Center for Analytical Chemistry Environmental Scientist Wendy Huang was recently shadowed on the job by Folsom High School junior Jayson Thi.
Jayson is enrolled in Folsom High’s Engineering and Architecture Program. He is interested in the analysis of agrochemicals and is planning to major in environmental science in college.
During the job shadow day, Jayson learned the process of agrochemical analysis, including sample receiving to data production, what tools are necessary to produce reliable data, how the raw data turns into scientific conclusions and what happens when data does not turn out as expected.
Wendy enjoyed teaching Jayson about the analysis of triazines in groundwater via LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry).
Such job shadowing activities have the potential to change the career trajectory of the younger generation seeking to learn what is out there for them. These efforts also align with the CDFA Strategic Plan goal of empowering a robust and innovative CDFA workforce, as well as the Inspection Services Strategic Direction goal of workforce development.
The Center for Analytical Chemistry is a branch of CDFA’s Division of Inspection Services.