THREE QUESTIONS FOR ALEX KIM

So what is the Lab Ambassador Program and what kinds of activities does a Lab Ambassador generally participate in?

The Berkeley Lab Ambassador Program strives to advance the Lab's efforts to increase diverse representation through participating in diversity conferences, career fairs, and networking events. Ambassadors often serve on panel discussions and have the opportunity to talk about both their research and the Lab. Any Lab employee can share their interest in becoming an ambassador and support one of the upcoming talent outreach events.

What kind of impact have you had or seen in your time as a Lab Ambassador?

I can’t confidently speak to the impact that I have had, but I myself have gotten a lot out of the program. As a Lab Ambassador, I was able to attend a National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) meeting, which was hosted and attended by scientists and undergraduates. I hosted one of the students I met at the event as a summer intern at the Lab and we have remained in contact since. He will be starting his doctorate in the Physics program at UC Berkeley this fall. He attributes his experience with us as being key to his success.

What outreach-related goals are you currently most passionate about and how could other Lab employees get involved?

The Lab provides a smorgasbord of opportunities to get involved in outreach. For example, you can learn more about the Lab Ambassador program in a June 24 workshop. And the Lab’s IDEA and Workforce Development & Education websites are also convenient launchpads to learn more.

Also, a number of Lab scientists have been active in DOE’s Visiting Faculty Program (VFP), which creates long-standing relationships with scientists at institutions historically underrepresented in the research community. This is a program I personally want to support and dive into.