Employee Profile Archives

Connie Cleary Returns to New York to Lead Brookhaven Lab's Licensing Group
Connie Cleary joined the staff at Brookhaven’s Office of Technology Commercialization and Partnerships on August 19 as the Commercialization Manager.
Suresh Srivastava New President-Elect of World Association of Radiopharmaceutical Molecular Therapy
Suresh Srivastava, a longtime researcher at Brookhaven Lab and pioneer in developing personalized medicine, is the new president-elect of the World Association of Radiopharmaceutical Molecular Therapy.
Electrocatalysis Pays Tribute to BNL Scientist Radoslav Adzic
Electrocatalysis dedicated its December 2012 issue to a celebration of the 70th birthday of this outstanding Brookhaven Lab scientist.
BNL Fire-Rescue Aids Emergency Response Organizations at LIE Accident
The BNL fire-rescue team’s quick response and proximity to the accident made them the first crew to arrive at the scene.
Two New Security Police Officers Join Lab Protection Division
After nine weeks of intense training, new security police officer recruits Stephen Buczak and Jules Martinez were honored at a ceremony on December 14 marking the end of their instructional training period.
Climate Research Captures Imagination, Inspires A Career
Stefanie Lasota’s impassioned dedication to her research is responsible for her transition from college student to one of the youngest fulltime researchers on site.
BNL Art and Crafts Show, 2012
Outstanding artwork and crafts by BNLers and their families were displayed at the November show.
From Camp Upton to NSLS, Five Generations At Brookhaven Lab
When Julius Makra came to New York by boat from his native country of Hungary in the years before World War I, he had no idea that his employment at the Camp Upton Army base on Long Island would set into motion what may be BNL’s longest running lineage.
Come See BNLers’ Visions At Annual Art & Crafts Show, 11/19–21
The annual Brookhaven Art and Crafts Show will be held in Room B of Berkner (Bldg. 488) Monday to Wednesday, November 19–21, from 11:45 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. each day.
Smooth Sailing Ahead for BNLer Lou Gerlach
Smooth sailing ahead for BNLer Lou Gerlach.
Percy Zahl: Mapping Materials at the Nanoscale
In 1804, Lewis and Clark set out to explore more than two million square kilometers of land west of the Mississippi River. Now in 2012, Percy Zahl of Brookhaven Lab's Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) is exploring the surface of materials measured in billionths of a meter — with atomic-scale, pinpointed accuracy.
PET Plant Images for Bioenergy Research
Plant biologist Ben Babst has seen things that no one else has ever seen before. Working with an imaging technique more commonly used to diagnose cancer and study brain activity, Babst’s investigations show much promise toward enhancing plants’ abilities to make substances for biofuels that could someday power vehicles, homes and industry.
Sister Act
Brookhaven Lab siblings Patti Bender and Sue Perino are blood relatives in more ways than one — the close-knit sisters are also regular blood donors.
In Memoriam: David Alburger
David Alburger, a retired senior physicist who held a guest appointment in the Physics Department, died on June 13, 2012. He was 91.
Joe Brady Cooks Up Methods to Thwart Would-Be Terrorists
Joe Brady of Brookhaven’s Nonproliferation and National Security Department studies methods to detect and defeat explosive devices.
Update on BNL’s Olympic Athlete
Michta breaks her own personal best to finish 29th out of 61 in the women’s 20-kilometer Olympic racewalk.
Scientists Honored for Groundbreaking Matter/Antimatter Calculation
Taku Izubuchi, Chulwoo Jung, Christoph Lehner, and Amarjit Soni of Brookhaven and the RIKEN-BNL Research Center were recognized at the 30th International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory for work in providing evidence of asymmetry in the universe — why there is more matter than antimatter.
Physicist James Dickerson Joins CFN
As the new Assistant Director of the Center for Functional Nanomaterials, James Dickerson will help Brookhaven National Laboratory form strategic partnerships.
Sarah Ackerman Explores How Cells Fare in Space
As a summer intern at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Sarah Ackerman explores how defective cells might actually be more resistant to ionizing radiation.
Former Brookhaven Intern to Race in Olympic Games
Maria Michta, daughter of a Brookhaven beamline scientist and a former student intern, will represent the U.S.A. in the Olympic 20,000-meter racewalk.
Amanda Pflumm Analyzes Gray Matter
As a summer intern at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Amanda Pflumm explores how drug rehabilitation might cause structural changes in the brain.
Brookhaven Lab Director Sam Aronson Elected Vice President of APS
Sam Aronson, director of Brookhaven Lab, was elected this month to serve as vice president of the American Physical Society (APS), one of the country’s leading science organizations.
Paul Kline Codes Carbon’s Journey Through a Plant
As a summer intern at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Paul Kline helps scientists model how radioactive tracers travel from a plant’s leaves to its roots.
