Name:             Martha
Job Title:        ES&H Specialist
Department:   Particle Physics Division – ES&H
Service:          16 years (will be 17 in January)
Education:      Bachelor Science – Occupational Safety from University of Wisconsin at Whitewater
Background:   Moved to the Chicagoland area to complete an internship at Fermilab and was offered full time employment after graduating from college.

What are the best reasons to work at Fermilab?
The diverse culture and the work and life balance.  I've learned about a wide variety of cultures and countries represented at Fermilab, and my daughter has also been exposed to these differences in her attendance at the on-site day care facility.  I also received so much support during my pregnancy and after my daughter was born.  By working at Fermilab, I feel I can be good at both roles (as a professional and as a parent).      

What has been your most fun experience at Fermilab?
My involvement in large projects, such as the construction and completion of the KTeV experiment and the filling of the MiniBooNe tank.  When KTeV was built, I provided safety oversight and monitored installation of the equipment.  It was an exciting time because I got to see an experiment go from the conceptual stage through the construction and run.  On top of that, I was pregnant!  Filling the MiniBooNE tank was a fun project too.  I enjoyed working with the expertise of the scientists and environmental specialists to ensure that the tank was filled without any environmental or safety hazards.  It was challenging and rewarding when we filled the tank without any ES&H problems.  There have been multiple projects and tasks that I've been fortunate enough to be involved in.  The most exciting part of any of them is being part of a successful team.

What do you like best about your job?
I love working in the Particle Physics Division where the action is and where things are always different.  There are changing hazards with each project and so I’ve had the opportunity to learn about flammable gases, electrical hazards, radiological issues and many other ES&H challenges that face the Laboratory.  I feel our safety program is integrated into the daily scientific work.  The ES&H Department is often contacted before a project begins.  Project leaders want to plan safety into what they do, so that the finished product is carefully constructed to maintain a safe, environmentally sound and productive work environment.

When you came to Fermilab, did you anticipate having the level of responsibility you currently have?
When I started as an intern while still in college, I was intimidated by the idea of the nature of the work in particle physics.  Although, once I stepped onto the campus, I knew this was the place for me.  I was impressed with the Wilson Hall high-rise and the row of international flags.  The beauty of the campus made it an easy decision to accept the position.  I also developed a strong support network, and I quickly became involved in high profile projects which launched my career as an ES&H Professional.  Over the years, through my job performance and the mentoring by my leadership team, I'm now a Supervisor and am a Senior Safety Officer for the Particle Physics Division.     

What do you see as the greatest opportunity at Fermilab?
To work with some of the finest minds in the world.  It's inspiring to see the passion for the learning and science at Fermilab.   
 
What is the most important thing that keeps you working at Fermilab?
I really enjoy working at Fermilab.  I feel fortunate to be part of such a talented and friendly staff and to have a supportive management team.  I put out my best effort to provide that same support and mentoring to my own staff so they can make the most of the opportunities available to them at Fermilab. 

Anything else to add?
Fermilab is fun.  I meet exciting and smart people.  I do different things everyday.  I feel a strong sense of support for a good work and life balance.  The medical, retirement, and vacation benefits are fantastic, too!