Hi, I’m Carolyn Driedger, a Hydrologist and Outreach Coordinator at the U.S. Geological Survey in Vancouver Washington. My science career began with research on glaciers and glacier-related hazards principally at Cascade Range volcanoes, and at Columbia Glacier Alaska. I witnessed the May 18, 1980 catastrophic eruption of Mount St. Helens and participated in the initial news media response. This event set the course for several fascinating projects that crossed science disciplines, and it provided me with a front-row seat for observation and reflection upon the role of scientists in society. I’ve learned that scientists must use the same degree of creativity and care with public communication that they use with scientific endeavors. Now, as CVO’s Outreach Coordinator, I work in partnership with public officials, emergency planners, media, park interpreters, and educators to advance the cause of eruption preparedness. Some earlier career choices have informed my current work, including several years of teaching in a US public school and private school in Kathmandu Nepal, and working for the National Park Service.