Rhode Island scientists seek jobs abroad due to funding cuts

Many early career scientists in Rhode Island are thinking about leaving the U.S. for better job opportunities abroad. The Trump administration's cuts to science jobs and funding have left them feeling discouraged. Eddie Cascella is one of those scientists. He graduated in December with a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and was excited about his future. He had worked on a project using satellite images to study salt marshes and was being recruited by the National Park Service. However, since January, the Trump administration has let go of many employees, cancelled grant reviews, and frozen science funding. Now, Cascella works part-time at a coffee shop and is looking for jobs overseas, including a position in Spain. Opportunities for scientists are increasing abroad. The Netherlands is creating a fund to attract talent from the U.S., while Australia is offering fast-track visas for American scientists. There is even a university in France promoting itself as a safe place for scientific work. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has warned that the U.S. could face a "brain drain," where talented researchers are recruited by foreign countries. She noted that recruiters from various places are eager to hire scientists from the U.S. Kris Lewis, a professor at the University of Rhode Island, feels uneasy advising students to look for jobs abroad, but believes it may be their best option. She is worried about losing talented scientists from the U.S. Drew, a 25-year-old scientist, recently faced job loss at the Environmental Protection Agency. He moved to Rhode Island for work but now finds himself searching for jobs both locally and internationally. He reflected on his father’s journey from Jamaica to seek better opportunities and expressed his reluctance to leave, but feels he may have to if necessary.