YCC Alumni Focus: Nancy B. Jackson, Ph.D.
From the Younger Chemists Committee to the ACS Board of Directors, Dr. Nancy Jackson’s chemical career at Sandia National Laboratories has always been balanced with a variety of professional activities and policy considerations. In her current position as Manager of the International Chemical Threat Reduction Department at Sandia, she has combined her interests in science and policy to address matters of global importance.
Dr. Jackson’s definition for success has evolved over the course of her career. At the time she received her PhD, Dr. Jackson believed that success meant recognition within the scientific community as a good researcher in her specialty of catalysis. At this point in her career, two additional elements are important: being in a position that allows her to use as many of her skills and gifts as possible and knowing that she is making a difference in the world. Not surprisingly, the evolution of Dr. Jackson’s view of success parallels the progress of her career to her position today.
I recently had a chance to catch up with Dr. Jackson. She reflected on past experiences and inspirations that have led her to the present day. Here is what she had to share.
1. What or who inspired you to become a chemist?
I entered my freshman year at George Washington University as a political science major. Ironically, I did not enjoy my political science class at all. I found myself having more fun in my required chemistry class. By the end of the semester, my grades in chemistry were much higher than political science, and my chemistry professor encouraged me to continue with my scientific studies. It was my teacher’s support that convinced me to go on to graduate with a degree in chemistry.
2. Did you encounter obstacles in your career as a chemist and if so, how did you prevail?
One of the major challenges I faced early in my career was a holdover from my undergraduate days. Although I decided in my freshman year to pursue a chemistry major, it was very challenging for me. I didn’t consider myself a “science” person. It took a long time to overcome a lack of confidence in my technical ability and to develop assurance that I could succeed in science. After graduating with my undergraduate degree and spending some time in the workforce, I decided to test my technical abilities and enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Texas at Austin. In graduate school, I built self-confidence and developed a fascination for research that has propelled me to my position today.
3. What led you to participate in YCC? What were some projects/activities in which you participated? Did you have any leadership roles?
I worked on ACS staff when I first graduated from college. When I decided to go to graduate school, I knew I wanted to remain involved in ACS. I had learned so much from my work there and from meeting others; I just didn’t want to give it up. When the YCC opportunity came up, I jumped at it. I organized a lot of symposia with YCC, which I really enjoyed and which made it easier to organize technical symposia after I got my PhD. I was a member of YCC for 5 years and Chair of YCC for two of those years.
4. How did your participation in YCC prepare you for subsequent leadership roles in your career?
In every way imaginable. It helped me to learn how to deal with difficult people, it helped me to learn that sometimes being the best leader means listening not telling, and it helped me to improve my public speaking. The YCC experience was really significant for me. It gave me confidence and gave me lots of great connections.
5. What advice would you give to young professionals in the chemical sciences?
Define success for yourself. Don’t let our overworked, overstressed culture define it for you. Consider doing a postdoc overseas. Science is very international these days. Take a risk on a start up or small company, This is where the action is nowadays.
