Senior Consultant
Julie holds a master’s degree in pathobiology and molecular medicine and another in project management, so she’s just as comfortable in a lab as she is in a conference room. The Texas native lived in six other states before landing in Massachusetts, illustrating—and perhaps developing—her adaptability and agility. Today, Julie works out of IPM’s Boston office and enjoys adventures with her husband, Jared, both through gaming and in real life.
How did your experience prepare you for working at IPM?
When I was growing up, my parents always emphasized a strong work ethic for my sister and me. We were told if you want to play hard, you need to work hard to earn it. I always had to finish my homework before going out with friends, and I had weekly chores to do around the house. I feel this mentality has helped me at IPM. We work hard for our clients to deliver the results they need, but we also know how to relax and have fun as a team, whether it is at our quarterly staff meetings in Chicago or at our Project Mercy events.
What were you impressed with when you applied?
When I interviewed at IPM I was very impressed with the culture. I could tell that everyone truly cared about each other and about upholding the strong company values.
What’s your favorite thing about working at IPM?
One of my favorite things about IPM is the feeling of family. I know if I need anything, I can reach out to anyone at IPM for help and they will be there for me, from help with a problem at a client to needing help moving or a ride to the tow lot. That was after a Project Mercy event in South Boston, when I went to where my car should have been, and it wasn’t there! Apparently, when there is a sign posted that says, “No standing or stopping,” that also means no parking. Thankfully, a fellow IPMer was there to help me figure out where my car was and got me to the tow lot with five minutes to spare before they closed!
What do you like to do for fun?
Jared and I like to play video games. We met playing an online game, World of Warcraft. We were friends for several years before meeting in real life. For five years, we dated long distance while Jared went to school and I worked in Cincinnati. We were married in New Hampshire in October 2015.
We also like to walk around exploring new places in Boston and to go see movies. Our hobbies include hiking, mountain biking, and scuba diving. We have not gone scuba diving in the Boston Harbor yet, but it is on my bucket list, once we get certified for dry suit diving. It’s too cold otherwise.
Which of your scars has the best story behind it?
I have a scar on my right forearm, just above my elbow. While vacationing in Moab, Utah, in 2016, Jared and I went mountain biking. The first day went wonderfully, which gave me confidence for the second day to be a bit more adventurous. Unfortunately, this led to me going downhill too fast and missing a turn. I ended up running into the side of a hill and flying forward with the bike landing on top of me. Luckily, my husband was close by and was able to come to my aid. My arm had landed on a rock and had a deep cut. Always being prepared, I had a first aid kit in my bag. Jared bandaged me up and walked my bike the two miles to the exit of the park. I insisted we return the bikes to the rental place before going to the ER so we wouldn’t pay late fees. I ended up with six stitches. However, I did not let that stop me from enjoying the rest of our vacation. A few hours after the crash, we were at Canyonlands National Park taking in the amazing scenery.
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
Jared and I had the opportunity to attend a wedding in Indonesia for my husband’s best friend. His wife is originally from Indonesia, and she planned three weeks of adventures so we could explore her homeland and experience the diverse Indonesian culture. We went to Jakarta, Bogor, Bali, Nusa Penida, and Komodo National Park, where we got to see Komodo Dragons in the wild.