Breaking down barriers and representing NNSA at home and abroad on different mission activities is one of Clifford Parr's goals. It's part of carrying on the legacy of NNSA's own, the late Dr. Kevin Greenaugh, who used to mentor Parr.
National Nuclear Security Administration
February 22, 2024
minute read time
How do you support NNSA?
Currently, I am the Director of the Los Alamos National Laboratory Plutonium Modernization Program and serve as the Plutonium Modernization Federal Program Manager. My office is responsible for modernizing existing capabilities and adding new plutonium infrastructure such as gloveboxes and manufacturing equipment, to enable the successful manufacturing of “pits,” which are spherical shells of plutonium about the size of a bowling ball. Pits are a necessary component of all nuclear warheads, which are key for the nation’s nuclear deterrent.
What is your personal background, and how has that shaped you and your approach to your career?
I was born and raised in Florence, SC and later moved to Columbia, SC, where I attended the University of South Carolina. Growing up, my parents always instilled the importance of community service. I participated in service organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America in which I earned the Eagle Scout Rank. I also was a member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., which is geared towards service and developing African American leaders.
Throughout my time in high school and college, I have always been passionate about serving my community and giving back through sports, education, or Scouts. It was only natural for me to serve my country in some capacity.
What did you study in school and how did it impact you personally and professionally?
Growing up, my aunts frequently gifted me with Legos because I always had a passion for building things and solving complex problems. This led me to look into a potential career as a mechanical engineer. However, after reviewing the course requirements, I decided to pursue a bachelor of science in electrical engineering, as this program had one less chemistry class than mechanical engineering.
By studying engineering, it gave me a different mindset and a way to solve complex problems, which I now use daily in my job.
What led you to a career in nuclear security?
During college, my plan was not nuclear security, but to work at a nuclear power plant or with semiconductors. During my senior year at the University of South Carolina, I attended our STEM career fair on a morning that one of my classes got cancelled. There, I met two recruiters from NNSA representing their Future Leader’s Program in which I was hired into and assigned to work at the Savannah River Site in Aiken, SC. Prior to that career fair, I had limited knowledge of the Nuclear Security Enterprise or NNSA.
What is the best part about your job?
The best part of my job is being able to collaborate with individuals with diverse backgrounds and knowledge who I might not have met otherwise but now have developed lasting relationships. These collaborative relationships help us advance NNSA’s mission at home and abroad.
What is your proudest accomplishment while working at (supporting) NNSA?
Simply being able to break down barriers and represent NNSA at home and abroad on different mission activities. If one were to look around the Nuclear Security Enterprise, they would not see many individuals who look like me at the table.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I have a wife who is a nurse and four very active kids, which take up a significant amount of my time. I am a member of the Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Inc., coach youth soccer, serve as a Boy Scout Leader for both of my sons, and somehow have time to train and run marathons.
Do you have any highlights from your time supporting NNSA?
Last year, I was selected for a detail opportunity working with our International Operations office to serve as the Acting Nuclear Safeguards Attaché working with the United States Mission to International Organizations in Vienna, Austria. Ever since I worked in the Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, it has been a goal of mine to work with the International Atomic Energy Agency on nuclear safeguards and other nonproliferation capacities. For me, it was an experience of a lifetime to see the work and influence NNSA has around the world as we promote the nonproliferation mission.
What advice would you have for anyone interested in a career in nuclear security?
Whatever career you choose you must have a passion for it. Nuclear security or public service is not an easy field, but I have always been told there will be pain during the journey, but the struggle will make you stronger and the reward will be even greater. Do what motivates you!
If indeed it is nuclear security, research the different facets of the field and reach out to your professors or others in the field. The community is small, and most people will be willing to guide you in your journey, especially if they see you putting in the effort. Do not let anyone tell you it can’t be done, just see it through. Remember perseverance is the key to life.
Who is someone that inspires you and why?
Someone who inspires me is the late Dr. Kevin C. Greenaugh. I met Dr. G as we called him in 2011, during my detail to Defense Programs at DOE Headquarters while in the Future Leader’s Program. Over the span of those 13 years, we developed a great friendship because we are members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., but he genuinely wanted to see young black males succeed in our industry. He was a humble person and never talked about his accolades, but always gave pointers to help excel his mentees to the next level. Even during his illness when I would call to check on him, he would in turn uplift me and provide me with words of wisdom. Regardless of the struggle, he would always say “See it through!” I feel it is my charge to help mentor and cultivate the next generation in our industry to continue in his great legacy.
How do you plan to celebrate/commemorate this Black History Month?
Black history is a continuous topic in my household. My wife and I are constantly educating our children on the impact that African Americans have made and are making. We use books, videos, and flashcards to share Black history. My family has taken trips to African American museums and attended local Black history events. However, I do plan to take my family back to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in DC. Also, we plan to attend a Black history program at my son’s high school.