Roland Owens
Power Words
Where were you born?
Baltimore, Maryland
What school did you attend?
University of Maryland Baltimore County (for Undergraduate), Johns Hopkins University (for Ph.D.)
What IC do you work for?
The Office of the Director (OD)
How many years have you worked at the NIH?
27 years
What gained you interest in the NIH?
I met several NIH scientists who visited my university to give seminars. They all spoke of the wonderful research environment at NIH.
What kind of work do you do at the NIH?
I am part of the office which oversees the Intramural Research Program. My main duties involve the recruitment and mentoring of research group leaders.
What message would you like to send to young Blacks who are considering going to college?
Keep your career options open by taking science and math classes. Choose to associate with people who will lift you up.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in research?
Curiosity about everything and a desire to help people.
What would you say is your most significant contribution to science or medicine?
Contributing to our understanding of the basic biology of adeno-associated virus, which others have used successfully in human gene therapy applications.
Regarding your career here at NIH, what accomplishment are you the most proud of?
Helping to establish the NIH-wide Earl Stadtman Investigator search as a new paradigm of inclusive excellence.