My journey taught me the value of resilience, continuous learning and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone to grow.
Jared Troescher Hazardous and Radioactive Waste Specialist
- Alum
Jared Troescher is a dedicated Hazardous & Radioactive Waste Specialist at the Idaho National Laboratory, where he applies his extensive knowledge of waste management, safety compliance and Department of Energy (DOE) protocols. He recently earned his Bachelor of General Studies from East Texas A&M University, graduating summa cum laudeāa milestone made even more meaningful by achieving his dream of walking in the graduation ceremony alongside his wife, Shankara. As the first in his family to earn a college degree, this moment symbolized not only academic success but also shared perseverance.

Before transitioning into the nuclear industry, Jared spent over a decade managing professional baseball clubhouses for teams affiliated with the Kansas City Royals and Arizona Diamondbacks. His leadership extended beyond the field as a semi-pro football team captain and coach, as well as a youth sports mentor. Above all, Jared's favorite role is being a dad, as he cherishes spending time with his energetic 2-year-old son.
A Conversation with Jared
Why did you choose your major/what draws you to your discipline?
I chose General Studies because it allowed me to combine my passions for education, sports and leadership into a flexible and well-rounded academic path. It gave me the tools to grow professionally while honoring my diverse background in athletics and technical work.
Describe an obstacle you overcame in the past or are working to overcome to achieve a personal or professional goal.
Balancing full-time work at a national laboratory, raising a two-year-old and completing my degree was no small feat. It took unwavering discipline, sharp time management and a lot of perseverance. But crossing the finish line with my degree in hand made every late night and early morning completely worth it.
Tell us about an accomplishment you are proud of.
One of my proudest accomplishments was transitioning from a career in professional sports to a highly technical role in the nuclear industry. It required me to adapt, retrain and prove myself in a completely different environment. That journey taught me the value of resilience, continuous learning and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone to grow.
Education
- B.G.S., General Studies, East Texas A&M University, 2025
- Associate Degree, General Studies, Idaho State University, 2012
Professional Experience
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Specialist
- Over 18 years of experience in professional baseball clubhouse management (Kansas City Royals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Idaho Falls Chukars)
Awards and Honors
- Graduated Summa Cum Laude, East Texas A&M University
Current Job
- Hazardous & Radioactive Waste Specialist at Idaho National Laboratory