Catherine (Grace) Bowles is a biologist working in the Environmental Resources Section (ERS), Evaluation Branch, Engineering/Planning Division. She is a graduate from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia and has been with the District for the past four and a half years.
Her duties include writing environmental assessments for the District’s navigation projects and coordinating with state and federal agencies on those projects. She is currently assisting Planning Division on the Long Island Sound Dredged Material Management Plan. “In the summer I am usually out in the field for the water quality program taking samples and electroshocking for fish habitat studies,” she said.
In addition to her work in Engineering/Planning, Bowles also serves on the Work Environment Association (WEA) and is the New England District’s Black History Month Program Coordinator for the Equal Employment Opportunity Office.
Bowles was recently named WEA’s employee of the month for February 2015. She received the honor for taking the initiative to provide bagel and coffee breakfasts to the workforce for several weeks leading up to this year’s holiday parties. According to Greg Penta, Regulatory Division and the team member who nominated Bowles, providing breakfast involved purchasing bagels on her own time every morning before work twice per week, setting up and cleaning. “This effort raised hundreds of dollars for the WE Committee’s employee fund,” he said. “In addition, by providing breakfast and coffee when there is no other means to obtain breakfast at Concord Park, she contributed towards the accomplishment of NAE’s mission by enhancing the morale and welfare of the District workforce.”
Bowles’ annual International Breakfast is a quality event with a tremendous investment of her own time, according to Penta. In addition, she frequently supports her fellow coworkers by volunteering to assist with many WE Committee events, and always strives to ensure quality execution, which sets a positive example for the District.
Based on all she enjoys doing for the New England District Team, her answer about her favorite thing about working for New England District is no surprise. “The people,” she said. “My co-workers are excellent teachers, motivators and friends.”
When she’s not at work, Bowles is an avid camper, hiker and cat friend maker.