At the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory, the Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards highlight individuals who demonstrate leadership in integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into actionable practices. The 2024 awardees are David Biersach from the Information Technology Division and Fernando Camino from the Center for Functional Nanomaterials.
David Biersach has played a significant role in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) through computational education at Brookhaven Lab. As a senior technology architect, he has influenced the quantum information science (QIS) workforce by developing courses like QIS 101 and 102 Quantum Computing Summer Schools since 2015. These programs have engaged over 1,000 students and faculty from minority-serving institutions (MSIs) and underrepresented communities.
Biersach's dedication to DEIA is evident in his efforts to ensure access for underserved communities. His initiatives have achieved a balanced male-to-female ratio and high participation from underrepresented groups. His work with the Co-Design Center for Quantum Advantage (C2QA) has led many participants to pursue further education and careers in STEM fields.
In addition to teaching, Biersach mentors students and faculty from MSIs both nationally and internationally. His leadership in the Faculty Outreach for Quantum-Interested Universities (FOQUS) program has increased engagement with Brookhaven Lab.
Fernando Camino has been an advocate for DEIA at Brookhaven Lab since 2009. As a research scientist, he has expanded opportunities for underrepresented minority institutions through remote electron microscopy development. This allows students and researchers from these institutions to access advanced instrumentation at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN).
Camino's mentorship of students and faculty from universities such as the University of Puerto Rico and Alabama A&M University has resulted in numerous research successes. His leadership in programs like the Visiting Faculty Program (VFP) and Student Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) has created a more inclusive research environment.
In 2024, Camino initiated "Bottom-Up Town Hall Meetings" to encourage open dialogue between employees and leadership within the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate. Through workshops, presentations, and mentoring, he has raised awareness of DEIA issues while democratizing access to CFN facilities.
Both Biersach's and Camino's unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive environment makes them deserving recipients of the Excellence in DEI Award at Brookhaven Lab.
The achievements of all 359 staff members recognized during the 2024 Employee Awards were celebrated on November 13.
Citations were written with help from AI assistants (ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini).