Note:
Dr. Lindsay was honored this month with a Special Recognition Award at
the 2013 Black Engineer of the Year Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics (STEM) Conference. Lindsay holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.
in mechanical engineering from North Carolina A&T State University.
Haile K. Lindsay
Thermal Engineer
After
receiving my award, I was asked to write a bit about what I do at the
NRC and how I contribute to the African American community – thus this
post.
![Haile-Work-Picture-March2008]()
I
will have been with the agency for five years. I came to the NRC right
after getting my PhD. My job is to review the thermal and containment
sections of the license applications we receive for packages to either
store or transport spent fuel or radioactive materials. My job allows me
to apply the knowledge I acquired in school about heat transfer,
thermodynamics, and other critical subjects. I review the package
designs to see if they meet NRC regulations for safety and security of
people and the environment. If a design does not meet our requirements,
we will not issue a license.
The
mantra I live by is: “Hard Work Pays Off.” If you work hard, you can be
successful at anything you do. I saw that come true as a student, and
now in my career at the NRC. My dissertation focused on treating
liposarcoma (a rare tumor that develops in fat cells, typically in
extremities) using hyperthermia – that is, heating cancer cells enough
to destroy them. I am proud that my research contributed to the body of
knowledge on this relatively new mode of cancer treatment.
At
work, I was honored to learn that my branch chief at the time, Victor
Cusumano, had nominated me for this prestigious award. I credit my hard
work toward becoming a qualified thermal reviewer, ensuring that
corporate knowledge is transferred to the newer NRC employees, as well
as papers I have presented at nuclear and government conferences and the
work I have done to organize NRC conferences.
I
also work hard to give back to my community. In my role as NRC Chapter
President for Blacks in Government, last year I organized a clothing and
toiletries drive entitled Winter H.O.P.E. (Helping Others by Providing
Them Essentials). The clothing and toiletries, donated by the NRC staff,
were given to The Dwelling Place – an organization that provides
housing opportunities and support services in Montgomery County, Md.,
for families experiencing homelessness. I also organized a luncheon last
summer for 17 D.C. Summer Youth Employment Program interns who worked
at the NRC. We provided pizza and organized a panel to talk with these
young people about our respective career paths and provide some helpful
tips for success.
I
feel truly honored and blessed to have been recognized with such a
prestigious award. This award will fuel me to continuously do even
greater work for this agency and my community.
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