Congratulations, Perfect Attendance Awardees of 2011!
Forty-two BNLers won awards for their records of “Perfect Attendance” during calendaryear 2011.
BNL Employees Keep On Learning
Karim Hamdi, a RHIC design engineer, took advantage of Brookhaven National Lab’s Tuition Assistance Program to help finance his graduate degree in mechanical and aeronautical engineering.
NNSD’s Anwar Hossain’s Mission: To Develop High-Quality Radiation Detectors
Assistant Scientist Anwar Hossain spends his days in the laboratory pursuing research aimed at developing high-performance radiation detectors that operate at ambient temperature.
Just How Does a Garden Grow?
Jörg Schwender, a BNL biochemist, discusses his work developing computational models to study plants’ pathways of biochemical reactions where nutrients are converted into energy needed for growth and survival.
Two BNLers Capture Transit of Venus, 2012
BNLers Phil Harrington and Rick Jackimowicz recorded the recent transit of Venus across the Sun on film.
478th Brookhaven Lecture Today, 5/24: “A New Spin on Magnets: Using X-Rays to Explore Novel Magnetic Materials”
Magnets are essential components for advanced applications from cloud computing to medical imaging. Join Darío Arena for the 478th Brookhaven Lecture, “A New Spin on Magnets: Using X-Rays to Explore Novel Magnetic Materials,” in Berkner Hall on Thursday, May 24, at 4 p.m.
Magnetic Materials, Bleeding-Edge Technology and NSLS: Questions and Answers With Brookhaven Lab’s Darío Arena
Darío Arena, a scientist at Brookhaven Lab’s National Synchrotron Light Source, explains his work probing the magnetic characteristics of compounds and alloys that advance technological applications from cloud computing to medical imaging.
BNLers Recognized for Relief Work Following Japanese Tragedies
Christopher Cacace and Stephen Musolino of the Lab’s Nonproliferation and National Security Department recently received accolades from Associate Administrator for Emergency Operations Joseph J. Krol for their assistance and relief work following the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.
25000….and Counting!
Devon Holmes is BNL Employee #25000.
Marty Woodle: Engineering/Science Volunteer Extraordinaire
BNL Retiree Marty Woodle, a 30-year volunteer at BNL’s science, math, and engineering-related public displays and contests for students, believes that promoting these events is an important way to excite lasting interest in science.
Anthony Baltz Named Senior Scientist Emeritus, Honored at ‘Baltzfest’
Anthony Baltz is named Senior Scientist Emeritus and honored by colleagues at “Baltzfest,” a symposium of talks and reminiscences of his 40 years at BNL.
Counting Down the Days Until a Soldier Comes Home
Waiting for a soldier to come home.
A.J. Francis Named Scientist Emeritus
Arokiasamy J. Francis of the Environmental Sciences Department has been named Scientist Emeritus for his distinguished contributions to microbiology and remediation. Francis retired in November 2011 after a 36-year career at BNL.
Heimlich Training at Lab Saves Gordon's Son From Choking
Robert Gordon of DOE’s Brookhaven Site Office tells how he saved his son from choking, credits BNL’s CPR Training class.
Meet Amy Nunziata, the Lab’s Deputy Assistant Laboratory Director for Facilities & Operations
Ask Amy Nunziata about the Lab site and she’ll tell you about the deer, turkeys, and 350 buildings. As the new Deputy Assistant Laboratory Director for Facilities & Operations, those buildings are her real focus.
Meet Allen Orville and Bo Yu
Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) has granted tenure to 10 BNL scientists. The newly tenured scientists will be featured in the coming weeks. Today, find out about the contributions of the Biology Department’s Allen Orville and the Instrumentation Division’s Bo Yu.
VIP BNLers of 2011
Lab Celebrates Service Anniversaries of 248 VIP BNLers of 2011.
Meet Chang-Jun Liu and Paul Sorensen
Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) has granted tenure to 10 BNL scientists. The newly tenured scientists will be featured in the coming weeks. Today, find out about the contributions of the Biology Department’s Chang-Jun Liu and the Physics Department’s Paul Sorensen.
Meet Jason Graetz and Qiang Li
Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) has granted tenure to 10 BNL scientists. The newly tenured scientists will be featured in the coming weeks. Today, find out about the contributions of the Sustainable Energy Technologies Department’s Jason Graetz and the Condensed Matter Physics & Materials Science Department’s Qiang Li.
Larry McLerran, Ph.D., Ph.D.
Chalk up a second Ph.D. for BNLer Larry McLerran of Brookhaven’s Physics Department, who received an honorary Ph.D. and professorship from Central China Normal University (CCNU).
Joe Libertelli: Lab’s New Labor Relations Business Partner
In a sense, Joe Libertelli has been preparing for his new job as the Lab’s Labor Relations Business Partner since the start of his career.
Santas, Santas Everywhere
Retiree Joan Depken and her husband Walter have collected what may be Long Island’s most magnificent gathering of Santa Claus figures.
The Standard Model, Higgs Boson, and Colliding Hadrons: Huh?
