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Lauren Merritt-Taylor
"No matter your educational background, there is a role for you in the government."
My internship through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund introduced me to federal public service and changed my life.
During my internship, I learned that there was a place in the federal government for English majors like me, not just those who were studying STEM. I want others to know that there are many opportunities to shape their federal careers, such as through networking and leadership programs. The possibilities are endless, but it is up to the individual to stay informed and be open to the many paths available that can lead to professional and personal growth.
Today, I am a Regulatory Analyst for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-APHIS). I have spent nearly seven years writing notices, rules, and regulations on a variety of topics that safeguard American agriculture. I have written countless regulations that go through a rulemaking process that is not instinctive. There are several steps involved before a rule becomes enforceable that the public may not completely understand. My hope is that the language I use and the training I provide for agency employees have aided with transparency. I believe the more people understand, the more confidence they’ll have in the work we do.
In my career, I have enjoyed sharing my knowledge with others through presentations. Last year, I was invited to co-present for the Egyptian National Food Safety Authority in Washington, D.C. to discuss APHIS’ rulemaking process. This provided our Egyptian counterparts with a roadmap to learn from as they reform their regulatory framework within the National Food Safety Authority. As a result, they left with a better understanding of what we do and how they can begin to implement some of the practices.
