Celebrating a Year of Growth: The Pathways Program Journey at the DOE Office of Environmental Management

Graduating from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) with his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, Kevin Estala Rodriguez brought vast knowledge to the EM Pathways program and was excited to receive the opportunity to positively impact and give back to the community of Washington state.

“I was motivated to join the program for its cleanup mission and for the opportunity to work with professional engineers. I was also interested in work flexibility and work-life balance, especially as I was starting my family,” explained Estala Rodriguez. Through his role at EM’s Hanford site in Richland, Washington, Estala Rodriguez is a General Engineer monitoring contractor maintenance activity by overseeing planning, job hazard analysis and procedure implementation, coordinating monthly meetings between DOE divisions and contractors, and supporting other divisions with integrated oversight activities and reporting. 

Participating in the EM Pathways Program, Estala Rodriguez had the opportunity to experience different levels of commitment and the opportunity to apply his experience towards meaningful assignments and tasks. “I have experienced the day-to-day activities of my superiors by shadowing my leadership team and the opportunity to shadow other divisions. This experience has let me define the pathway I want to follow for my career within DOE EM and I am glad that these types of activities are empowered by DOE.”

Estala Rodriguez believes that every activity performed, training attended, and connection made with other people at his site, including federal and contractor employees, provided insight and valuable tips that helped him grow personally and professionally. “The EM Pathways Program will challenge you, but it will offer everything you need to achieve your goals. In this program, you will set the limit on how fast you grow professionally. You will get to make meaningful connections, such as mentors, that will help you advance in your career within DOE.”

Justin Carpenter, a recent graduate from Montana State University, chose the Pathways Program to merge his Chemical Engineering degree with his passion for environmental sustainability. Before he accepted his position as an engineer in Carlsbad, New Mexico Field Office (CBFO), Carpenter had yet to learn all the intricacies and regulations involved with nuclear materials and environmental cleanup. Since joining EM, Carpenter has experienced all the different reports, sampling, testing, monitoring, and evaluations the organization must do to ensure cleanup happens safely onsite. 

Working at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), a plant constructed to dispose of defense-generated TRU waste from DOE sites around the country, Justin has rotated through various critical compliance and safety roles, ensuring the responsible handling and disposal of transuranic waste. His experiences have solidified his dedication to DOE EM’s cleanup mission and his aspiration to further specialize in environmental or safety management. 

“Not only that, but we must also ensure that the site and future generations will be safe from environmental contamination when WIPP’s mission is complete. I plan to keep growing my knowledge of all these things while working for EM CBFO, and I may even go back to school for a master’s in one of those areas sometime in the future,” explained Carpenter.

Carpenter would advise all future EM Pathways participants to build good relationships with your supervisors and their office managers. Carpenter credits building strong relationships with affording him many opportunities through his current Pathways position and his future with EM CBFO.

“Don’t be afraid to ask your supervisor and coworkers all the multitude of questions you will have; just try to save them for after meetings. You’ll find they are often more than happy to take some time out of their schedule to explain things to you or to work with you if you need help with something. That has been my experience at CBFO, and I hope it rings true for all the other EM sites as well,” Carpenter said.

After leaving the U.S. Air Force, Steven McNelly sought opportunities in the federal government procurement sector. As a federal contractor, McNelly had worked primarily with pricing analytics and decided to pursue the field full-time. With a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Tennessee and a master’s in organizational training and performance management from Tusculum University, McNelly ventured in the field of environmental management through the Pathways Program serving as a Budget Analyst in the Portsmouth and Paducah Project Office (PPPO) in Lexington, Kentucky.

“I felt like I could make an impact with the Department of Energy,” said McNelly. “When I would listen in on all-hands meetings, I felt inspired by the EM mission and the work they were accomplishing. The EM Pathways Program allowed me to apply my analytical skills to a rewarding mission. I always leave work feeling like I matter and make a difference.”

Since joining the PPPO workforce, McNelly has been able to apply statistical analysis and database reconfiguration skills to budget formulation and execution. These skills have become a great asset when working on budgets, specifically when updating cost models and spending plans.

“I think the best advice would be to keep an open mindset. I know it is easy to focus on specific job titles that are connected to your degree major. You will be surprised at what opportunities are available when you keep your options open,” McNelly said.

With a background in business and accounting, Crystal Mitchell-Henry was interested in joining the EM Pathways Program after learning about developmental opportunities at DOE while in the final stage of completing her bachelor’s degree. 

“Since joining EM Pathways, the opportunity to expand my knowledge and improve professional skills through training, mentorship, and networking while contributing to EM’s cleanup mission has been incredible,” explained Mitchell-Henry. As a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for EM’s Office of Budgets at DOE headquarters, Mitchell-Henry supports contract management, administration, and oversight. 

She appreciates how the working culture at EM headquarters is collaborative, innovative, and inclusive. These factors have positively shaped Mitchell-Henry’s journey by helping her to understand how every person’s role in the organization impacts achieving EM’s cleanup mission.

“This has influenced my career goal to be a well-rounded professional who is proficient and will continuously develop valuable skills to make positive contributions to the organization in various areas,” Mitchell-Henry explained.

As a full-time EM employee, Mitchell-Henry looks forward to applying newly developed skills to think creatively to resolve issues, communicate, and collaborate with others. “Be proactive; take every opportunity provided to you and be ready to take initiative and control of your learning experience,” Mitchell-Henry advises future EM Pathways participants. “Network and connect with as many people as possible, seek additional responsibilities, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and always show willingness to learn.”