The Brookhaven National Laboratory has announced the recipients of the 2023 Brookhaven Awards, recognizing key contributors in support functions for their outstanding service to the Laboratory.
Joe Gettler from the Stakeholder Relations Office received the award for his exceptional contributions to strategic communications on behalf of the Lab. "Joe is a leader who helps others lead," stated the announcement. His work includes securing $100 million from New York State for Brookhaven's Electron-Ion Collider proposal and advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts within and outside the Lab.
Steve Giordano from the Information Technology Division was honored for his 21 years of service as an Applications Architect. His notable projects include developing systems for both NSLS and NSLS-II, with significant contributions to the Proposal Information Management System (PIMS). The system has become integral to managing proposals and forecasting growth at Brookhaven.
Maria Pacella from the Legal Office was recognized for her decade-long management of patent-related matters within the Intellectual Property Legal Group and Office of Technology Transfer (OTT). Her reforms in response to changing laws and database systems have enhanced operational efficiency. Maria's review of outside patent counsel invoices has also resulted in substantial cost savings.
Vincent Racaniello from the Environmental Protection Division received recognition for his 28 years of service as a Groundwater Protection Group project manager. He has managed eighteen groundwater remediation systems, including two recent PFAS treatment systems completed on time and under budget. Vincent's strategic planning has returned nearly 30 billion gallons of clean water to the sole source aquifer.
Timothy Welty from the Radiological Control Division was awarded for his role as a Radiological National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPS) expert. Over one-and-a-half years, Tim secured NESHAPS application approval necessary for processing Thorium targets to extract Ac-225, supporting Medical Isotope Research and Production operations.