News Briefs: July 10, 2009
Native American legislators visit the Laboratory
Members of the Native American state legislators got a chance to visit the Laboratory late last month. New Mexico State Sen. Lynda Lovejoy, New Mexico State Rep. Ray Begaye and Arizona State Rep. Chris Deschene took time from their state legislator meetings to meet with Laboratory management and tour the Lab facilities. The visit was arranged by the Director’s Office through the Office of Strategic Diversity. On hand to greet and talk with the tribal legislators was Ron Cochran, William Bruner, Tommy Smith and Steve Grey.
The Native American state legislators were holding their annual meeting in San Francisco to discuss issues that impact tribes in their state and nationally. There are more than 102 Native American state legislators from across the country.
Begaye mentioned that energy and environment along with education issues were at the top of the list for many of the tribal state legislators. Begaye also mentioned that getting American Indians into the science and engineering fields was critical for tribes and that he was pleased to see American Indians in the national laboratories.
Cochran informed the state tribal legislators that "the Laboratory has been involved for some time in working with tribes and bringing students here to work." He also mentioned that "we will continue to support that education effort, which will help tribes in the near future."
The state legislators had many questions while touring NIF about the future for new types of power plants. Currently, many of the countries power plants receive their coal power from tribal lands. Tribal lands possess about 15 percent of the natural resources in the country and the medium age of the upcoming workforce of American Indians is approximately 22 years of age.
Shapovalov’s scholarships
For Lyudmila (Mila) Shapovalov, 2009 has been a rewarding year. In March, she received a $1,250 scholarship from the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory Women’s Association — her second from that organization. Shortly thereafter, she received a Silver Jubilee Scholarship of $2,000 from the American Association of University Women (AAUW), San Francisco Branch.
Shapovalov, an administrative specialist in the Physics Division of Physical and Life Sciences, is seeking a master’s degree in business administration from Golden Gate University, and has taken a combination of classes at the Santa Clara and Walnut Creek branches, as well as online.
Her studies include: operations, finance, accounting, management, team dynamics, information technology and international business.
Shapovalov who joined the Laboratory in 2005 sees the Lab as a place that "makes a tremendous difference in people’s lives," citing its accomplishments in national and global security and nonproliferation.
A member of the Lab’s Women’s Association, she credits the group with being very supportive of her education pursuits. "The people within the association see value in what you do. This is a real motivator. The scholarships I have received also have provided me with much needed financial support to pursue my education goals without interruption."
How the AAUW scholarship came into play also can be attributed to the LLLWA. Susan Springer, a member of the Women’s Association scholarship board, heard about the AAUW award competition and passed on the details to LLLWA members.
Shapovalov wasted no time in submitting an application. She was thrilled to receive an award letter for the 2009 Silver Jubilee Scholarship that read: "Our committee was very impressed with your goals and accomplishments and we wish you the best in your future."
Along with a monetary award, she was invited to be a guest at their installation of officers brunch where she received her check. She also was given an honorary membership.
AAUW (formerly known as the American Association of University Women) promotes equity for women and girls, lifelong education and positive societal change. The Silver Jubilee Scholarship Fund was established in 1916. The scholarship competition, which is conducted annually, helps upper division and graduate school women complete their final year of study in an accredited college or university.
"I feel honored to be part of the AAUW membership," she says about the well- known, established organization.
In the fall of 2006, she helped organize a biodefense related workshop held in the Czech Republic. She had the opportunity to travel and assist at the event and even use her fluency in Russian to edit parts of the conference proceedings.
She said it was during that conference she began to consider international business as a future career path, a goal that she adheres to even now.
Shapovalov who expects to graduate by next spring keeps busy working full time at the Lab, completing her course work, and spending time with her husband and six-year old son.
And when she does find time to do her homework? When her son goes to bed. It’s just part of time-management.
Miller welcomes summer students
Lab at International Supercomputing 2009