If you still don’t quite understand what is being said of elementary particles, fundamental interactions, the Standard Model, and of course, the elusive Higgs boson, don’t fret: Brookhaven Physicist Srini Rajagopalan can catch you up.
Look, Up in the Sky!
Is that a wing-walking physicist?
Gary Welch: A Passion for Skydiving and Muscle Cars
Gary Welch, supervising physical therapist in the Occupational Medical Clinic, knows what it’s like to free fall at 13,000 feet in the air – exhilarating!
BNLers Participate in ‘Tunnel to Towers’ Fundraiser
BNLers Participate in “Tunnel to Towers” Run.
Sullivan Named New Learning and Development Manager
With 22 years of leadership development experience under her belt, Maggie Sullivan has arrived at Brookhaven National Laboratory at an opportune time. As the new learning and development manager in human resources, she’s in a position to help the Lab’s current leadership team do its job more effectively.
Blood Donations = Saved Lives
“Before joining BNL four years ago, I worked at Stony Brook University Hospital where I saw firsthand the difference a blood donation makes,” says Sue McCafferty. “It is absolutely true that blood donors help save lives.”
Shooting the Breeze with Bartender Helen Houck
Meet Helen Houck, the Brookhaven Center bartender and part-time psychologist, counselor, entertainer, and “den mother” to many of Brookhaven’s scientists, students, and employees.
Health, Fitness, and Camaraderie At Jones Beach Run/Walk Challenge
At the annual Marcum Workplace Challenge 3.5-mile Jones Beach run/walk, 65 BNLers, including a women’s team and a men’s team that each placed in the top ten, joined the race and picnicked together afterwards.
Congratulations to BNL’s Spotlight Award Honorees of 2010
Spotlight Awards are given to employees who extend extraordinary efforts in response to the needs of their departments or divisions.
Meet Emily Ruppel, the Science-Writing Caricaturist
Media & Communications intern Emily Ruppel has been writing about the Lab’s ongoing science programs and many other aspects of life around the Lab — and she’s also a talented caricaturist.
BNL Honors Five 2011 Engineering Award Winners
The achievements of the five winners of BNL’s 2011 Engineering Award — Dennis Danseglio, Modernization Project Office; Thomas Joos, Photon Sciences Directorate; Wing Louie, Photon Sciences; Chien-Ih Pai, Collider Accelerator Department; and Nikolaos Simos, Photon Sciences and Energy Sciences & Technology Department — are summarized here. Articles on the six winners of the 2011 Science & Technology Award were posted on July 20 and the five Brookhaven Award winners on August 2.
Three’s a Charm!
Physicist Lisa Whitehead collaborates on three experiments.
BNL Honors Five 2011 Brookhaven Award Winners
The achievements of the five winners of BNL’s 2011 Brookhaven Award — Noel Blackburn, Office of Educational Programs; Cathleen Lavelle, Photon Sciences Directorate; Paul Ribaudo, Photon Sciences and Superconducting Magnet Division; Dennis Ryan, Radiological Control Division; and Scott Seberg, Collider-Accelerator Department — are summarized here. Articles on the six winners of the 2011 Science & Technology Award were posted on July 20; the five Engineering Awardees will be featured in the near future.
Peconic Bay Zontians Gather for a Good Cause
Four BNL women support local service projects and international women’s issues through the fellowship of the Peconic Bay Zonta.
Hearts collide — in a good way — at RHIC
The “nerdiest” marriage proposal ever is staged at RHIC's STAR detector.
Riding into 11 Sunsets: Brookhaven Scientist to Bike Across New York
Collider-Accelerator Department employee John Morris is riding his bicycle from Montauk Point to Niagara Falls in support of three different charities.
New York Society of Professional Engineers Honors Chris Bruno
Facility complex engineer Chris Bruno arrived at Brookhaven Lab in April of this year and just two months later, the New York State Society of Professional Engineers recognized him for his work at a previous job.
George Redlinger and the Search for SUSY
BNL physicist George Redlinger describes the “Holy Grail of modern physics”
Illuminating Cosmology’s Dark Questions with Erin Sheldon
Cosmologist Erin Sheldon was the first hire for the BNL group that will ultimately interpret data from the proposed Large Synoptic Survey Telescope.
SharePoint: The Main Course on John Jenner’s Menu
John Jenner, chef-turned-IT specialist, is helping the Laboratory implement useful collaboration support software across the site.
Strong Winds and Radio Waves
Some members of the Amateur Radio Club at BNL are ready to volunteer as spotters for the National Weather Service during hurricane season
Scholarship Jumpstarts an Intern’s Career
After receiving a Hispanic Heritage Club scholarship in 2007, Kenneth Baumann took research internships two years in a row, forging strong ties to BNL.
Meet Joe Gettler... See His Photo Exhibit
Meet Joe Gettler and learn about his upcoming photography show, “The East End: By Night and Day’s Light,” which opens this weekend.
Sue Runkowski: From Web to Oil, a True Multimedia Artist
In her spare time, web designer Sue Runkowski is also a photographer, painter, and printmaker.
The Smiles Behind the Names
Users are family at Brookhaven Lab. Kathy Nasta and Grace Webster both make sure of that.
