Challenging Assumptions 👨‍💻💡
Computational Biologist Andy Lin's career path included failures. Below, he and his mentee discuss moving forward and pursuing dreams of grad school.

Challenging Assumptions 👨💻💡

What drives staff to make a positive impact on the world? What assumptions did they challenge along the way?

In this monthly newsletter, check out fascinating backstories of the people powering our science and technology breakthroughs, including behind-the-scenes support staff who rarely receive the spotlight. Plus, get advice for students and researchers seeking careers at an institution like PNNL.



Career Journeys

Kids and Chemistry

Amanda Lines used to think sacrifices were needed in order to be a respected chemist and raise a family. "But here I am as a researcher and a mom [and] loving it," she says.

Check out Amanda Lines' advice about the importance of speaking up.

Photo of PNNL chemist Amanda Lines speaking in front of a poster detailing analysis of radioactive waste


Translating Tech

Sara Truscott, quality assurance professional, was one of the few women in I.T. when she joined PNNL 25 years ago. She has since made a niche for herself synthesizing, simplifying, and explaining technical topics and tools—combatting the belief that new tech is impenetrable.

Read Sara Truscott's advice for finding sustained success at an organization like PNNL.

Headshot photo of PNNL Quality Assurance Professional Sara Truscott


Graduate Goals

Carlos Gonzalez Rivera, GEM Scholar and master's intern, dreamed of going to grad school, but he wasn't sure doing so was possible.

Watch Carlos and his mentor Andy Lin, computational biologist, discuss pursuing dreams and overcoming failures.

Screenshot photo of GEM Scholar and master's intern Carlos Gonzalez Rivera and Andy Lin, computational biologist, speaking on a Zoom call



Advice from an Earth Scientist

"I can be shy, and I don't always feel confident speaking up to convey my ideas. Sometimes you do have to promote yourself. I had a National Science Foundation postdoc proposal accepted, but people didn't think I would get it. I had to tell them [it would happen]."

—Ji-Hye Seo, former postdoc and current Energy and Environment Directorate researcher

Photo of earth scientist Ji-Hye Seo and two friends smiling at the camera with the Grand Canyon in the background
Raised in Korea, Earth Scientist Ji-Hye Seo (pictured center) traveled a path to PNNL that crossed national borders and cultural expectations.



Career Opportunities

We're constantly adding new internship, postdoc, and full-time staff opportunities across our lab. Join us!

Screenshot of the PNNL Careers Instagram grid of photos
Meet the people of PNNL (and sometimes their fur babies), where great minds meet great challenges.



Summertime at PNNL-Sequim

Watch an idyllic scene of self-navigating catamaran Jonesy preparing for duty at our Sequim, WA campus.


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