LM scientist combines her love of the outdoors with a passion for preserving the environment.
September 14, 2023
minute read time
In fifth grade, U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management Site Manager Joni Tallbull had already narrowed down her career ambitions to two professions: a doctor and an environmental scientist.
After completing her science fair project on solar panels that year, Tallbull said her crossroads narrowed. Her father, who shared her love of the outdoors, nudged her toward environmental science. He reminded her that by following her passion for nature, she could spend her adult days outside. And just like that, her path took shape.
“When you're in elementary school, the world's your oyster,” said Tallbull, who recently marked her first year as site manager for the LM Shiprock and Ambrosia Lake, New Mexico, offices and the LM Monument Valley, Arizona, office. “I always knew that I wanted to do something meaningful and impactful.”
This new career direction reinforces her commitment to environmental preservation, a commitment that began in 2011 when she graduated as an environmental technician from the Diné Environmental Institute.
It was around this time that Tallbull discovered another purpose that fulfills her: mentoring future scientists. Passing on her passion for environmental science is important to Tallbull, who embraces opportunities to teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to the next generation of explorers and preservationists.
“We had a Miss Navajo Nation STEM event, and it was really fun seeing kids engaged and asking questions about the site,” Tallbull said.
Tallbull took her love of environmental science from the classroom to the community and began her career at the Navajo Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Program with the Navajo Nation Tribal government. She helped with AML environmental monitoring and assisted on the DOE cooperative agreement.
As fate would have it, by taking her father’s advice in fifth grade, Tallbull followed in the footsteps of her mom’s father, who worked at Aneth, Utah, area uranium mines during the Cold War.
“My dad had mentioned if you like being outdoors, environmental science is the way to go. So ever since then, I have been drawn to any opportunities that I could find involving natural resources, natural resource management, environmental science studies, and environmental justice.”
Tallbull credits her previous role and its steep learning curve for helping her become the site manager she is today. Those lessons serve a singular purpose, she said. “There may be some hiccups along the way, but it’s important to use those setbacks and learn from them.”