01/21/2025
BWIS is pleased to present our January , our first for 2025, Amanda Horn!
Amanda is an Educational Programs Administrator for the Office of Educational Programs at BNL. Some of her responsibilities include " the conception, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the informal STEM education programs here at the lab."
Her day to day is dynamic: "[it] tends to fluctuate depending on our needs, but can include teaching in the Science Learning Center, leading exploration labs for secondary students, managing our teaching laboratory spaces, coordinating contests such as the Science Bowl, and administering teacher, and student programs."
On what drew her to science and Brookhaven National Laboratory, Amanda highlighted her love for learning, "I have always enjoyed learning about science. As a young child, I loved visiting science centers and museums and learning more about various scientific disciplines. I enjoyed studying Biology in college, but I quickly realized that while I really enjoyed learning about science, I didn’t necessarily want to do scientific research as a full-time job," and the lab's support for community engagement: "Working here at BNL has allowed me to indirectly support research by sharing it with local students and their teachers. It is very important that we continue to support the future scientists, engineers, and technicians and I love being a part of it."
Her message to women interested in and active in scientific careers is "take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to you. If there isn’t an opportunity, ask for it! You never know who is willing to support or work with you until you ask. You may find a new mentor, internship opportunity, or even a job! ". Amanda exemplified this through utilizing benefits available to laboratory employees, completing three graduate degrees, including her PhD.
