Focus at BETO: Thermochemical conversion of biomass, catalysis
Prior Experience: National Institutes of Health Postdoctoral Fellow at University of California, Berkeley; Ph.D. in Chemistry from Stanford University
Duration of Fellowship: September 2012–August 2014
Career Interests: How the government shapes the research goals of the nation, research funding
Favorite Thing About Living and Working in Washington, D.C.: "Celebrity sightings!"
Nichole's Story:
Nichole Fitzgerald was a postdoctoral fellow at University of California, Berkeley, when she started really thinking about the role of government in research. At the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), Nichole has seen what mechanisms fund the kind of research she did previously. She applies her background in chemistry to help her team shape the strategic plans of the Office, which includes contributing to the Office's strategic Multi-Year Program Plan and assisting with thermochemical conversion workshops for policymakers and industry members. In addition, Nichole reviews funding proposals for the Office, as well as for other U.S. Department of Energy offices and federal agencies.
Over the past year, Nichole worked closely with Gene Peterson, technology manager for the Biochemical Conversion Team, who recently retired after 35 years of experience in the biomass field. Together, they managed the Small Business Innovative Research Program for the Office—working with small businesses that are conducting innovative research and developing new products that will promote the biofuels and bioproducts industries. In addition, Gene and Nichole are co-authoring a book chapter on the history of biobased products.
Nichole has also taken a leadership role in the AAAS Biofuels Affinity Group, setting up regular meetings with other bioenergy AAAS fellows placed throughout the federal government. Membership includes fellows from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the State Department. She said these interactions have been helpful for her work at BETO.
Nichole's career interests are in how government funding for science can provide the best outcomes, particularly in the energy sector. She said her experience at BETO has been a great introduction to the mechanics behind government funding.
<p>"America has an extensive and diverse science community that is working to address all kinds of challenges to benefit our country and the world. My AAAS fellowship helped me understand more about promoting science and making it work for us as a nation."</p><p>—Nichole Fitzgerald</p>