More than 1,000 students gathered last week for a local school system’s annual career day, joining the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (OREM) and nearly 60 other companies and organizations from across the region.
Office of Environmental Management
April 9, 2024
minute read time
From left, Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management employees Laura Hedrick, Staci Monroe with support contractor Navarro and Elizabeth Phillips set up a booth to converse with students at the Roane County school system’s career day.
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – More than 1,000 students gathered last week for a local school system’s annual career day, joining the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (OREM) and nearly 60 other companies and organizations from across the region.
The middle and high school students connected with employees from federal and state governments, universities, trades groups, and medical and health companies. They learned about various careers and the educational requirements needed for them.
The career day event was held by the Roane County School District. DOE’s Oak Ridge Reservation is located within Roane and Anderson counties in eastern Tennessee.
More than 1,000 middle school and high school students gathered for the Roane County school system’s annual career day. Nearly 60 companies and organizations from across the region participated in the event, including the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management.
Among the employees in attendance was OREM project manager Laura Hedrick, who shared insight about her journey supporting the cleanup mission.
“I first learned about OREM after finishing my master’s degree,” said Hedrick. “I was looking for different opportunities related to helping the environment.”
With degrees in general science, French and education, and environmental management and policy, Hedrick began her career search.
She found her ideal match through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education and Oak Ridge Associated Universities Science Education and Internship Program. The program provided a fellowship at OREM, where Hedrick gained experience supporting projects at the Y-12 National Security Complex. After serving in that role for two years, she joined the OREM team permanently in a federal position.
Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (OREM) Project Manager Laura Hedrick, at right, talks with high school students about OREM’s mission and careers.
With several years of experience, Hedrick is now the one helping others find careers that fit their interests and skills. She shared a positive message with the many students at the event.
“I tell those who are interested that OREM is a great place to work, where you always have the opportunity to learn more, make great connections, help people and help the environment,” she said.
Hedrick also discussed how she enjoys supporting the EM mission in Oak Ridge. In her current role, Hedrick oversees several deactivation and demolition projects that are helping transform the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
“I’m part of a team that’s working together to make a positive difference in our area by helping to clean up the environment,” she said. “Having grown up in the area, the idea of being able to help with that is very rewarding.”
-Contributor: Ben Williams
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