Page 7 - YLC Newsletter

3. Interview with Ron Xavier

1. First, please tell us a bit about your career path up to your current
position.

During my university years, I did some short stints in tutoring, commercial
and clinical laboratories. My first permanent job was a research scientist at
a government research institute. I took a leap out of research to take on a
government adviser role looking at food regulatory policy. This led to
international trade related roles in the New Zealand Ministry for Primary
Industries. In 2018, I took up a posting position at the New Zealand Embassy
in Beijing.

2. How did ASM helped you in achieving your goals and improving
yourself not only as a scientist, but also as a science diplomat?

The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) played a significant part in
shaping my career path. I joined ASM as a PhD student. While working as a
research scientist, I took part in the ASM Young Ambassadors program.
The program opened my eyes to the many career options available to a scientist outside of the traditional research career
path. This leap of faith out of research gave me to courage to push myself further outside of my comfort zone to learn new
skills and take on new challenges.
As I progress in my career, albeit outside of research science, ASM continues to be part of my personal growth. Much of
this growth resulted from taking opportunities to contribute to ASM’s work and give back to our community. Participating
in the Young Ambassadors program and Young Leaders Circle gave me the exposure to people of different cultural and
professional background. Negotiating difference and finding common grounds became the foundation of the skills I
continue to build on in my role as a diplomat.
Furthermore, contributing to the development of strategic direction and strengthening governance for the ASM Futures
Project, and now serving as an elected member of the ASM Board of Directors are wonderful opportunities for me to bring
my public service experience to the society and expand my skill set along the way.
The best thing about being involved in ASM's work is the opportunity to meet and learn from the vast pool of talented
people. ASM's members are, I think, the most valuable resource the Society has.

3. You were among the first cohort of ASM Young Ambassadors, and the first YA to New Zealand. How did you discover
ASM Young Ambassador program and why you became interested in it?

I found out about the ASM Young Ambassador Program from the ASM email notice. I didn’t know much about it but
decided to give it a go. It was among the best decisions I have ever made.

4. You were also one of the first members of ASM's Young Leaders Circle. The Circle is now expanding and it
encompasses U.S. Young Ambassadors as well. Based on your experience of working in this group of young leaders, how
do you envision its future?

It is wonderful to see the Young Leaders Circle grow and flourish over the years. There are different challenges and needs
at different stages of our careers. The Circle is a valuable mechanism for the younger generation of leaders to provide
diversity of thought and help the Society stay in touch with the next generation of members. Each cohort will without a
doubt have different dynamics. The Circle is only a platform, and the future is up to each cohort to decide and the next
cohort to build on.

5. Do you have any words of advice for newly appointed Young Ambassadors and those interested in applying for the
position?

The Society is a treasure trove of great people doing amazing things, and it provides a wide range of roles for our members
and the science community. The best advice I can give is: stay connected with the Society and take on opportunities to be
involved; we all have something to offer and we all have something to learn. As scientists, we can become very focused
and specialized in a defined area. When I was working in research, I often tell my friends I know a lot about very little.
Through being involved with ASM’s work, I gained practical experience in a wide range of areas – from running an event as
a Young Ambassador to contributing to the strategic direction of Society as the member of the Board.
The Young Ambassadors roles are only beginnings to greater things to come!