STAR Spin
Joe Seele uses data from the STAR detector at Brookhaven Lab’s RHIC to understand how the proton gets its spin.
Meet Kahille Dorsinvil
Kahille Dorsinvil, an educator in BNL’s Office of Educational Programs, thinks science is “cool,” and conveys that idea through teaching – with the aid of hands-on projects and exhibits – to elementary school children at the Science Learning Center.
Meet Lynne Ecker
When Lynne Ecker came to Brookhaven Lab in November 2004 as an associate scientist in the Energy Sciences & Technology Department, she immediately joined Brookhaven Women in Science.
Meet Vivian Stojanoff
A physicist at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS), Vivian Stojanoff spends her workdays studying a special kind of crystals — protein crystals.
Meet Oleksandr Grebenyuk
Like many scientists, Oleksandr Grebenyuk is on a quest to better understand how the world works.
Promoting Women, Advancing Science – Meet Kathy Walker, BWIS Coordinator
Kathy Walker’s career at BNL began quite by accident. Her car broke down near the Lab, and she got help to fix it from the gas station on site. After seeing the Lab site for the first time, she thought it might be a good place to work.
Brookhaven Physicist Drills South Pole for Winter Vacations
Brookhaven physicist Johan Bengtsson spends his winter vacations drilling holes at the South Pole for neutrino-detecting telescope IceCube project.
Meet Na Li
A quick Q&A with a Ph.D. candidate working at Brookhaven Lab’s Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider
Corene Wood Tours United Nations Building
Corene Wood of the Lab’s Information Services Division recently got an inside look at the United Nations building.
Irvin Meyer and His Ornate Glasswork
Irvin Meyer, a star of Brookhaven Lab’s November 2009 Art & Crafts Show, displayed the delicate and beautifully colored glass vases that he makes and sells, even now that he is 94.
Meet Sarah LaPointe
Sarah LaPointe, a Ph.D. student at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, has worked with the subatomic wreckage from particle collisions at Brookhaven Lab’s Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider for 4.5 years.
Meet Charlie Nielson
Charlie Nielson built his own house, gardens a plot of up to 16,000 square feet, and is now building his own barn.
Rick Greene: Keeping the Home Fires Burning
Rick Greene, a technical associate at the National Synchrotron Light Source, literally keeps the home fires burning because he heats his entire 2,500 square foot, 100-year-old home with wood.
From the Louvre to NSLS-II: Eric Dooryhee’s Research Bridges the Centuries
Over the past 10 years, Eric Dooryhee has been using Synchrotron Radiation Diffraction (SRD) to examine ancient objects and artifacts from the Louvre museum collections.
Erik Johnson, Tenor
When Erik Johnson opens wide, you might expect to hear something about the Blueprint or the NSLS-II project, where he is the deputy director for the Accelerator Systems Division. But with the holiday season in full swing, you’re just as likely to hear “Hallelujah!”
Meet Christine Brakel: Ace Long-Distance Runner
Brookhaven employee surpasses her goals at the 2009 New York City marathon.
BNL’s Glenn Abramowitz to Perform in Musical Mame!
Riverhead’s music scene will liven up on two weekends this month, when the Broadway musical Mame! will be performed by members of the Riverhead Faculty Community Theater (RFCT) at Riverhead High School on November 14, 21, and 22 at 8 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 15.
Meet Manuel Miranda
Manuel Miranda joined Brookhaven Lab as an assistant scientist in 2009. After settling in to his new responsibilities, he's very happy with his decision to join a team of “high-caliber colleagues” in the Energy Sciences & Technology Department.
Meet Jim Stolfi
Former RHIC inspector Jim Stolfi returns to the Lab to join NSLS-II project.
BNL Retiree Mike Reynolds Prepares for the 2nd Leg of a Voyage ‘Around the Americas’
Mike Reynolds is serving as chief scientist on a yearlong expedition aboard a 65-foot, single mast, steel-hulled yacht that is sailing around the Americas.
Jinsheng Wen: Working on a Superconducting Energy Solution
Jinsheng Wen is a Stony Brook graduate student working on a superconducting energy solution at Brookhaven Lab.
BNLer Barbara Royce Honored for 12 Years’ Service to Thee Island INN Soup Kitchen
Barbara Royce is 2009 Paul Harris Fellow of the Middle Island Rotary Club for work at the soup kitchen. Now, the soup kitchen must move — needs affordable space on Route 25 near a bus stop.
Frank Dusek, Powerful Blood Donor
The next BNL blood drive will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., at the Brookhaven Center, Bldg. 30.
Meet Michelle Wilinski: Pink Obsession Leads Softball Enthusiast to Nolan Ryan
Brookhaven electrical engineer Michelle Wilinski recently won a Southwest Airlines contest to face Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan on the mound in Cooperstown.
Another BNL Connection to Apollo 11
Look—it’s another BNL community member who was involved in the first lunar landing 40 years ago!
Meet Kieran Boyle
A quick Q&A with Kieran Boyle, a RHIC postdoc at Brookhaven Lab who looks at the tiny particles that make up protons.
Swimming Across the Sound to Help Cancer Patients
