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August 09 Issue - Employee Monthly Magazine
Passion for cutting-edge science leads to LANL Star Award
Julianna Fessenden-Rahn uses a flux chamber to take air samples for isotope analysis at Technical Area 3. Photo by LeRoy N. Sanchez
Geochemist Julianna Fessenden-Rahn of Earth System Observations is researching many projects that engage her with the science she loves. Whether it be analyzing the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, or oxygen isotopes of solids, liquids, and gases or expanding nuclear forensics and carbon programs, this stable-isotope geochemist always strives for new ways to explore science.
“I am most passionate about cutting-edge science because I’m able to work on finding the synergy between different disciplines, such as the research connections between threat reduction, carbon, climate, and water programs. I also enjoy teaching the next generation
about research and the importance of doing science,” she said.
Fessenden-Rahn joined the Lab in 2002 as a postdoctoral fellow and two years later became a technical staff member. Her work at the Lab includes being a principal investigator on several nuclear forensics and carbon programs at the Laboratory, where she has
guided multitechnical staff member teams in research related to these topics. “I am constantly looking to expand these programs
into new directions and with new sponsors,” she said.
She also is involved with numerous scienceeducation projects, such as teaching environmental science to kindergarten through 12th-grade students and helping graduate students, postdocs, and young professionals with environmental monitoring, mitigation,
and verification research.
A recipient of a 2009 LANL Star Award, Fessenden-Rahn said she was shocked and very flattered to have been nominated. “I didn’t expect to receive this honor,” she said. “But I am extremely happy to be included with such a talented group of women, all of whom inspire me.”
Fessenden-Rahn said she is extremely grateful to Don Hickmott, her group leader, for the LANL Star nomination and that she appreciates the many Lab managers who provided advice and support to her over the years.
— Erika L. Martinez
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