Alumni Newsletter - November 2022 |
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Recruitment Wraps for 2022. In October, we concluded recruitment for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP) Class of 2023–2024, having connected with 45 university partners and hosting more than 60 in-person and virtual events. This effort connected us with hundreds of students and resulted in more than 230 applications! As a result of this diverse and well-qualified pool, we conducted approximately 420 interviews with over 150 candidates, 10 NNSA program offices, four field offices, and the Department of State in just two weeks! Thank you to the many alumni who joined us in this effort. If you would be interested in joining us for future recruitment efforts, please contact ngfp@pnnl.gov. |
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Fall into Learning and Leadership. This Fall, our Class of 2022–2023 fellows have been busy with a diverse suite of leadership development activities. For example, they recently began their participation in NNSA’s Aspiring Leader Certificate Program with sessions focused on building leadership and trust skills. During the event, fellows participated in a leadership question and answer session with NNSA Administrator Jill Hruby and Principal Deputy Administrator Frank Rose. Fellows also attended the National Security Enterprise seminar series, which included tours of the Department of State, Remote Sensing Laboratory, and Capitol building; leadership panels with program alumni; and briefings on nuclear science, Congress, and the federal budget.
In September, several fellows attended a panel with representatives from Stanford’s Honor College and Rose Gottemoeller, former Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security at the U.S. Department of State, to share about NGFP and their experience in the fellowship. Fellows also attended a lunch and learn with Steve Amundson to learn about the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Most recently, in October fellows participated in a federal hiring seminar focused on guidance and skills needed to prepare for the NNSA federal hiring process, including sessions on navigating USAJobs and resumé writing with Nancy Segal from Solutions for the Workplace, LLC, as well as briefings on federal benefits and other topics of interest with NNSA Human Resources. The event also featured a panel discussion on federal career benefits with NGFP alumni Gregory Jack (Class of 2021–2022), Alexander Godinez-Robinson (Class of 2019–2020), and Annelise Atkinson (Class of 2019–2020). Panelists discussed their experience navigating the federal hiring process and pursuing their post-fellowship careers.
We are always looking for new opportunities to engage our cohorts in the national security community. If you would like to connect with our fellows for a leadership briefing or other learning opportunity, let us know!
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Now Hiring? In early 2023, we will be hosting our annual career fair to connect fellows with employers and explore post-fellowship employment opportunities. If your organization is interested in participating or if you have job opportunities to share, please contact ngfp@pnnl.gov. As a reminder, the current class will complete its fellowship in June 2023.
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Connecting at Carnegie. In late October, several NGFP fellows attended the 2022 Carnegie International Nuclear Policy Conference in Washington DC. The event convenes experts, officials, executives, journalists, and students from across the world to explore solutions for challenges in nuclear nonproliferation, arms control, disarmament, deterrence, energy, and security. Fellows in attendance (virtual and in person) included Katherine Seevers (IN-15), Ashley Raster (NA-SN), Monica Lemmon (NA-84), Anishka Khosla (NA-24), Samantha Groskritz (NA-195), Kathryn Wernke (NA-10.2), Brooke Guenther (NA-CI), Rayanne Fujimoto (NA-1.1), Bego Aranguren (NA-241), Tristan Skupniewitz (NA-MB-80), Erin McLaughlin (NA-211), and Haley Harrison (NA-MB-92).
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Coast to Coast and Overseas. Fellow travel and training is in full swing with their participation in events around the world.
Fellow Susana Herrera attended the 14th International Symposium on Nuclear and Environmental Radiochemical Analysis ERA14 held in York, United Kingdom. This event provides an international forum for presentation of research in all aspects of nuclear and environmental radiochemical analysis, including environmental radiochemistry, environmental radioecology, nuclear industry decommissioning, radiation detection and imaging, medical imaging, radiochemical analysis, and nuclear forensics.
“This was an exciting and unique opportunity to learn about different approaches for nuclear waste characterization and environmental remediation, radionuclide detection, nonproliferation, and nuclear reactors decommission research ongoing in Europe and current efforts to transition to and make fusion nuclear reactors feasible,” Susana said.
Several poster presentation sessions highlighted some of the work done in the radiochemistry field to advance nuclear energy. “It was a great networking opportunity with people working toward finding solutions and innovative ideas all around the world. As an NGFP fellow, this was an excellent opportunity to experience international efforts in this field and what other countries are implementing,” Susana said. This was also a great venue to hear from top scientists and inspire the work Susana is currently doing at Livermore to advance the NNSA and Department of Energy mission.
