EM, Industry Fostering STEM Careers in Northern New Mexico

On Panel 2, "Future of Tech and Opportunities in Northern New Mexico," U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jeff Avery, second from right, moderates a discussion on the interconnectedness of community, environment and innovative technology. Pictured from left at the table: National Nuclear Security Administration Los Alamos Field Office Business, Security, and Mission Deputy Manager Stephanie Stringer, Los Alamos National Laboratory Entrepreneurship for Mission Innovation Program Director Duncan McBranch, Avery and Environmental Management Los Alamos Field Office Manager Jessica Kunkle.

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its contractors are working hard to foster science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) focused jobs in Northern New Mexico, DOE Office of Environmental Management (EM) and industry representatives said here recently.

DOE and industry representatives participated in a series of panels on STEM-related issues at this year's Los Alamos ScienceFest. EM Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jeff Avery underscored the significant role of STEM in EM's mission that drives continuous improvement and efficient remediation strategies essential for addressing legacy waste in Los Alamos and across the nation.

"STEM is fundamental to our work in the environmental cleanup program and crosses all of our mission areas," Avery said. "Our partnerships with communities to foster STEM programs, and our efforts to develop and sustain a cadre of STEM professionals, are vital to the future of our mission."

On Panel 1, "Growing STEM in Northern New Mexico Communities," Newport News Nuclear BWXT Los Alamos President and General Manager Brad Smith, right, talks on his personal experiences that led him into the field of science, technology, engineering and math and emphasizes the importance that one does not need to start in a STEM position to end up in one. Environmental Management Los Alamos Field Office Deputy Manager Ellie Gilbertson, left, shared her perspective on teaching STEM prior to her career with DOE.

Brad Smith, president and general manager of Newport News Nuclear BWXT Los Alamos (N3B), the legacy cleanup contractor at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), discussed the variety of workforce development programs N3B has established. These include scholarships for students at Northern New Mexico College and the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos (UNM-Los Alamos), apprenticeship programs at Northern New Mexico College and "bootcamps" for nuclear waste operators and radiation control technicians in partnership with UNM-Los Alamos. An advantage of the apprenticeship and bootcamp programs is both provide an opportunity for full-time employment with N3B.

Working at a cleanup site like Los Alamos isn't just about a paycheck, according to Smith.

"The LANL legacy cleanup mission creates opportunities to do impactful work for our environment that is meaningful today and for generations to come. We provide jobs with competitive pay and benefits, skills training and growth opportunities. That means you can help protect this region while having a good paying job. That's a win-win," he said.

This year's ScienceFest also included panels titled, "Future of Tech and Opportunities in Northern New Mexico," and "STEM in Schools." These panels involved industry, community, and pueblo leaders, the DOE Environmental Management Los Alamos Field Office (EM-LA), the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Los Alamos Field Office, LANL, Los Alamos County, and Pueblo de San Ildefonso, emphasizing the critical role of STEM education and opportunities in Northern New Mexico.

On Panel 3, "STEM in Schools," University of New Mexico-Taos HIVE Executive Director Rose Reza, left, Los Alamos Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Carter Payne, center, and Environmental Management Los Alamos Field Office Deputy Manager Ellie Gilbertson discuss the importance of providing opportunities for students both in and out of school for science, technology, engineering and math.

During the "Future of Tech and Opportunities in Northern New Mexico" panel, EM-LA Manager Jessica Kunkle highlighted a new technology being used in legacy cleanup efforts at LANL. The technology was conceptualized at one of Savannah River National Laboratory's partner universities, Georgia Institute of Technology.

"EM-LA has been working with LANL and NNSA contractor Triad on a new radiological inspection technology called Integrated Ground-based Autonomous Agent for Radiological Tracking for field testing at active sites at LANL. While working autonomously or by remote control, the robot detects radiological contamination using a location system and sophisticated sensors," said Kunkle.

The ScienceFest panels not only provided valuable insights into the future of technology and education in Northern New Mexico but also underscored the collaborative efforts essential for advancing STEM initiatives within the region.

In closing, Avery shared advice for consideration.

"If you are considering a STEM career, don't be intimidated by the subject matter. You don't have to be an A-plus student, taking AP classes or be in the national honor society," he said. "There are many different pathways and timelines to a successful STEM career. All you need is a little passion, knowledge and hard work to be successful."