Influential Woman · Government

Swati Rawat

PhD

Subject Matter Expert I, Nitya LLC

Longview, TX

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree PhD Degree Master's Degree Cert PhD Member Society of Toxicology Regional Chapter

Her Story

About Swati

I have been in my field for approximately 18 years, working as a research scientist with the designation of subject matter expert. My career has spanned federal and state government agencies, including the U.S. EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, where I held junior scientist and scientist positions. I have also worked at universities as a graduate researcher and teaching assistant, teaching undergraduate classes during both my master's and PhD programs. After gaining this foundation, I ventured into environmental consulting for about 3 and a half to 4 years. Currently, I work as a contractual scientist with the US FDA's Human Foods Program, where I work on research projects involving data analysis, literature review, and developing important programs to be applied in the future. The turning point in my career was earning my PhD degree, which really catapulted me into a very stable work profile. I didn't always know this was the direction I would go - I figured it out as I kept moving, and the way kept appearing. The environment around me influenced each step, and I received good guidance from very good mentors throughout my journey.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Swati

01What do you attribute your success to?

I didn't always know this was the direction I would go. I just figured it out as I kept moving, and the way kept appearing. The environment around me influenced each step as I went, and I got good guidance from very good mentors. But even when my mentor is advising something, I have turned to my inner guide. There's an inner moral compass that we need to follow to keep moving forward ethically. The support that I get from my family and from my friends who know me, who know my temperament, has been crucial. And in the professional arena, my managers and my professors have been instrumental. If there's somebody by your side, you feel even more supported.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would just advise them to look within and find their path. If they intend to carve a path for themselves, the voice has to come from within them. It has to be their calling, and that's what is going to keep them committed till the end.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

There's a lot of work, and there's a lot of opportunity for people. The ongoing challenge currently is that I know of my colleagues who are searching for work, who are out of work. I think getting the right people to the right job is one challenge, given the times that we're living in. Matching the right agency to the right candidate, and then keeping things moving the best way possible, is important.

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