Employee Spotlight: Shania Brace

Meet ORAU employee Shania Brace! Shania is an ORAU contractor working under the National Student Services Contract (NSSC) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Washington, DC. As an Administrative and Science Communications Specialist, Shania works with EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD), the Office of Science Advisor, Policy and Engagement (OSAPE), and the Extramural Research and Partnerships Division (ERPD). As a team member, Shania supports ORD’s extramural research programs and regional science programs. These programs lead EPA’s innovation programs and coordinate ORD’s partnerships with tribes, other federal agencies, international organizations, and state and local partners.

Shania supports ERPD management, staff, and OSAPE’s Communications Director with communication and administrative duties. She helps maintain a robust internal and external outreach program that demonstrates the results and impacts of ERPD activities. Shania is currently working on the Oracle OSAPE Newsletter. Shania stated, “I love being able to pull my creativity together and hear about what is going on around the office and highlight specific people and programs every month.” In addition to creating the newsletter and fulfilling her other responsibilities, she enjoys learning about research and other projects that are underway. When asked what her favorite part of working at EPA has been so far, Shania said, “My favorite part of joining the EPA team has been working with people who want to protect the environment and the public. Additionally, being able to learn and talk to people about their time at EPA is always inspiring and gets me motivated to continue my career in Environmental Science.”

Background

Shania grew up in Colorado and attended undergraduate school in Washington, DC. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Howard University. While growing up in Colorado, she was always passionate about the environment, and in her free time, she studied topics that intrigued her about the environment.

Shania has a strong interest and passion for the environment. One of her long-term goals is to earn a Ph.D. specializing in mangrove research.  

Fun Facts: When Shania was younger, her family maintained a school of Koi fish. When she travels back home to visit them, it is always a joy to see how much they have grown and how their colors have shifted since the last time she saw them.