the Inspector General (GSA OIG). Previously, Dr. Chase worked as a data scientist at the City of Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability, where she used data analytics to highlight patterns and practice of police misconduct in Chicago. Prior to that, she was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Los Alamos National Laboratory, contributing to various U.S. government programs.
The CIERA Connections series is designed to provide junior researchers exposure to career opportunities outside academia through informal seminars.
Article by Gabriela Hamburger Medailleu