I am NIMH: Q&A with Monica Rowe

Monica Rowe, M.P.S.

Program Analyst    
Reports and Analysis Branch

What is your name and job title?

Monica Rowe, M.P.S. I’m a program analyst in the Reports and Analysis Branch in the Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications.

You’ll work with smart, enthusiastic people dedicated to the mission.

How would you summarize what you do?

I analyze NIMH’s funding portfolio and look at gaps and trends.

How did you come to NIMH?

I came to NIMH through a student training program in 2010. They paid for my graduate school and books, which was great.

What makes you want to stay at NIMH?

The people are wonderful. There is a great work-life balance. Work with a lot of smart, dedicated, and fun people.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Teamwork, helping where needed, and creativity. I help with many different areas within the office, and it’s been fun. For example, when our promotions team lead left, I stepped in to help with social media.

What would you tell a friend if they were considering working here?

You’ll work with smart, enthusiastic people dedicated to the mission. I’ve been here for over a decade, and the retention rate is great. NIMH is doing something right.

What’s one life lesson you’ve learned from your career?

Read as much as you can. Read everything. I do a lot of reading for work, and it spills into news and books and everything. For example, I’m reading an audiobook right now, “Strangers to Ourselves,” about mental health. We also have a book club, which is a nice way to talk to coworkers.

What is a benefit of working here that not many people know about?

The work-life balance has been great. My husband got a job in the Pacific Northwest, and I was able to stay at NIMH. It’s great that I can turn off work at a certain time.

If you weren’t doing this job, what would you be doing?

I would be an archaeologist. I like history. As a kid, I was really into reading books about ancient Egypt and looking at artifacts. I would also like to be a buyer for a fancy grocery store. I love going to grocery stores and looking at all the fun things.