Karen Russell, an administrator on the Operations Team of the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), grew up in a military family, living in England, Japan, and Germany, and traveled extensively throughout Europe. She credits this upbringing with having “broadened my perspective and fostered adaptability—traits that have been invaluable throughout my career.” Karen joined Berkeley Lab as a contractor in November 2023 and became a full-time employee in April 2024. Before joining the Lab, she spent 22 years in the financial services sector.

Please tell us about the ATAP Operations Team and your role.

The ATAP Operations team supports the division’s researchers and leadership. We manage personnel processes, including fellowships, internships, and affiliate requests, and enhance the onboarding experience. Additionally, we oversee supplies, meetings, events, and property management, always striving to provide personalized customer service when working with internal and external teams.

What do you most like about your role, and what are your day-to-day challenges?

I love the collaborative nature of the role and being part of a supportive, knowledgeable team. We exchange ideas and work together to discover the best solutions, fostering a safe and encouraging environment that positively impacts my daily work. While I may not fully understand all the research conducted at the Lab, I’m consistently inspired by the incredible science our researchers pursue; it’s truly exciting to support such groundbreaking efforts from behind the scenes.

I’m passionate about creating engaging visuals and curating experiences that make people feel recognized and valued. Whether for milestone events, team meetings, or onboarding new researchers and employees, I strive to add a human touch to all aspects of my work.

What advice would you give to other people in roles like yours?

Be yourself, and treat others how you wish to be treated. An approach that has always served me well is: “It’s nice to be nice.” Fostering positive relationships through kindness and respect can lead to a collaborative and productive workplace.

For more information on ATAP News articles, contact caw@lbl.gov.