Suffolk Reporter

At the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory, the 2024 Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards have been presented to key contributors who embody the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion through their actions.

David Biersach from the Information Technology Division has been acknowledged for his role in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) via computational education and outreach. As a senior technology architect, Biersach has influenced the quantum information science (QIS) workforce by developing and instructing courses since 2015. His programs like QIS 101 and 102 Quantum Computing Summer Schools have engaged over 1,000 students and faculty members from minority-serving institutions (MSIs) and underrepresented communities.

Biersach's dedication is reflected in achieving a balanced male-to-female participation ratio and high involvement from underrepresented groups. Through his association with the Co-Design Center for Quantum Advantage (C2QA), many participants have advanced into further education, internships, and STEM careers. Besides teaching, he mentors MSI students and faculty globally through initiatives such as the Faculty Outreach for Quantum-Interested Universities (FOQUS) program.

Fernando Camino from the Center for Functional Nanomaterials has also been honored for his advocacy since 2009 in promoting DEIA at Brookhaven Lab. As a research scientist, Camino has expanded opportunities for underrepresented minority (URM) institutions by developing remote electron microscopy access to CFN instrumentation. His mentorship has led to numerous research achievements with institutions like the University of Puerto Rico and Alabama A&M University.

In 2024, Camino initiated "Bottom-Up Town Hall Meetings" to encourage open communication between employees and leadership within the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate. This initiative aimed at enhancing inclusivity at the Lab. Through workshops, international presentations, mentoring activities, he has raised awareness about DEIA issues while democratizing access to CFN facilities.

Both recipients' contributions are recognized as part of Brookhaven Lab's efforts to create an inclusive environment fostering diverse scientific talent.

Meet all 359 staff members at Brookhaven Lab recognized during the 2024 Employee Awards and VIP Service Celebration on Nov. 13.

Citations were written with help from AI assistants (ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini).