(31-Mar-2011) On the Ladder: Bethany Choate

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On The Ladder: Bethany Choate

Written by Driadonna Roland, Staff Writer

CARLOS ORTIZ staff photographer

Bethany Choate Age: 26. Occupation: Senior Associate for Outreach and Communications at the RIT Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science. Education: BS, Imaging Science, RIT, 2006; MS, Professional Studies, RIT, expected 2014. Residence: Rochester Family: Husband, Matthew Heimbueger, 25.

Today, Choate, 26, is the senior associate for outreach and communications for the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science at RIT.

"The cross-disciplinary aspect of the program really spoke to me. I knew I liked science and math but had no idea what I wanted to do with that passion, so to find a field with so much variety was perfect," said Choate, who is currently working on a master's degree in professional studies.

Choate lives in Rochester with her husband, Matthew Heimbueger, who also happens to have a bachelor's in imaging science. Very creative hobbies balance both of their very technical careers. Choate figure skates, Heimbueger is a drummer, and both can be found on dance floors around town.

We caught up with Choate to learn about her hopes for the future of science in our country, how her hair color helped her land a job and what advice she might have for other young professionals.

What do you do?
I am in charge of outreach, recruitment and communications . I lead a diverse team of professionals from across RIT departments in promoting the past accomplishments and future opportunities in imaging science.

I visit classrooms and participate in college and career fairs, where I explain what imaging science is; perform a technical demonstration with a thermal infrared camera, high-speed camera or similar imaging device; and relate my own successes to my background in imaging science at RIT. I also develop promotional materials, maintain our social media and web presence and foster relationships with our alumni.

Why did you choose this career?
Actually, this career chose me. I was happily employed as a photogrammetric engineer at Pictometry International Corporation (in Rochester) for three years when I visited the 2009 Imagine RIT Innovation & Creativity festival. I marveled at all the amazing things that had happened since I graduated in 2006 and secretly wished I had some reason to be back.

In less than three weeks, I got an email out of the blue from CIS Associate Director Joe Pow saying that there was going to be this new job and thanks to my background as an imaging science student, my experience as a professional working in the imaging industry and my pink hair, they thought I would be a good fit.

What big projects have you handled?
Right now I am taking the lead on coordinating the high school summer intern program for 2011. The application deadline just passed so I am processing the applications and organizing the selection committee. Kind of funny how that has come full circle, 10 years after I participated in it for the first time.

What's been your biggest career hurdle?
I think the most difficult thing for me has been finding a balance between scientific work and interpersonal work. I'm extremely lucky that I have both right now, but it wasn't without some criticism getting here.

I've had people question whether I was making the right decision in pursuing this career. I even got more than one, "You are too good for that." Why must it be one or the other? Can't I be trained technologically and be personable and creative?

What organizations do you belong to that have helped you in your career?
I am starting to get involved with the Eastman Young Professionals, and a young professionals group at RIT is just getting off the ground. In both of these I would like to take on an outreach role, like my career.

What do you ultimately want to do with your life?
I want to be a positive role model and encourage kids to grow up to be scientists and engineers. I would really love to see science and technology boom again in the general populous' every day lives, like how it was for my dad's generation during the space race. It would feel great to be a part of that. And someday I hope to be looked up to by kids of my own, though not anytime soon.

How do you balance work life?
If you ask my husband, he might say I'm not the best at balancing. He calls me a workaholic sometimes. But there's a lot more to my life besides work. I took up figure skating when I was a kid and continue to go almost daily. My husband, Matt, and I ballroom dance and can often be spotted at George Eastman House parties and similar community gatherings. We spend a lot of time outdoors exploring, hiking and camping. I also help support the band Matt plays drums for, called Electron Hotel.

What's your advice for other young professionals?
Defy expectation, step out of your comfort zone every once in a while, and try everything at least once.

Roland, Driadonna. "On The Ladder: Bethany Choate." Democrat and Chronicle. Gannett, 31 Mar. 2011. Web. 31 Mar. 2011. <http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20110331/GROUP01/103310354/On-Ladder-Bethany-Choate?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Young%20Professionals>.