Challenging Assumptions 👨💻💡
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Advancing scientific discovery and driving innovation that improves energy resiliency and enhances national security.
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.
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.
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.
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
Career Opportunities
We're constantly adding new internship, postdoc, and full-time staff opportunities across our lab. Join us!
Summertime at PNNL-Sequim