Atomic Women began in 2007, originating within the Weapons Physics division. At that time, the group consisted of female employees as well as summer students.

Our initial goal was to introduce women summer students to women scientists, and our first event was a panel discussion on graduate schools and early careers in science. When the summer ended and the students returned to their universities, we discovered that we enjoyed meeting, networking, providing interesting programs and speakers at our meetings, and we continued to meet monthly, the last Tuesday of each month, from noon to 1 pm.

With the involvement of P-Division women, and women and men in several other LANL Directorates, we have grown in numbers.  

Goals

Our primary goal is to provide networking opportunities, and support and education for women in science and engineering at the Lab.  We have no officers, no dues, no budget, and no paperwork.  The tasks are minimal:  sending email announcements, coordinating with guest speakers, leading the meeting.  Though we have core leaders now, we are open to rotating leaders for specific meetings.

Interests and activities

The group organizes panel and informal discussions with invited speakers on such topics as: 

• mentoring, career development 
• stress management and resiliency 
• HR issues, gender bias in science and engineering, diversity issues 
• workplace communication 
• leadership skills 
• coaching 
• work-life satisfaction

Anyone at the Lab (students, post-docs, scientists and engineers, managers) who supports women in STEM fields is welcome to join the group.  We also welcome non-Lab employees who are active in or retired from a STEM related career. 

If you are interested in participating in any of our meetings or events please contact us!