Susana is a fellow in the NNSA Livermore Field Office supporting the laboratory work. She is pursuing a PhD in Chemistry with a track in Radiochemistry from Florida International University, where she also obtained a Master’s degree in Chemistry and Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Biological Sciences.
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“The conference was valuable because it gave insight into the applications of radioactive sources and alternative technologies to radioactive sources being used globally,” said Kurt.
This summer, Kurt also attended the Health Physics Society annual conference in Spokane, WA. The Office of Radiological Security had a booth at the conference to help promote the Cesium Irradiator Replacement Project to licensees of Cs-137/Co-60 irradiators around the United States.
Kurt is a fellow in the NA-212 Office of Radiological Security. He has a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry from the University of Missouri.
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Building a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce. NGFP is committed to the NNSA mission to build an inclusive, engaged, and highly skilled workforce—and so are its fellows who have joined in the NNSA diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) efforts.
For example, Kyle Sallee joined NNSA’s DEIA Council. Kyle was encouraged to join the council by his office colleague, Max Postman, whose work to foster an inclusive and diverse environment inspired him. The council works to enhance NNSA's DEIA to new and continuing NNSA employees.
Kyle is participating in the DEIA Council’s Working Groups, including Employee Experience and Culture, Retention and Career Advancement, and Recruitment and Hiring. Through participating in the working groups, Kyle hopes to build his leadership skills while promoting DEIA within NNSA to bolster NNSA’s mission by incorporating diverse voices and perspectives.
“DEIA initiatives strengthen the work of NNSA by building an agency that looks and sounds like the United States, securing a place for historically marginalized or underrepresented voices within the national security complex,” said Kyle.
Kyle is a fellow in the NA-231 Office of Conversion. He is pursuing a Master of Arts in International Relations from the American University School of International Service.
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Connecting with Education. As current or recent graduate students, fellows often connect their academic journey with their NGFP assignment in interesting ways. Francheska Colón-Gonzalez recently presented at the 2022 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers International Conference on Engineering Veracruz in the International Forum on Women in Engineering and Women in Power. Her presentation “Detection and discrimination of high explosives on human hair by Raman scattering” showcased her research as a student with the University of Puerto Rico Center for Chemical Sensors/Chemical Imaging and Surface Analysis Center.
“My technical expertise from my research is being put to work in my fellowship indirectly with all the hard and soft skills that I developed during my academic studies. My previous work was related to safety, and while not in the nuclear aspect category it has helped me understand a lot of the processes that are done within my NNSA office,” Francheska said. Her thesis research has focused on national security and the detection and discrimination of biological and chemical threats.
Francheska is a fellow in NA-233 Office of Material Disposition. She is pursuing a PhD in Chemistry of Materials at the University Puerto Rico.
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Advancing the NNSA Mission. Many fellows go on to help NNSA advance its mission in unique and exciting ways. Alum Savannah Blalock (Class of 2018–2019) was recently highlighted in an NNSA news article announcing how $10 million (€10 million) no longer needed for the IAEA Low-Enriched Uranium Fuel Bank would support peaceful uses assistance and fight cancer.
“The United States is seeking to expand access to peaceful uses. It is a critical benefit that can help states meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals and enable progress worldwide,” said Savannah at the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons RevCon in New York. “Cancer affects us all and we support the expansion of therapeutic programs that support treatment around the world.”
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Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month. Simón Arias (Class of 2019–2020) was recognized in an NNSA feature for Hispanic Heritage Month. “There are numerous non-profits and organizations in the Capital region and across the country that work tirelessly for the Hispanic and Latino community through leadership programs, civic engagements, or professional opportunities. I’m a strong proponent of leadership and professional opportunities that empower young Hispanics and Latinos to take on experiences that challenge them and help them grow,” he said.
During his fellowship, Simón supported the NA-19 Office of Production Modernization. Today he is a program analyst support contractor for the High Explosives and Energetics program office within the Office of Production Modernization. Read more about Simón here. |
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Got Jobs? If you have an opportunity that might be of interest to other alumni, we invite you to share on our LinkedIn alumni page! You can also send suggestions to ngfp@pnnl.gov. |
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NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
1100 Dexter Ave N, Suite 400
Seattle, WA 98109 USA
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