Meet the 2024 Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award Recipients
November 18, 2024
At the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory, the Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards recognize key contributors who demonstrate leadership qualities that exemplify the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion into practical action. The 2024 recipients are:
David Biersach, Information Technology Division
David Biersach has been a driving force in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) through computational education and outreach at Brookhaven Lab.
As a senior technology architect, Biersach has made a lasting impact on the quantum information science (QIS) workforce by developing and instructing courses since 2015, including the QIS 101 and 102 Quantum Computing Summer Schools. These programs have reached over 1,000 students and faculty, many from minority-serving institutions (MSIs) and underrepresented communities.
Biersach’s commitment to DEIA is evident in his efforts to ensure access for underserved and marginalized communities. His programs have achieved a nearly 50/50 male-to-female ratio and high participation from underrepresented groups. Through his work with the Co-Design Center for Quantum Advantage (C2QA), many participants have pursued further education, internships, and careers in STEM.
In addition to teaching, Biersach mentors students and faculty from MSIs, both nationally and internationally, ensuring they receive the support needed to succeed in quantum computing. His leadership in the Faculty Outreach for Quantum-Interested Universities (FOQUS) program has increased student and faculty engagement with Brookhaven Lab.
Biersach’s dedication to fostering inclusion and developing the next generation of diverse scientists makes him a deserving recipient of the Excellence in DEI Award.
Fernando Camino, Center for Functional Nanomaterials
Since 2009, Fernando Camino has been a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) at Brookhaven Lab.
As a research scientist, Camino has expanded opportunities for underrepresented minority (URM) institutions, particularly through his development of remote electron microscopy, allowing students and researchers from URM institutions to access advanced Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) instrumentation.
Camino’s mentorship of students and faculty from institutions like the University of Puerto Rico and Alabama A&M University has led to numerous research successes, publications, and long-term collaborations. His leadership in the Visiting Faculty Program (VFP) and Student Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) has fostered a more inclusive research environment, welcoming scientists and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
In 2024, Camino championed the "Bottom-Up Town Hall Meetings" initiative, to promote open dialogue between employees and leadership in the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate, further enhancing inclusivity at the Lab.
Through workshops, international presentations, and mentoring, Camino has raised awareness of DEIA issues, democratized access to CFN facilities, and nurtured the next generation of diverse scientists. His unwavering commitment to DEIA makes him a deserving recipient of the Excellence in DEI Award, significantly influencing the Lab’s inclusive and supportive environment through his leadership.
Citations were written with help from AI assistants (ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini).
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