Stephanie Chan Shum is a program manager in the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab). Raised in the East Bay area, Stephanie joined Berkeley Lab in 2019, initially as a senior resource analyst and subsequently as a principal resource analyst, before assuming her current role. Before joining the Lab, she worked in the County Administrator’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office for Alameda County, and at Pacific Gas & Electric Company. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Riverside, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, East Bay.

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

The ATAP Division comprises six scientific programs and centers, with our Operations Team supporting various areas, including Administration, Budgets and Finance, Environment, Health and Safety, Communications, and Human Resources (HR). As operational programmatic needs arise, I collaborate closely with our program heads and management to determine the best course of action, navigating the nuances of both internal Lab processes and external communications with our partners. Additionally, I provide regulatory interpretation and advice as needed, and I work closely with division program heads to develop, define, and execute program plans, schedules, program reviews, budgets, and reporting deliverables.

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

It is a fantastic feeling to see how our scientists and engineers successfully achieve their scientific missions and goals while I provide operational support from start to finish. I also enjoy being challenged; this role provides me with the opportunity to become an operational “jack-of-all-trades,” and I am learning a great deal about finance, procurement, HR, inventory, travel, and more. There is always something new to learn each day on the job. I also enjoy working closely with everyone in ATAP, from the Operations Team to students, postdocs, scientists, and engineers. When working and communicating with various stakeholders, including both internal and external parties, I must balance and manage expectations at all levels while clearly and concisely communicating timelines and next steps.

What advice would you offer to others in similar roles?

Always remember the Golden Rule: Treat others as you would want to be treated. At the Lab, we all work together toward a common mission; it takes a lot of teamwork, collaboration, and support to achieve success in science. Plus, you never know whom you will encounter at the Lab—sometimes it’s a Nobel laureate! As you progress in your career, remember to acknowledge and show your appreciation to your peers, coworkers, and mentors alike who have guided you along the way.

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