Branton, Spiller Honored with Inaugural Katharine Way Shaping Science Award

ORISE recently announced two recipients of its inaugural Katharine Way Shaping Science Award—U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Site Office (OSO) Deputy Manager Michele Branton and Reginal “Reggie” Spiller, who is the co-founder of DOE Office of Fossil Energy's Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF).

Branton, who officially retired from DOE on August 31, 2025, served as the DOE OSO Deputy Manager since 2007. She supported administration of contracts for ORNL and ORISE, including all phases of program management, contractor performance appraisals, plan development, and oversight of contractor operations, development and implementation of policies for the conduct of nuclear and non-nuclear energy scientific and technical programs, and stewardship of the federal assets at both contractor locations. She also served as the Contracting Officer’s Representative for the ORISE contract.  

“Michele has been one of ORISE’s strongest and most fervent advocates, always working in partnership with ORAU to uphold the integrity of the ORISE contract as it continues to serve as a valuable asset for achieving DOE’s mission,” said ORISE Director Keri Cagle, Ed.D., who presented the award to Branton along with ORISE Deputy Director Marcia Mask. 

In 2018, Branton spoke to the inaugural class of the ORISE Academy (an internal yearlong leadership program for ORISE employees) about when she first joined OSO in 1992. That was the same year that ORAU corporate activities were separated from the work being performed on behalf of DOE and the federal government. The new entity that resulted was then given the name of the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education.

“So, my first exposure to ORISE is from the ground up,” said Branton during her ORISE Academy remarks. “We still had the medical facility at the time, and I got to see all the capabilities as they were executed. If you understand your history and the people who are passionate about your history, then you will understand how to chart the future.” 

During that same presentation at the ORISE Academy, Branton revealed the importance of Dr. Katharine (Kay) Way’s involvement in the origin story of ORISE. Way’s pioneering contributions laid the foundation for the vision that continues to shape ORISE’s mission today.

Spiller had an extraordinary career in the oil and gas industry as a geoscientist, including serving as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Gas and Petroleum Technologies with DOE from 1993-1996. His enduring commitment to the MLEF program has offered pathways and opportunities to all students, particularly those from historically black colleges and universities, as well as from other non-R1 institutions. Spiller demonstrates exceptional enthusiasm and dedication to mentoring students by consistently attending the MLEF kick-off and technical forum each year.  He is widely recognized for his thoughtful and insightful questions that engage students following their presentations.

“Reggie’s commitment to education and opportunity for the next generation of our workforce, combined with his collaborative and engaging personality, exemplify why we selected him as one recipient of this award,” said Cagle.

In an email sent following the award presentation, Spiller had these kind words to share.

“I want to extend my sincere appreciation and thanks for presenting me the Katherine Way Shaping Science award. What you and the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education do for the MLEF program has been, and will continue to be, critical to the future development of our STEM talent in America.”

The Katherine Way Shaping Science Award recognizes individuals whose advocacy for ORISE embodies that same innovation and lasting impact. These honorees act as ambassadors, collaborators, and thought leaders, helping to elevate ORISE, foster partnerships, and drive meaningful impact across the entire science and technology enterprise.