Meet EPA Quality Assurance Manager Ramona Sherman

EPA Quality Assurance Manager Ramona Sherman assists EPA researchers in delivering high quality, defensible research products.

What do you like most about your research?

I get the opportunity to learn across the disciplines (chemical, biological, radiological) and conduct audits on some of the most amazing projects. During those audits, I often get the opportunity to dress up in my HAZMAT suit.

Tell us about the work you do.

As the QA Manager, I am responsible for reviewing, providing technical comments, and approving Quality Assurance documents (i.e., Quality Assurance Requirement/Review Forms, Statement of Work, and Quality Assurance Project Plans.

When did you first know you wanted to be a scientist?

I did an internship during college at EPA’s Region 5 office located in Chicago, Illinois working on National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits. After that internship, I knew I was going to work for the EPA. The thought of protecting human health and the environment made me feel empowered.

Tell us about your background.

I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, where “real barbeque and BBQ chips” are served. I attended Central State University in Xenia, Ohio where I studied Water Resources Management. College helped me develop my communication skills and I learned how to work effectively with people from different backgrounds. After college, I relocated to the beautiful state of North Carolina in 2017 and currently work at EPA’s Research Triangle Park campus.

Any advice for students considering a career in Quality Assurance?

My suggestion is for students to take as many courses as possible in Quality Assurance/Quality Control. Pay attention to your laboratory techniques and document everything. Be ambitious and go out there and get those internships. Who knows, it may turn into your permanent job.

What do you think the biggest scientific challenge is facing us in the next 20/50/100 years?

I think protecting the environment so that future generations can breathe clean air and drink clean water is one of the biggest challenges facing this country.

If you weren’t a scientist what would you be doing?

I love to teach so I would probably be teaching middle school and maybe be a basketball coach.

If you could have any super power what would it be?

The ability to transport myself and others out of North Carolina traffic. I think I would become a millionaire from just doing that.

If you could have any dinner with any scientist, past or present, who would you choose?

I would choose to have dinner with the past and present EPA Administrators.

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Editor's Note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the researcher alone. EPA does not endorse the opinions or positions expressed.