Maureen Thaete is an administrator in the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab). Originally from the Bay Area, she joined Berkeley Lab in October 2024 as a contractor and became a full-time employee in March 2025. Previously, she worked in roles supporting project coordination and executive leadership in tech, interior design, and luxury hospitality. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in Dramatic and Film Arts.

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

Along with the rest of the team, I help keep the division’s wheels running smoothly behind the scenes. Some of the processes we oversee include travel, procurement, onboarding, conference attendance approvals, property management, and coordinating special events. A fulfilling part of this role is guiding division members through some of these key processes quickly and painlessly.

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

I have enjoyed getting to know our division members across all programs and supporting their meaningful work. What I appreciate most about this role is working with such a collaborative, supportive administrative team.

Their kindness and expertise make even tricky problem-solving feel manageable. One ongoing challenge is navigating evolving systems and processes, which can be complicated. Being part of such a reliable team makes it easier to adapt and move forward.

There is always something new to learn, and I genuinely enjoy being a helpful resource to my colleagues.

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

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Clear, open communication is essential in this kind of role. Whether you’re trying to understand a process, clarify expectations, or work through a challenge, asking questions helps prevent confusion and builds stronger working relationships. I find that frequent communication with my team allows me to feel more supported and effective throughout my workday.

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