Celebrating International Women’s Day 2022
On International Women’s Day, we are spotlighting just a few of the women in leadership positions across disciplines at SURF.
The Sanford Underground Research Facility’s (SURF) mission to advance world-class science and inspire learning across generations wouldn’t be possible without the contributions and leadership of women in science, engineering, infrastructure, safety, administration, business, education, communications and culture.
On International Women’s Day, we are spotlighting just a few of the women in leadership positions across disciplines at SURF. For more information about International Women’s Day, visit their website.
Wendy Straub, Director of Hoists and Shafts
Because the hoists and shafts are our main access to the underground, the progress of science and operations at SURF hinges on the success of the hoists and shafts department. With 17 years of experience in underground facility engineering, operations and leadership, Wendy Straub leads this team to maintain and operate these systems. Recently, her team completed a major stabilization project in the Yates Shaft.
“I have always been fascinated with mining, because of the vast history of mining in western culture,” Straub said. “I enjoy working with people who share similar interests. We encounter new and unique challenges on a regular basis, and I am always learning something new. I love setting goals and being a part of executing the plan.”
Mandy Knight, Administrative Services Manager
Every day, something new is happening at SURF. Mandy Knight works closely with various departments to ensure these developments run smoothly. Knight develops and maintains policies and procedures and provides quarterly status reports, all while supporting the Lab Director, the Board of Directors and SURF stakeholders.
“I find my work interesting and challenging,” Knight said. “My team and I engage in a wide variety of activities, deal with many different personalities and manage rapidly changing priorities. I am so thankful for the opportunities I’ve been afforded at SURF, but what’s most satisfying about my job is providing support to my colleagues to help do their own jobs better!”
Dr. Brianna Mount, Associate Professor of Physics at Black Hills State University (BHSU) and Director of the BHSU Underground Campus
When building super sensitive detectors, particle physicists require that materials be extremely radio-pure. As the director of the BHSU Underground Campus on the 4850 Level of SURF, Dr. Brianna Mount manages the assay, or testing, of materials to be used for such experiments.
Mount is especially dedicated to creating student experiences in physics. She does this through her leadership roles in programs including the following: the BHSU Underground Science Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, the NSF REU Physics Leadership Group, the BHSU GEMADARC summer program, the BHSU Underground Robotics Competition, the BHSU APS Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics (CUWiP) and the National Organizing Committee for CUWiP.
“I love the adventure of going a mile underground and working on experiments that explore the biggest questions in physics,” Mount said. “When the thrill lags, there's always new students to take underground and they revitalize the adventure for you. To help start students on their own adventure and watch their careers grow is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my job.”
Julie Ewing, Director of Environment, Safety and Health
The first of SURF’s Core Values reads: “We do not compromise safety or endanger the environment. Period.” As the director of Environment, Safety and Health, Julie Ewing and her team work to ensure that everyone — whether they are preparing reports in an office or excavating a cavern a mile underground — has the training, support and tools to complete their work safely.
“ESH is truly about making positive impacts to people and the environment, and I love being a part of that,” Ewing said. “I love being a part of something where everyone shares the same vision and is dedicated to the mission. I have the opportunity to work with everyone at SURF, and I love getting to know them. I am proud of the work that gets accomplished here and love to share the successes with others.”
Dr. Hunter Knox, Earth scientist with the Energy and Environment Directorate at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
On the 4100 Level of SURF, researchers are advancing clean energy research through the Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) Collab. As an Earth scientist, Dr. Hunter Knox works across the engineering field and geosciences to execute field-scale research and development projects, including the EGS Collab site at SURF.
Knox is also passionate about creating a safe, inclusive and productive work environment. She does this through significant mentoring and outreach with graduate and undergraduate students, and by participating in various organizations including the Sandia Women’s Action Network, Women in Geothermal (WING) and DOE STEM Café.
“As a scientist, I love discovering new things and participating in scientific research, as well as using science to make the world a better place,” Knox said. “As a technical leader, I love building teams and supporting all of the talented researchers, students and collaborators.”
Rochelle Zens, Project Lead for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access
Today’s biggest science questions require a lot of collaboration.
As the project lead for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) at SURF, Rochelle Zens strengthens SURF’s collaboration with national and international communities, as well as those right here in South Dakota. Zens brings a decade of experience in education, policy making, and communication to her role.
“One of my favorite things about working within the IDEA Team at SURF is my role in building our shared sense of belonging for new and current employees,” Zens said. “While the types of work are so varied here, we still find ways to come together to learn how to make SURF a place where everyone wants to work.”
Constance Walter, Director of Communications
With so much happening at SURF, we don’t want to keep it to ourselves. As director of Communications, Constance Walter shares engaging, up-to-date information and presentations with stakeholders, the media and the general public. Walter and her team also document experiments and projects as they unfold, capturing the story of SURF in real time.
“I love writing. I love telling stories. I love talking with people. My career in communications offers all of that,” Walter said. “For more than 30 years, I’ve had the good fortune to do what I love and work alongside amazing people. I’ve had many opportunities, met numerous challenges, found great success and had spectacular failures—all of which helped me grow as a person. I am grateful to the people who helped me along the way. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Nicol Reiner, Director of Education and Outreach
At SURF, we believe every student deserves a high-quality, equitable and engaging science education. With her background in mathematics and education, Nicol Reiner leads SURF’s Education and Outreach team to provide support for educators and students throughout South Dakota. In the past school year alone, the team has impacted more than 14,000 students across the state.
“I love that my job allows me to take my love of mathematics and apply it to interesting and relevant science topics — to see the whole picture of STEM — and that I am able to see how the math lives not only in the science, but in the engineering and even in just the day-to-day way we run the lab,” Reiner said. “I love that I get to share that with students and teachers across the state and see the excitement with those who are in our schools.”