Micah Leigh Howard in front of NCIS shield

By Phil Wrighthouse
Mass Communication, Sophomore

Danielle Monroe
Ag Communication, Junior

Micah Leigh Howard analyzes reams of information in a hunt for terroristic activity. Katie Greenan stands before the glaring lights of the television news cameras. Angela Weigelt listens patiently as constituents ask questions about legislation, complain or seek solutions to problems.

The three recent Purdue alumnae have jumped right in to key positions in Washington, D.C.

Howard, B.A., 2004, found the perfect combination for her undergraduate degrees in journalism and political science as an analyst at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

Yup, just like the popular television show "NCIS" starring Mark Harmon that is shown in more than 100 countries worldwide.

"The television show has really increased our agency's visibility and helped with recruiting efforts around the world," said Howard.

According to its Web site, NCIS is the "primary law enforcement and counterintelligence arm of the United States Department of the Navy." Working closely with local and federal agencies, it investigates the most serious crimes, from terrorism to murder. A typical day for Howard involves reviewing messages and contacting agents and analysts in field offices to make sure she has current information on threats. Researching data and threats and analyzing information received, numbers tracked, etc., to try and spot terroristic activity is a daily part of her position as an analyst.

"What I like most about my job is the chance to work with brilliant people at the forefront of issues important to the United States," Howard said. "Discovering my professional interests within the mission of NCIS has been an exciting challenge, and I look forward to coming to work, knowing that our efforts are making a difference around the world."

Bits and pieces of actual NCIS cases are woven in to fictional "NCIS" storylines, Howard said. Sometimes cast members drop by headquarters. But Howard noted that true crimes take longer than an hour to solve.

And, "there isn't yet an analyst character on the show. I've volunteered to 'play one of TV,' but so far, no luck," she said.

	Angela Weigelt, far right, at a fashion event in D.C.

Weigelt, B.A., 2004, likes to think she is making a difference, too, if on a smaller scale. As a legislative correspondent for U.S. Rep. Chris Chocola, who represents Indiana's 2nd Congressional District, Weigelt said her Purdue education is essential to her job.

"It requires a lot from my communication education since that's what my job consists of, communicating effectively with constituents," said Weigelt. 

"It's very important that I be able to break down intense and complicated bills and issues for the average person to digest."

While Weigelt feeds information to voters, Greenan, B.A., 2002, delivers it to the press as press secretary for U.S. Rep. Anne Northup, who represents Kentucky's 3rd Congressional District. "The job is great. It's important to make sure your candidate gets the best treatment possible in the press," she said.

Greenan said her education at Purdue was a big factor in her getting accepted into the broadcast journalism graduate program at Syracuse.  "And Syracuse led to my press secretary job. Each was a stepping-stone that led to my next adventure."

Katie Greenan, right, with sister Amy

Greenan said her well-rounded education in all aspects of communication at Purdue has proven vital in her job. "My job deals with communication every day -- interpersonal, mass, all kinds," said Greenan.  "Every type of communication is important."

Both Greenan and Weigelt say they are aware how vital the jobs they do are to the politicians they work for. "It's a huge responsibility, having your career and your candidate's to think about every time you talk to a reporter," Greenan said.

Weigelt said it's not always easy to write a letter back to a constituent who doesn't see eye to eye with her boss's position. "So, the test becomes a matter of letting them know that you understand, while maintaining your position," said Weigelt.  "It can be done, but with proper and effective communication skills."

"But, the worst is when people are outright rude in letters or e-mails to a member of Congress, such as my boss. But you have to rise above that and also know when it's not worth communicating with someone whose message is inappropriate."