A lot of people here make the grave mistake of starting to believe their work is fascinating to everyone around them. That's as big a mistake here in DC as it is in WV or anywhere else. Also, human beings are very good at detecting any hint of self-aggrandizement or humble bragging, and react badly to such. Ultimately, nobody cares that you spent six months in Ulan Bator helping local collectives become more efficient at managing ruminant droppings. Come up with a one-sentence non-jargony explanation for your job, and be prepared to move on unless people show genuine interest.