John Gosman, an engineer at the National Synchrotron Light Source II, swam 15 1/2 miles across Long Island Sound to raise funds for cancer patients.
Meet Christina Rombola: Working, Published…Rising Freshman
Christina Rombola, only a rising college freshman, has worked at Brookhaven for more than a year on addiction studies in Peter Thanos’ lab.
Meet Patrick Bynum, Award-Winning Summer Student
Summer student Patrick Bynum has done excellent work for the Lab over the last two summers. His efforts have earned him a Spotlight Award.
To the Moon, Gary
Brookhaven Lab employee Gary Stevens is competing in an international race to land a privately funded rover on the Moon for the Google Lunar X-Prize.
Retiree Mike Reynolds Takes a Voyage ‘Around the Americas’
Brookhaven Lab retiree Mike Reynolds is serving as a scientist on a yearlong expedition aboard a 65-foot, single mast, steel-hulled yacht that is sailing around the Americas.
Adelphi Professor and Students Get Down to Nano
When Justyna Widera moved to the United States from Poland nine years ago, she hoped to teach chemistry. Four years ago, she landed her dream job as an assistant professor at Adelphi University on Long Island.
Meet Erica Palma, Summer Student
Growing up in the local community of Mastic Beach, Erica Palma, an Office of Educational Programs summer student, has spent much of her life "right down the road" from Brookhaven.
Joanna Fowler Featured on DOE’s Information Bridge
Brookhaven’s Joanna Fowler was featured during the month of May on the homepage of DOE’s Information Bridge. Maintained by the Office of Scientific & Technical Information (OSTI), this is a website through which the public has access to DOE’s full-text documents and bibliographic citations.
Child Development Center's 'Universal Grandma' Retires
Barbara Bosshard loves babies. Working in the infant center at BNL’s Child Development Center (CDC) for the past 18 years, she has been caring for the Lab’s youngest family members, first as an assistant and then, since 1999, as supervisor of the infant center. Bosshard retires on June 5.
Keith Lewin Volunteers to Save Lives
For 30 years Keith Lewin has researched climate change by day, then gone home to answer ambulance calls on nights and weekends. As a volunteer, he has responded to more than 4,000 emergencies, including hundreds of car accidents and heart attacks, and has even helped deliver a few babies.
Meet Four Sporty Scientists
Brains and brawn can co-exist. Just ask BNL physicists Travis Shrey, Gene Van Buren, Jeff Mitchell, and physical chemist Art Sedlacek, who, in addition to their scientific skills, are known for their moves on the volleyball court.
Meet Ron Kim, A Stony Brook Researcher of the Month
When Ron Kim graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School nearly four years ago, he planned to major in biology. Now a senior undergraduate psychology student and a member of the Psychology Department's honors thesis program at Stony Brook University.
Sharing the Road With Larry Hoff
Some people enjoy driving to work; others prefer not to. Brookhaven's Larry Hoff is of the latter group.
Say Hello to Kevin Dusling, Say Goodbye to his Hair
Today, Brookhaven's Kevin Dusling has a full head of hair. After the upcoming weekend however, this Physics Department research associate will have none - but he won't look to cover his head with a toupee any time soon.
Meet Tammy Stein - A Dedicated Blood Donor
Two years ago, Tammy's husband Ed had a heart attack. "If anything happens," she said, "he may need a blood transfusion one day."
Craig Woody Is IEEE's NPSS President
Senior Physicist Craig Woody of the Physics Department began a two-year term as president of the IEEE Nuclear & Plasma Sciences Society (NPSS) on January 1, 2009.
From Turtles to Geckos, Love of Reptiles Is a Family Affair
When John Heiser was a teenager growing up in Seaford, his backyard adjoined a wetlands filled with frogs, snapping turtles, and garter snakes, and the Environmental Sciences Department researcher began what has been a lifelong love affair with reptiles.
Medieval Times are Good Times for Two BNLers
ITD's Lisa Soto and David Cortijo have modern jobs but an old-fashioned pastime. When they aren't busy ensuring that the Lab's computing systems are running efficiently, they pursue medieval combat re-enactment.
Meet Ondrej Chvala
When many of us think of a vacation, we dream of white sandy beaches and palm trees. But when Ondrej Chvala, a postdoc on the PHENIX experiment, thinks vacation, he pictures North Dakota.
Meet Tom Lambertson — Avid Kayaker
Tom Lambertson recently became manager of the Lab's Site Services Division after serving as the manager of the Lab's Central Fabrication Services Division for 5 years. If you ask him what he loves to do most, he would say his job.
Meet Hai-Dee Lee
"When I'm meditating, I'm focused on the present moment. My mind becomes clear, and I enjoy being alive," explained Hai-Dee Lee, a data coordinator at Brookhaven Lab's Clinical Research Center.
Meet Robert Olsen, Renaissance Man
Robert Olsen, Advanced Applications Engineer in the Collider-Accelerator Department, is also a woodworker, musician, brewer, and grape grower. He has learned these numerous skills, both artistic and practical, mostly on his own.
