Learn why Circe Verba loves her job as a research geologist and science communicator at the National Energy Technology Laboratory.
May 10, 2019
minute read time
Dr. Circe Verba is a research geologist, science communicator, and STEMinst at the National Energy Technology Laboratory. She started her career as an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) fellow and transferred to the Pathways federal internship program at NETL; in 2013, she earned her doctoral degree in geology and civil engineering at the University of Oregon. Based at NETL’s Albany, Oregon campus, Dr. Verba specializes in advanced microscopy (petrography and electron microscopy) and microanalysis techniques to tackle some of the grand challenges facing the safe and efficient use of our Nation’s fossil energy resources. She is involved in projects that include studying wellbores in carbon sequestration settings, oil-gas shale in unconventional systems, and characterizing rare earth elements in coal and respective by-products.
Dr. Verba is also passionate about STEM education and science communication. She strongly believes in supporting the next generation of scientists and inspire a brighter future. She was instrumental in hosting the first DOE STEM Mentoring Café of 2018 in partnership with Oregon State University. Most recently, she received the Oregon Federal Executive Board (FEB) 2018 Leadership Excellence award. In 2016, she was awarded the Pittsburgh FEB Woman of the Year Gold Award.
What inspired you to work in STEM?
I had a strong desire to understand how the world around me worked. When I was 14, I dreamed of the stars and planets! My scientific background has become fluid over the course of school — geology is multidisciplinary – which has enabled me to study a variety of topics such as Martian slope streaks to microscopic properties of natural and engineered media.
What excites you about your work at the Energy Department?
I love looking at the microscopic to apply it to real world problems. I specialize in advanced microscopy techniques to tackle challenges facing the safe and efficient use of fossil energy resources. This includes projects that like reusing and recycling rejected coal and by-products to extract rare earth elements that we use in our smart phones!
How can our country engage more women, girls, and other underrepresented groups in STEM
By changing the perspective and sparking curiosity! Engagement starts in elementary school but is still vital to continue during advanced degree programs and in the workplace. A flexible workplace will retain brilliant women. By building confidence and showing their value, we can leverage unique perspectives. I hope that women in science find their voice and shatter the glass ceiling. Together, we can overcome gender obstacles and prejudices. It starts with us; we can make that change.
Do you have tips you'd recommend for someone looking to enter your field of work?
Overcoming imposter syndrome is not easy, but the rewards are well worth it. For me, it is helpful to write my accomplishments down quarterly to visually see my accomplishments. This is particularly helpful for performance review. In addition, networking and internships are the keys to your future! That can help you set you up with a mentor or open the door for jobs.
When you have free time, what are your hobbies?
I am passionate about science communication – you can find me on social media and participating in local STEM education outreach events. I’m an avid LEGO buff and explorer, even designing my own set featuring field geology and a petrographic laboratory.
Learn more about our programs & resources for women and girls in STEM at /women