Letters From Alumni
By Brett Goode
’09, BA Political Science and History
Brett Goode |
For the past two and a half years, I have been employed by the Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) as the National Security Senior Professional, supporting the US Department of State’s Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction. In this role, I have partnered with scientists, public and veterinary health workers, and government officials in Afghanistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines to improve laboratory bio-safety and bio-security and reduce biological threats. Since joining CSC, I have travelled to Southeast Asia and Afghanistan to conduct conferences, training, workshops, bio-risk assessments, and other activities. I have also contributed to the efforts to eliminate the Syrian and Libyan chemical weapons programs; supported the Department of Defense’s threat reduction expansion into the Middle East; and helped in the successful negotiation of a new agreement with Russia allowing for the continuation of important bilateral nuclear security cooperation.
My undergraduate experience at Pitt provided me with the knowledge and skills I needed to succeed in my career. I received top notch foreign language training and in-depth exposure to US and international history, economics, and politics. My undergraduate courses also improved my writing ability; taught me valuable research and critical thinking skills; built my confidence in public speaking; and encouraged me to learn how to manage several tasks at once. I am not yet sure where my career will take me next, but I do know that I will have my four years at Pitt to thank for it.