When did you start working in the field? Also, how did you become interested in cleaning activities?
I started working at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) site in 1993 as a mining engineer. As the Cognitive Systems Engineer (COG) for the underground repository, I played a critical role in the overall success of the facility. I became deeply invested in his WIPP mission, both internally and externally, and became a vocal advocate. We were accomplishing something that had never been attempted before: opening the world's first licensed nuclear repository for transuranic (TRU) waste. Succeeded. I am proud to be part of the newly operational WIPP project and surrounded by other “WIPP Stars” who embrace the mission's complete success.
Can you tell us a little about the projects you have been working on?
From 1993 to 2002, I served as the COG for Underground Ventilation and had the opportunity to work on multiple projects needed to operationally prepare the WIPP facility for opening. This included the creation and advancement of multiple first-generation technologies required to implement one of the most advanced ventilation remote monitoring, modeling, and control systems to date. I was responsible for designing and installing a new mine ventilation fan to increase availability. He was able to create a simulation model of the WIPP facility to identify and alleviate bottlenecks. I was responsible for devising and overseeing the design, construction, and testing of a dry dust filtration unit to remove visible salt dust from underground airstreams to improve worker safety. The best and most fun project I worked on was collaborating with and leading an informal training program called “Everything you wanted to know about WIPP Underground Ventilation but were afraid to ask.” This gave us the opportunity to educate hundreds of colleagues about the design, subtleties and features of WIPP underground ventilation systems. This greatly increased the level of understanding, safety and appreciation of how my system contributed to his overall WIPP mission.
How does your expertise impact the EM project, or the mission in general?
I returned to the WIPP facility in 2021 as a member of the DOE-EM Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO), where I was responsible for overseeing safety systems for WIPP prime contractors. During the previous years, I worked with him in mining, tunneling, research, occupational safety and training, technology and innovation, and higher education related to various types of underground facilities on six continents. My expertise in underground mine design, mine safety and training, regulatory compliance, and ventilation is unique within DOE-EM and CBFO. I positively impact the health and safety of workers in the highest risk aspect of WIPP operations, drilling holes in the ground for permanent disposal of TRU waste. My goal is to ensure that risks are understood, managed, and mitigated so that everyone returns home safely every day.
Please give a message to people who are interested in a career in EM.
My experience at WIPP has been the foundation of my career. I originally came to his WIPP for work, but what I got there was an adventure. I got far more in return than I contributed or expected. It was transformative. In addition to developing my engineering and design skills, I also learned leadership, ownership, collaboration, teamwork, mentoring, and negotiation skills. I felt inspired and passionate about innovation, education, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. I took these with me when I left WIPP. I envisioned the “mines of the future,” designed subway systems, built industrial facilities, studied tunnel fires, and explored small-scale artisanal mines in remote parts of the planet. I was inspired to pursue and obtain a Ph.D. in mining engineering. I taught, trained, and coached others in hopes of giving back some of what I learned and perhaps inspiring them too. I returned to his EM so that I could apply this expertise to a lasting legacy that supports EM's mission.