New Mayor of Bellport a Lifelong Ambassador for the Lab
Brookhaven research associate and new Bellport Mayor David Pate is known to rise to a challenge. Whether installing feed-throughs for the ATLAS detector at CERN in Switzerland, or helping to set up the e-cooling facility here at RHIC, he has often been presented with just an empty building.
Two BNLers Go Up the [Hudson] River
If you have ever used the Lab swimming pool, there is a good chance that you know BNL lead lifeguard Susan Dwyer and swimmer Kathleen Tuohy. Dwyer and Tuohy recently decided to be "buddies" for the 5th Annual Hudson River Swim.
Meet Roger Katz
As a technology architect in the Collider-Accelerator Department's Computer Controls Group, Roger A. Katz is the systems administrator for the Collider Controls computer network. But during his leisure time, he can often be found either at a science fiction conference or at a school board meeting.
Returning Iraq War Vet Ready for New Challenges at NSLS-II
When Joanna Hall returned home last April from a year's tour of duty in Iraq, the first thing on her "to do" list was a tour of Long Island restaurants with her husband Johnny.
Meet John Galvin
The nameplate next to his office door reads "John Galvin — all-around nice guy" with a picture of Ajax, his yellow lab, in the upper left corner. This is the best way to describe Galvin, who works in BNL's Web Services Group as an applications engineer.
Meet Stephanie Majewski...and Follow Her Journey to the LHC
Stephanie Majewski will need much more than a carry-on as she packs for her next trip. As she prepares to live and work in Switzerland for a year, Majewski, a postdoctoral researcher in Brookhaven's Physics Department, is steadily crossing items off a massive checklist.
Meet Xavier Driver, Summer Student
Despite his calm demeanor, Xavier Driver, a BNL Office of Educational Programs summer student, keeps himself busy. When he's not studying biology, the student at Fort Berthold Community College plays bass in a thrash metal band — a high-speed, aggressive subgenre of heavy metal music — and writes comics with a friend.
Meet Reamonn Soto, Summer Student
Summer student Reamonn Soto is using his internship as a chance to quench his thirst for knowledge. Soto, who graduated from Tallahassee Community College in April, loves finding out as much as he can about how the world around him works.
Meet Leonard Mausner
BNL's Leonard Mausner, a senior chemist who supervises the Brookhaven Linac Isotope Producer (BLIP) and Target Processing Lab, has a musical side.
Meet Nora Detweiler
Nora Detweiler, formerly the Town of Islip's Deputy Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, joined Brookhaven Lab's Community Relations Office in June 2008 — shortly before the start of Summer Sundays, one of the programs she is responsible for running.
Meet Andrea Fischer, Summer Student
Andrea Fischer, a Pre-Service Teacher (PST) participant at Brookhaven this summer, plans to use her math skills to train future generations of scientists and mathematicians as a middle school math teacher.
Meet Vicky Giese
Vicky Giese, a BNL Office of Educational Programs summer student, knows it's never too late to start something new. Giese, who has already raised four boys, returned to school to complete an undergraduate degree in cellular biology after her youngest son graduated from high school.
Meet Ed Whittle, Fly Fisherman
Ed Whittle is always up for a challenge. At work, he spends much of his time researching plant enzyme biosynthesis in the basement of the Biology building. Outside of work, Whittle enjoys the challenge of fly-fishing in the rivers of Long Island and Connecticut.
Meet Rich Casella
Rich Casella, a computer programmer in BNL's Information Technology Department, subscribes to the outdoor-lover's familiar adage: "Take only pictures and leave only foot prints." Only Casella doesn't leave footprints, he leaves tire tracks.
Meet Dan Love - Software Developer
In the world of technology staying up to date with the latest developments can be difficult. For example, learning the .NET Framework, Microsoft's latest software development platform, can be a daunting task. Dan Love, a software developer in the ITD is here to help.
Meet Kathy Nasta
As the NSLS User Administrator, Kathy Nasta manages user services and plans workshops including the Annual Users' Meeting. Now, Nasta also puts her newly discovered news anchorwoman skills to good use after-hours as a co-host of the Long Island Pine Barrens Society television show.
Meet Lawrence Lettieri, Katrina Volunteer
Lawrence Lettieri performs on-site environmental testing on the job, but, during a week's vacation in February for each of the last two years, he used different skills - in construction - working as a volunteer.
Meet John Skinner
It's midnight, and you're almost just as likely to find John Skinner standing on a rock off the Long Island coast as you are to find him in bed. Fishing rod in hand, he braves all kinds of weather - often when the rest of the world is asleep - for that perfect catch.
Meet James O'Malley
After years of stepping onto stages across the country, James O'Malley now keeps his guitar in the corner of his office. That's the way he likes it these days - just him and his guitar, and maybe an attentive audience.
