Name:           Linda
Job Title:       Mechanical Engineer
Department:  Accelerator Division – Mechanical Support
Service:         11 years
Education:     Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Marquette University
Background:Raised in the Chicago suburbs, yet had never heard about Fermilab until a high school field trip. Started working here while in college through the cooperative education program, and then hired full-time after graduation.

What are the best reasons to work at Fermilab?
It is a unique and exciting place to be. Some of the world’s greatest scientific ideas are being explored, and it is extremely satisfying to know that your work contributes to new discoveries and technologies. While our discoveries may not be obvious to the general public, they require development of advanced technologies that can directly benefit society. Particle physics research also promotes a collaborative spirit that unites many nations while maintaining some friendly competition, so it is also a culturally rich environment. It’s hard to imagine there are many other places where work would be so fulfilling.

What has been your most fun experience at Fermilab?
A tremendous amount of effort goes into our education outreach programs to excite the community and especially our youth about science. I enjoy being a volunteer for some of these programs. It’s invigorating to spread interest about science and the work of the lab, and the audience response fuels further enthusiasm for my daily work. So far, nothing beats the handmade thank-you cards I received from a class that recalled details from my presentation -- one student gushed “this has opened my eyes to physics”, and he looked forward to learning more about it in high school. What a terrific job perk!

What do you like best about your job?
The variety! When I talk to people about the work that I do, it is difficult to explain because every project is so different. I’ve worked on beam instrumentation projects that require extraordinary precision and include components smaller than a human hair. In contrast, I’ve also planned large installations consisting mainly of multi-ton magnets and ultra-high vacuum systems, which reside in the miles of our underground tunnels. Being in the Accelerator Division adds other complexities. Our division is responsible for the constant operation of the accelerators, so we have to respond quickly when something breaks down. While things are running smoothly, we are busy designing upgrades for our machines as well as planning into the future to build new ones. It is also a meaningful engineering experience to start a project from the very beginning and see it through to installation, which is rare in industry but very common here. Each part of my job brings a new set of challenges to keep things interesting.

When you came to Fermilab, did you anticipate having the level of responsibility you currently have?
Responsibility has a funny way of creeping in over the years. Every now and then I’m surprised by the decisions that are mine to make, and even more surprising is how natural so much of it has become. The work environment here provides many levels of experience and responsibility, and each level leads to the next.

What do you see as the greatest opportunity at Fermilab?
It’s a chance to be a part of something greater than any one of us. Being surrounded by talented people with very specific yet diverse skills brings out your own best work. Every time a record is broken or a new discovery is announced, it’s gratifying to know you contributed in some way.

What is the most important thing that keeps you working at Fermilab?
The people. It seems strangely like a family, which probably has something to do with how long people tend to stay here. When challenges arise, everyone works together to get the job done. The dedication of our people makes even the most difficult tasks bearable. Then, when the work is finished, there’s a great spirit of accomplishment.

Anything else to add? Fermilab is truly a remarkable place beyond all our distinguished scientific achievements. We have an open campus so the public can enjoy it for recreation. We work with a medical team to provide neutron therapy for cancer patients. We are ambassadors of science to our community and stewards for the local ecology. We welcome visitors from around the world and offer many organizations and clubs for our employees and visitors. It really is a place you can proudly claim as your employer.