Employee Spotlight: Daniel Ashat

Meet ORAU employee Daniel Ashat! Daniel is an ORAU contractor working under the National Student Services Contract (NSSC) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a Human Research Specialist/Program Analyst in Washington, DC, Daniel supports EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD), the Office of Science Advisor, Policy, and Engagement (OSAPE), and the Program in Human Research Ethics and Oversight (PHREO). Daniel's work with OSAPE and PHREO includes administrative duties to maintain daily program operations, including the administration, management, and logistics of government resources. In addition, his work supports the ethical conduct and regulatory compliance of human subject research (HSR) conducted, supported, or regulated by the EPA.

Since joining EPA, Daniel has supported the EPA Program in Human Research Ethics & Oversight (PHREO): a research regulatory body administratively housed within EPA ORD-OSAPE. The Program provides agency-wide regulatory oversight and consultation on Human Subjects Research (HSR) ethics and regulatory compliance for EPA-conducted or supported research. Daniel provides cross-functional support to PHREO in every business area, including its more technical components (providing regulatory consultation, and conducting scientific protocol review), to its enterprise components (outreach and inter-organizational dialogue).

When we asked Daniel about his work he said, “All of my work supporting PHREO ultimately advances the Program's mission to ensure that the rights and welfare of human research subjects are protected. The work matters insofar as the communication of science, and the public's trust in the scientific research process, are each more essential today than ever. Conducting relevant and effective research and truly ethically sound science ultimately allows enterprise collaboration and innovation to reach the public.” Daniel views his work at EPA as a testament to that fact and a demonstration of his commitment to advancing the organization's goals through the Agency's mission: To protect human health and the environment.

Background

Daniel is originally from Northern Virginia, where he was born and raised. He enrolled at Georgetown University as a Human Science major (within Georgetown University's School of Health, then Georgetown NHS). He embarked on this educational journey originally to pursue a career in medicine, however as the years passed, he was gradually exposed to the multitude of upstream, systemic challenges that limit the capacity for scientists, practitioners, and healthcare systems to deliver the highest quality of medical care. He ultimately chose to pursue a career in scientific research administration, with a focus on research regulatory oversight. Daniel has also continued his education outside of the workplace through the University of Florida College of Medicine's online Master of Science in Medical Physiology and Pharmacology, as he is interested in expanding his expertise in the basic and biomedical sciences while supplementing his knowledge of the scientific research process as it holds relevance to his work.

Fun Facts: Daniel is an avid photographer and music producer, as digital arts and music are his two biggest extracurricular passions.