Starting next week I will be an Online Communications Specialist with the US Civilian Research and Development Foundation. The US CRDF supports science and scientists in developing countries by strengthening University research programs and helping move applied research to the marketplace. We also (and here's the really cool part) transition weapons development scientists into civilian research jobs. Currently the CRDF works in Eurasia (Russia and former Soviet countries) but has been funded by Congress to expand their work into the Middle East and North Africa. I'm a member of the newly formed three-member marketing team to aid that expansion. My role will be to develop their internet communications, but with such a small department, I will be involved in all aspects of implementing the marketing strategy. It is going to be a really great opportunity to help a small government-funded NGO expand their work onto two different continents while strengthening their work in Eurasia. Plus (here's the other cool part) I will get to work out of their Russia office a few times a year, but no trips to the Middle East or Africa, I made them promise!
