Brent McCusker, associate professor at West Virginia University, officially started his sabbatical earlier this month by accepting a fellowship position in Washington, D.C. McCusker was fortunate to be presented two different fellowship opportunities. The ability to choose which program he would work with was both an honor and reward.

“It was a surprise to qualify for two programs,” said, McCusker. “It was a validation of my research, to know that what I’m looking at matters and will make a difference. I think that’s the biggest reward, seeing that you’re on the right track with your research. I believe that having this fellowship will allow my work to reach a larger audience. The most exciting part of being a researcher is seeing how your work has real-world applications and can really reach across to globe to help people.”

McCusker chose to work for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Washington, D.C., which will allow him to examine the policy implications of his research in international development and climate change while advising the agency on the best scientific practice.

Recently, McCusker was awarded a research grant from the National Science Foundation which allowed him to lead an expedition to Malawi with a group of 16 WVU students. This research is important to his study of climate science and will be useful in his position at USAID.

“My role is to act as a science adviser,” McCusker said. “The overall project goal is to help deliver better information to countries on issues of development and climate change. This information is vital as we try to help developing countries such as Malawi, Panama, Bangladesh and Kenya; the places I will be based.”

McCusker noted that the benefits of his activities are not restricted to the developing world. A state like West Virginia has been facing the problem of the interrelationship between economic growth and climate change, a problem McCusker believes will become more complex. In his time in Washington, McCusker hopes to examine different perspectives and potential roadblocks to the formulation of policy for issues facing West Virginia.

For more information, contact Brent McCusker at Brent.McCusker@mail.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

jl/9/20/11

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