Meet the 2024 Brookhaven Award Recipients
November 18, 2024
At the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory, Brookhaven Awards are given to recognize key contributors in support functions whose performance and achievements represent outstanding service to the Laboratory. The 2024 recipients are:
Daniel Dandola, Business Services Directorate
Since joining Brookhaven Lab in 2018, Daniel Dandola has been a key figure in supporting some of the Lab's most complex mission areas as business operations manager. Dandola’s exceptional contributions include financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting across critical directorates, divisions, and departments such as Facilities & Operations, Human Resources, Business Services, and Information Technology.
Dandola's innovative approach and technical expertise were instrumental in numerous high-impact projects, such as stabilizing the Workday labor interface with the financial system, which had wide-reaching effects on the entire Lab. His leadership in spearheading institutional reporting using PowerBI revolutionized data accessibility and decision-making across multiple departments.
Moreover, Dandola's dedication to training and upskilling staff in tools like Excel and PowerBI exemplifies his commitment to the Lab's future success. His work not only ensures the smooth operation of Brookhaven’s business services but also advances the Lab’s overall mission. Dandola is a highly valued colleague whose professionalism and strategic guidance continue to benefit the entire organization.
Michelle McQueen, Facilities & Operations Directorate
With nearly two decades of service, Michelle McQueen has been a key leader in advancing Brookhaven Lab’s operational and safety protocols. Her ability to solve complex institutional challenges and lead cross-functional teams has been crucial to the Lab’s success. Known for her results-driven approach and collaborative leadership, McQueen has made significant contributions across various initiatives.
McQueen leadership in revitalizing the Work Planning and Control System greatly improved safety performance in Facilities & Operations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a pivotal role in the successful readiness reviews for the Medical Isotope Research and Production facility, leading the first-ever virtual Accelerator Readiness Review.
McQueen also ensured that U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines were seamlessly integrated into the Lab’s operations throughout the pandemic. Her strategic work on the PEMP Notable Success Plans and contributions to the Operations Council further demonstrate her dedication to institutional improvement.
McQueen’s professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to inspire collaboration have earned her the respect of her colleagues and the Lab community.
Aleida Perez, Office of Educational Programs
For more than a decade, Aleida Perez has been a transformative leader in Brookhaven Lab’s Office of Educational Programs (OEP), making significant contributions to science education, outreach, and workforce development. Starting as a per diem instructor, she quickly rose through the ranks to the role of manager of university programs, where her leadership has been instrumental in expanding opportunities for students, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
Perez has played a pivotal role in programs such as the STEM Prep Program, High School Research Program (HSRP), and SPARK, which have provided students with hands-on research experiences. Under her guidance, SPARK has enabled high school students to conduct research at the National Synchrotron Light Source II, publish papers, and present their findings at scientific meetings.
Perez’s work has also been crucial to the Lab’s workforce development efforts, particularly through her leadership in DOE initiatives like the Reaching a New Energy Sciences Workforce (RENEW) program. Her strategic planning has increased student and faculty participation, helping to build a more diverse and inclusive STEM workforce.
Perez’s dedication to education and her leadership have earned her widespread recognition, making her a deserving recipient of the Brookhaven Award.
Frank Toldo, Physics Department
Frank Toldo, a senior technical associate, has been a key contributor at Brookhaven Lab since 1986, playing major roles in both the PHENIX and sPHENIX experiments. As chief technician of the sPHENIX experiment since 2020, Toldo’s leadership was critical to the construction, installation, and commissioning of the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider's first new collider detector in 25 years.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Toldo ensured the timely assembly and installation of vital components. His exceptional technical skills and collaborative approach were essential in completing the sPHENIX project on a tight schedule. He oversaw the mechanical assembly and expertly coordinated with groups such as safety, rigging, and shipping, ensuring smooth operations.
Toldo was instrumental in helping the Lab meet its 2023 PEMP notable for the successful sPHENIX installation. His problem-solving skills, calm demeanor, and sense of humor made him an invaluable leader, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues.
Toldo’s dedication to excellence and his ability to bring out the best in his team make him a deserving recipient of the Brookhaven Award, having consistently gone above and beyond to ensure the success of the Lab’s mission.
Citations were written with help from AI assistants (ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini).
Brookhaven National Laboratory is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit science.energy.gov.
Follow us @BrookhavenLab on social media. Find us on Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.
2024-22191 | INT/EXT | Newsroom
