Ryan Nell

Geochemist

INTERA Inc.

Age: 35

Current city of residence: Kennewick

Briefly describe your company:

INTERA uses the latest technology and sound science to deliver geoscience and engineering solutions for some of the most challenging problems in the world. Relying on proven, technologically current, practical and innovative strategies, INTERA helps clients make informed business decisions, mitigate risk and drive optimal outcomes. With sustainability in focus, INTERA helps companies and organizations understand their options.

How long have you worked there?

Seven years.

Education: Please list any degrees and professional certifications.

• BA in geology, University of Colorado
• Ph.D. in geochemistry, University of Notre Dame
• Professional geologist, Washington

Briefly describe your job and how you got into it:

My job consists of helping fulfill my colleagues’ professional goals, facilitate solutions to complex problems relating to contaminant impacts on human health and the environment, and support client needs as a consultant. I was able to get this job by continuing to learn and push myself into new and challenging opportunities in the areas of geochemistry and management.

Tell us about your first job.

My first job was working as a summer camp counselor at Camp Alexander, a Boy Scouts of America facility in the Colorado Rockies. I spent four summers working there, changing my focus each year from the First Class Center teaching youth important wilderness survival skills to the Handicraft Center, Nature Lodge and administrative office. It was an incredible experience working in a team and developing leadership skills with individuals from all over the world.

What advice would you give to your younger self about achieving success?

To continue to put yourself in uncomfortable and challenging situations. The immediate discomfort is outweighed by the opportunities the growth presents.

What was your dream job as a child?

I did not have my sights on any one job, but I did have a number of interests. I think that followed me through my life and career asI love to be a jack of all trades.

What or who most influenced your career path or leadership style? This could be a book, class, person, etc.

My Boy Scout directors growing up. They led with compassion and steadiness for which I am forever grateful.

What would be your top three priorities to make our community a better place?

The first is free public access to green spaces. The Tri-Cities is already great at this from Howard Amon Park, Columbia Park Trail, and, my personal favorite, the WSU Master Gardener Demonstration Garden at the Mid-Columbia Libraries’ Union Street branch.

The second would focus on youth opportunities promoting teambuilding and learning opportunities. This region already has incredible programs in place such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties, the Boy Scouts of America Blue Mountain Council and a variety of youth sport opportunities.

Finally, being intentional about shopping and supporting local businesses. I adore the food scene that is happening here, from upscale dining experiences at places like The Bradley and Dovetail Joint to desserts I can eat too much of from Layered Cake Artistry and Cafe Magnolia. Not to mention the incredible food from Picante Mexican Taqueria or the coffee from Cafe con Arte. It is the local food that develops culture, identity and a sense of feeling home.

Tell us about your community involvement/community service:

Participating in the Boy Scouts of America as a child was when I was first exposed to community involvement and community service. I would support other Scouts in their Eagle Scout projects while I went through the ranks and eventually developed my own to set up a reading room which organized educational materials for teachers to easily access materials for their students at an elementary school.

More recently, I have participated as treasurer on nonprofit boards for Club 509 Pickleball and Tri-Cities Pride. While with Club 509 Pickleball, we helped raise funds and coordinate with the city of Kennewick’s Parks and Recreation Department to update and expand the pickleball facilities at Lawrence Scott Park. Now, with Tri-Cities Pride, we are celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in this region with a family friendly and inclusive event in June.

If you had unlimited time, what volunteer work would you be interested in doing?

I love any work that brings a sense of belonging to those around me. My greatest happiness comes from seeing joy in others. More specifically, though, I would enjoy participating more with youth programs relating to the environment in some capacity.

How do you achieve work-life balance?

My husband is the regulator, to be honest. I tend toward giving to others and need the gentle reminder from him that in giving myself time, I can be a better and more productive individual to those that need me.

List any awards/honors you have received:

Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America.

Do you have family? Pets?

I have my wonderful husband of seven years and puppy, Coco, who turns 13 in September.

What brought you to the Tri-Cities? Did you grow up here?

My job at INTERA brought me here after completing graduate school in March 2017. I had ties to the Tri-Cities from my dad having worked at the Hanford site for a brief time around 2010, and I have extended family in the area.

What’s your dream vacation?

I am very food motivated, so anywhere with interesting cuisine that I have trouble making at home.

Planner or procrastinator?

Planner.

Introvert or extrovert?

An introvert trapped in an extrovert’s body.

First car?

1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Favorite thing to do in Tri-Cities?

Taking walks with my dog, Coco, at the WSU Master Gardener Demonstration Garden through each season.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

I was a lighting designer for concerts as my job through college and geek out just as much about set design as I do the performer we came to see.

Favorite Tri-City restaurant?

Dovetail Joint.

Favorite day of the week?

Saturday.

Text, email, phone call?

Text if it is OK to call. Email is for work.

Would you rather travel back in time or to the future?

I would not mind traveling back in time to relive some fond memories.