Brookhaven Lab Student Wins Award for Data-Driven Community Solutions

Graduate student applies operations research to improve safety and infrastructure

June 1, 2026

UPTON, N.Y. — A graduate student working at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory has been recognized for applying data-driven problem solving to everyday challenges.

Jessica Moylan, a student assistant in the Data Science and Systems Integration division at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), received a Women Economic Developers of Long Island (WEDLI) award. The program supports emerging women leaders using technical expertise to benefit their communities. NSLS-II is a DOE Office of Science user facility at Brookhaven Lab.

Moylan, who is pursuing a graduate degree in operations research at Stony Brook University, said the award aligned with her interest in using data to help others.

“I really like being able to create something or learn about things that can help others,” Moylan said. “Using real data to improve how communities function is meaningful to me.”

Applying data to community challenges

Operations research blends mathematics, computer science, and engineering to identify problems and develop practical solutions. Through her studies at Stony Brook University, Moylan focuses on real-world applications, particularly those involving human behavior and public systems.

For her WEDLI submission, she examined how publicly reported data — such as hotline reports of potholes — could be aggregated to identify patterns. Analyzing frequently reported locations can help pinpoint high-risk areas and anticipate future issues.

This approach could help municipalities prioritize repairs and reduce long-term costs by addressing root causes instead of repeatedly applying temporary fixes.

“Instead of just patching the same areas over and over, you can identify where the bigger issues are and fix them more permanently,” she said.

From theory to real-world impact

Moylan’s academic work includes computational geometry and stochastic modeling, which she applies to practical scenarios such as optimizing staffing or improving how autonomous systems navigate spaces.

She is particularly interested in geographic information systems and how spatial data can inform decisions in transportation and environmental safety.

Beyond coursework, Moylan has pursued independent, field-based projects, including analyzing snowpack data in Utah’s Wasatch Range to better understand avalanche risk. Using public datasets and field observations, she contributes to efforts that improve safety for backcountry travelers.

At Brookhaven Lab, Moylan contributes to software development supporting experimental research at NSLS-II. Building on earlier internship experience at the Lab, she now supports ongoing projects that integrate data-driven tools to enhance experiment planning, advance AI–enabled research, and attract scientists to NSLS-II.

Mentorship and recognition

Moylan works under the mentorship of Jennefer Maldonado, a research staff engineer for data acquisition and detectors at NSLS-II.

“I have been mentoring Jessica since she started her role as a student assistant in our group in January 2025, and it has been incredibly rewarding to watch her grow as a researcher,” Maldonado said. “Her confidence has grown tremendously, and she brings enthusiasm and care to everything she does.”

Maldonado emphasized the importance of programs like WEDLI.

“Awards like this recognize and invest in the next generation of women scientists and professionals,” she said. “They give talented students the support they need to continue pursuing their goals.”

Michelle McQueen, chief operating officer for Brookhaven Lab’s Facilities & Operations Directorate and president of WEDLI, underscored the broader impact of supporting women in technical fields.

“Supporting the next generation of scientists and engineers is essential to driving innovation and strengthening our workforce,” McQueen said. “Programs like WEDLI help ensure talented students can continue developing their skills and making meaningful contributions.”

Maldonado also highlighted the role of mentorship.

“It is important to check in with mentees and highlight their achievements,” Maldonado said. “Current students are the future, and it is our responsibility to promote their success.”

She added, “I am incredibly proud of Jess. Seeing her hard work recognized and knowing this award will support her as she finishes her degree makes it especially meaningful.”

Looking ahead

Originally from Smithtown, New York, Moylan began conducting research at Brookhaven Lab through the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship program, then took on the role of student assistant after connecting with mentors in her group.

As she approaches graduation, she plans to pursue research and development roles focused on infrastructure, logistics, or environmental applications.

“I like being able to take what I’ve learned and apply it to real situations,” she said. “That’s what makes the work exciting.”

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 @BrookhavenLab on social media. Find us on Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.

2026-22944  |  INT/EXT  |  Newsroom