Staff News and Accomplishments

Leigh Ann Pennington looks at changes in ORISE after a 32-year career

Before her retirement in February 2024 after 32 years with ORISE, Pennington served as a key member of a team working to implement a data use strategy for STEM workforce development.
Stubbs presents at White House National HBCU Week Conference

Desmond Stubbs, Ph.D., director of STEM diversity initiatives for ORISE, was an invited presenter at last month’s National HBCU Week Conference, sponsored by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Margaret Scheiner, Ph.D., dedicated to supporting education and scientific research initiatives

Margaret Scheiner, Ph.D., wears many hats in her role with ORISE—all to support education and scientific research initiatives. As a functional analyst for ORISE, she provides data analyses for STEM WD staff and leadership.
ORISE’s Rachel Hill, Ph.D., transitions from STEM research to program management

When Rachel Hill isn’t helping administer ORISE research participation programs for a variety of federal agencies, she's active in various STEM outreach efforts, sharing her knowledge and passion for science with the community.
Chris Copeland, Ph.D., looks to help others find their path in STEM

ORISE Project Manager Chris Copeland, Ph.D., is passionate about helping others explore a future in STEM.
Emily Hanson sees the importance of connections and the impact of mentorship

As an associate manager with ORISE STEM Workforce Development, Emily Hanson, Ph.D., sees the potential in making connections—both for a participant’s career and for the future of the STEM workforce.
Erin Burr brings her own postdoctoral experience to ORISE

In her current role on the ORISE Assessment and Evaluation team, Burr acts as a principal investigator on evaluations of STEM workforce development programs managed by ORISE. Administrators and sponsors use the evaluations from Burr and her team to assess their programs and see how they can be improved.
Planting the seeds: Manon Fleming is passionate about helping kids learn, grow

Whether she’s planting seeds in the minds of the children she works with, or the children she’s raising at home, Manon Fleming is always keeping busy. Her job involves project managing several of the key student and teacher programs and events at ORISE, including the Tennessee Science Bowl and the Joint Science Technology Institute.
Jones promoted to ORISE Beryllium Lab manager

Melissa Jones has been promoted to manager of the ORISE Beryllium Testing Laboratory. ORISE is a leader in beryllium studies and maintains a comprehensive beryllium exposure testing program for the U.S. Department of Energy that assesses the health effects to workers who have been exposed to airborne beryllium.