Meet LLNL interns: Exploring work culture and environment

Each year, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) welcomes hundreds of interns across its various directorates. These interns receive practical experience in their fields of interest within a stimulating environment. As early career professionals in training, they collaborate with their mentors and participate in projects that develop their skills in their respective areas. During their time at the Lab, interns are offered valuable opportunities for networking, career growth and important mentorship guidance that will in turn help them in their early careers.

This article is the second in a two-part series where summer interns share their experiences and insights on what Lab culture and environment are like.
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Nia Samuels
University of Connecticut
Chemical engineering
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Nia Samuels is an intern entering her third summer with the Materials and Chemistry Institute at the Lab. In her first two summers, she was a part of the high-performance materials group in the Materials Sciences Division in the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate. This summer, Samuels has branched out and is working in the Materials for Energy and Climate Security (MECS) group, where she works on electrochemical reactors for converting air and wastewater into fertilizer and ammonia. In her time with the Lab, Samuels has been able to work with various materials and conduct problem-solving experiments.

“There’s a really good emphasis on work-life balance [at LLNL]. Even as an intern I can see it in the employees. People are excited to be here,” Samuels said.

Samuels found LLNL’s environment to be very welcoming from the start. Part of this excitement was directed from her mentors who have helped guide her through a unique intern experience.

“My first summer I said, ‘I don't know exactly what I want to do, but I would like to explore while I’m here.’ After that my mentor, Isabel Crystal, took it upon herself to help me discover the range of opportunities available to me. She started introducing me to as many people as possible. She organized and had me go on demos that were specifically set up for interns,” Samuels said.

A significant part of an LLNL internship experience is the mentorship the intern receives. Working alongside a seasoned mentor at the Lab allows interns to explore their interests with expert guidance and support along the way. This mentorship fosters confidence and provides a strong foundation for interns to eventually kickstart their careers.

With mentorship support, Samuels has been able to accomplish a lot in her time at the Lab. Through hard work and diligence, coupled with the support she has received, Samuels feels she has grown considerably during her time at LLNL and looks forward to how she will apply what she learned to her post-internship experiences.

“This internship has helped me improve on communicating with people in a professional setting and has pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Samuels said.

When asked how she would translate her experiences into advice for aspiring interns, Samuels emphasized the importance of open-mindedness.

"If you’re interested in interning at the Lab but don’t know exactly what you want to do, apply with an open mind," she said. "Be willing to learn and ask questions. There are people all around who are willing to support you, whether you’re in their group or not. This is an environment where you will grow and learn."
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Jaheem Finnie
Virginia State University
Computer science
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Jaheem Finnie is a summer intern in the Global Security Directorate. Throughout his time as an intern, he has worked on the development of code for the Nuclear Suppliers Group Information Sharing System website. Finnie also has been able to learn about website development while using different coding languages.

“The Lab has a nice sense of culture that is unique from other workplaces. It’s not only just work, but also a place where you feel comfortable,” Finnie said.

During his experience, Finnie found that with his level of comfort, he was able to feel confident in taking advantage of all the opportunities available to him. He particularly enjoyed the access to an assortment of physical activities that allowed him to take a break and stay healthy, both mentally and physically. Finnie said he felt he had a sense of freedom and also felt valued.

“It’s nice to see that you’re not restricted to one area of work here; you are able to explore and jump into what you like,” he said.

Finnie, who recently graduated from Virginia State University with a degree in computer science, hopes to come back to the Lab after his internship is over.

“I would stay here for a full-time position if the opportunity presented itself. The Lab has shown me that this is a really good opportunity for me to grow and learn,” he said.

When asked what advice he would give to aspiring interns, Finnie emphasized the value of building a network at the Lab, which he felt was the most important aspect of the internship.

“Make sure you communicate with people you're working with because the small things really make a difference in how people perceive you down the line,” he said. “One day that can be really important to how you move along in your career.”

The Lab provides many opportunities for professional growth. Through career fairs and networking events, early career professionals can receive the support they need to advance in their desired directions. These opportunities allow interns to build connections with individuals who have already taken a similar career path.

There are 12 employee resource groups at LLNL that support employees and interns in myriad ways, including professional development, recruitment, networking, mentoring, internships, scholarships and leadership opportunities.

The Livermore Laboratory Employee Services Association sponsors employee networking groups. These groups primarily focus on a shared interest among members, allowing them the chance to connect and share their hobbies with others.

Activities range from bridge and cycling to volleyball, martial arts and quilting and many more. Having access to these groups has allowed Finnie and other LLNL interns to network with Laboratory employees through shared experiences and interests.

While at LLNL, Finnie not only grew in a professional sense but, in a personal sense as well.

“During my time at the Lab, I have found that I'm starting to become more responsible. Now that I'm done with college and in a professional setting, I'm seeing that with this position, I can take care of business while also enjoying the people around me,” he said.

Delaney Gash
University of California, Davis
Chemistry
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Gash is a returning summer intern with the Materials and Chemistry Institute at LLNL. In her time at the Lab, she has had the opportunity to work with 3D printing for battery applications. Additionally, she has worked with creating resin formulations that are used in printing processes.

“All my mentors and their colleagues have been so supportive I’ve had positive experiences with everyone who I’ve encountered,” Gash said. “It’s like a community that helps you and will always pick you up; I feel like I am a part of something.”

Entering her second summer with the Lab, Gash expressed a deep gratitude for those around her. By working at LLNL daily, she developed a strong understanding and appreciation of its vibrant culture. When Gash comes to work, she speaks of it as a place to look forward to, where positive collaboration thrives among the bright minds working together.

“LLNL feels like a community and has the feel of a college campus,” Gash said. “People are very receptive and want to be social. I think that’s what sets it apart and that’s what I enjoy the most about interning here.”

While Gash speaks highly of those around her, she also is an impressive individual in her own right. She recently graduated from the University of California, Davis with a degree in chemistry and will be applying for a Ph.D. program this coming Fall.

When asked about the most important part of her experience, she outlined that communication with others was invaluable.

“Make sure to build a network; those relationships with people could make the difference in starting your career,” Gash said. “Collaboration is key to achieving shared goals, and I saw that first-hand here.”

In her experience, Gash gained valuable skillsets. She learned the importance of asking questions and embracing mistakes as an opportunity for growth. Additionally, her experience with hybrid collaboration has significantly enhanced her communication skills.

Gash also shared that she is proud to be a woman in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) field, and has felt a sense of belonging at LLNL. She found a sense of belonging with other women who also are pursuing careers in STEM. At the Lab, there is a place for everybody, Gash said, allowing for productive collaboration and a place for anyone to flourish.

“After interning at LLNL, I recognize that I’m here for a reason and I deserve to be here,” she said. “The Lab fosters a positive environment for me to really feel comfortable and grow. I can’t wait to continue my growth in STEM and apply what I’ve learned here into practice.”

To learn more about current and former LLNL interns, watch this video. To read other articles in the Meet LLNL intern series, see the link below:

•    See Part 1: Meet LLNL interns: Fitting in and standing out

-Zachary Ardzrooni
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At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) our employees are our greatest asset. LLNL continues to act on its commitment to foster strong values and a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity and accountability. We encourage students to explore our available student programs and apply.