Meet Lazaro Vazquez
As a systems management professional, Lazaro Vazquez has traveled the world, first with the U.S. Navy and then as an infrastructure architect for major companies including Dell, Altiris-Symantec, Microsoft, UBS Global Asset Management and Whirlpool.
Meet Kim Hayes
Kim Hayes, a radiological control technician at the National Synchrotron Light Source, spends much of her workday checking the radiological materials that come in to the NSLS, conducting radiological surveys on the beam lines, and issuing dosimetry badges.
Meet Marcelo Ferreira
"You need oxygen!" declares Marcelo Ferreira, a new employee with the NSLS-II project. "Oxygen for this new project is the same as when I started in Brazil," he said, talking about being part of something important.
The Chemistry of Competition
After Jacob Hooker received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley he had two more goals: to find his perfect job, and to compete in an Ironman competition.
Thomas Russo: Electrical Engineer and Volunteer Emergency Medical Technician
Thomas Russo works to keep RHIC running efficiently during workdays. But during many evenings and weekends he can be found in the back of an ambulance, administering medical care that may save the lives of seriously injured or sick people.
Jill Clough-Johnston: Small Business Officer with a Big Heart
Clough-Johnston, the small business liaison officer who joined the Lab five years ago, has been mentoring 14-year-old Jenny, a girl from an at-risk family who needs someone to talk with and trust.
Kevin Hester: Printer, Personal Trainer, Producer
Kevin Hester, a Senior Photography and Graphic Arts Specialist who has handled the printing of most of BNL's publications for 24 years, is already planning for second and third careers after his retirement.
Meet Nicole Jenkins
Asked why she decided to take a job with the BNL Police Group, Jenkins said she had heard from friends and relatives who work at the Lab that BNL is one of the best employers on Long Island with a top-notch police force.
Meet Jorge Romero
Jorge Romero joined the Human Resources staff as a benefits representative in September 2007.
Derek Lowenstein: A Passion for Science and Orchids
"I always had a plant on the window sill that I tended when I was growing up in Brooklyn," Derek Lowenstein, Chair of the Collider-Accelerator Department, said, explaining his interest in plants - and, in particular, orchids.
Meet Todd Satogata, Physicist and Big Brother
In his leisure time, accelerator physicist Todd Satogata can sometimes be found playing guitar or hanging out at Mama Lisa - a local pizza place in Mastic - with 15-year-old Gary Luisi. Satogata is officially Gary's "Big" in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island.
Meet Tiffany Minter, Diversity Office Employee and Playwright
Tiffany Minter is a soft-spoken woman who has found that writing and acting in plays helps her to deliver meaningful messages.
Meet Rick Jackimowicz
A photographer by skill but an astronomer at heart, Rick Jackimowicz's cosmic photos capture his two loves in one frame.
Meet Nick Weih
Nick Weih's painting career began almost 15 years ago while searching with his wife for artwork to transform the newly married couple's house into a home.
Meet Ila Campbell
In January 2001, Ila Campbell volunteered to lead a yoga class in which she was a student. At the time, she had no idea that the instructor would not return. Today, Campbell still leads that class.
Meet John Pagano
He turned 70 this month, but Brookhaven Police Officer John Pagano will be the first to tell you that age is just a number.
Meet Kerry Mirabella
C-AD's Kerry Mirabella works mostly at her desk at the Lab. But on certain vacation days, she can be found building homes. Kerry is a volunteer for Women Build, a Habitat for Humanity program that enables women and girls to make a difference in their communities by building homes for families who need a helping hand.
Meet Chris Weaver
ITD web developer Chris Weaver has made hundreds of dives with his childhood friend while taking photographs of their experiences in remote locations ranging from the Galapagos Islands to the frozen waters of Antarctica.
Mei Bai: Teaching in an African Orphanage
Mei Bai, a physicist in the Collider-Accelerator Department, is used to a fast-paced, high-tech world working at RHIC. While on vacation this summer, she learned about a completely different way of life. Through an organization called Global Crossing Road, Bai volunteered to teach children at an orphanage in Mlolongo, Kenya.
Bob Selvey: Building Bridges and a Safe Work Place
In his spare time, Selvey travels to places like Honduras, Peru, and Brazil to build bridges and orphanages, and provide other services to help improve the quality of life for people in those countries.
Meet Steve Giordano
Steve Giordano writes code by day and music by night. For more than seven years, the NSLS web developer has played guitar for Bluish, a Staten Island/Long Island-based rock band that is like family in more ways than one.
Meet Maggie Rando
Maggie Rando greets almost every visitor to the Lab. Rando, who resides in the trailer at the Lab's main gate, is responsible for following U.S. Department of Energy and Lab procedures relating to site visitors.

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Employee Profile Archives

Connie Cleary Returns to New York to Lead Brookhaven Lab's Licensing Group

Suresh Srivastava New President-Elect of World Association of Radiopharmaceutical Molecular Therapy

Electrocatalysis Pays Tribute to BNL Scientist Radoslav Adzic

BNL Fire-Rescue Aids Emergency Response Organizations at LIE Accident

Two New Security Police Officers Join Lab Protection Division

Climate Research Captures Imagination, Inspires A Career

BNL Art and Crafts Show, 2012

From Camp Upton to NSLS, Five Generations At Brookhaven Lab

Come See BNLers’ Visions At Annual Art & Crafts Show, 11/19–21

Smooth Sailing Ahead for BNLer Lou Gerlach

Percy Zahl: Mapping Materials at the Nanoscale

PET Plant Images for Bioenergy Research

Sister Act

In Memoriam: David Alburger

Joe Brady Cooks Up Methods to Thwart Would-Be Terrorists

Update on BNL’s Olympic Athlete

Scientists Honored for Groundbreaking Matter/Antimatter Calculation

Physicist James Dickerson Joins CFN

Sarah Ackerman Explores How Cells Fare in Space

Former Brookhaven Intern to Race in Olympic Games

Amanda Pflumm Analyzes Gray Matter

Brookhaven Lab Director Sam Aronson Elected Vice President of APS

Paul Kline Codes Carbon’s Journey Through a Plant

Congratulations, Perfect Attendance Awardees of 2011!

BNL Employees Keep On Learning

NNSD’s Anwar Hossain’s Mission: To Develop High-Quality Radiation Detectors

Just How Does a Garden Grow?

Two BNLers Capture Transit of Venus, 2012

478th Brookhaven Lecture Today, 5/24: “A New Spin on Magnets: Using X-Rays to Explore Novel Magnetic Materials”

Magnetic Materials, Bleeding-Edge Technology and NSLS: Questions and Answers With Brookhaven Lab’s Darío Arena

BNLers Recognized for Relief Work Following Japanese Tragedies

25000….and Counting!

Marty Woodle: Engineering/Science Volunteer Extraordinaire

Anthony Baltz Named Senior Scientist Emeritus, Honored at ‘Baltzfest’

Counting Down the Days Until a Soldier Comes Home

A.J. Francis Named Scientist Emeritus

Heimlich Training at Lab Saves Gordon's Son From Choking

Meet Amy Nunziata, the Lab’s Deputy Assistant Laboratory Director for Facilities & Operations

Meet Allen Orville and Bo Yu

VIP BNLers of 2011

Meet Chang-Jun Liu and Paul Sorensen

Meet Jason Graetz and Qiang Li

Larry McLerran, Ph.D., Ph.D.

Joe Libertelli: Lab’s New Labor Relations Business Partner

Santas, Santas Everywhere

The Standard Model, Higgs Boson, and Colliding Hadrons: Huh?

Look, Up in the Sky!

Gary Welch: A Passion for Skydiving and Muscle Cars

BNLers Participate in ‘Tunnel to Towers’ Fundraiser

Sullivan Named New Learning and Development Manager

Blood Donations = Saved Lives

Shooting the Breeze with Bartender Helen Houck

Health, Fitness, and Camaraderie At Jones Beach Run/Walk Challenge

Congratulations to BNL’s Spotlight Award Honorees of 2010

Meet Emily Ruppel, the Science-Writing Caricaturist

BNL Honors Five 2011 Engineering Award Winners

Three’s a Charm!

BNL Honors Five 2011 Brookhaven Award Winners

Peconic Bay Zontians Gather for a Good Cause

Hearts collide — in a good way — at RHIC

Riding into 11 Sunsets: Brookhaven Scientist to Bike Across New York

New York Society of Professional Engineers Honors Chris Bruno

George Redlinger and the Search for SUSY

Illuminating Cosmology’s Dark Questions with Erin Sheldon

SharePoint: The Main Course on John Jenner’s Menu

Strong Winds and Radio Waves

Scholarship Jumpstarts an Intern’s Career

Meet Joe Gettler... See His Photo Exhibit

Sue Runkowski: From Web to Oil, a True Multimedia Artist

The Smiles Behind the Names

STAR Spin

Meet Kahille Dorsinvil

Meet Lynne Ecker

Meet Vivian Stojanoff

Meet Oleksandr Grebenyuk

Promoting Women, Advancing Science – Meet Kathy Walker, BWIS Coordinator