As a Black woman in this industry, I am inspired by engineers and scientists like Dr. Mareena Robinson Snowden, the first black woman to earn a PhD in nuclear engineering from MIT and NNSA Graduate Fellow alumna. Meet Sabrina Hampton.
National Nuclear Security Administration
February 9, 2023
minute read time
What is your cultural background? Where did you grow up?
I am a Black American. I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, as I was a “military brat.” I actually grew up in my parents’ hometown of Memphis, TN, where they settled after my dad was discharged from the Marine Corps.
Describe your role in NNSA.
I am the Director of the Office of High Explosives and Energetics. In my role, I am responsible for modernization of the high explosives and energetics capability, and production of materials used to make explosive components for the nuclear weapons stockpile.
How did you become interested in the field you are in? How did you end up on this career path?
I have over 20 years of experience in the nuclear security enterprise (NSE). I joined the NNSA after graduating from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering as an employee for a managing and operating contractor. While supporting the contractor, I completed my masters of business administration from Webster University. I have spent much of my career using my problem-solving skills as a technical advisor and subject matter expert for the production operations of several materials and components in the complex. While on detail to NNSA headquarters, I decided that I wanted to focus on supporting the enterprise as a federal employee, so I joined NNSA civil service in 2018. I have enjoyed working in program management and having direct influence in determining the modernization path for the NSE.
What’s one of your favorite things about working at NNSA?
Honestly, the level of autonomy I’ve been afforded. Defense Programs leadership and my management partners have given me space to think of and try out new ideas and concepts. Our offices work in tandem with the labs, plants, sites, and external partners to meet mission requirements.
What are the characteristics of the best teams you have been part of?
The best teams are diverse: diverse in ideas, diverse in experiences, and diverse in demographic. However, the commonalities and respect that can be shared affords a cohesion that will make a team successful. I have often been one of one in a room and found that the richest conversations come when bias is recognized, acknowledged, and then consciously removed from the experience.
What advice would you give members of the Black community who want to do what you do for NNSA?
I advise people to first consider their belief system. Our mission is important to the defense of the United States. We’re also a bunch of nerds, so technical understanding and problem-solving are important skills to have. Lastly, the ability to translate that tech-speak into understandable language for internal and external stakeholders is imperative. My organization has so many amazing people from all types of backgrounds and demographics. The diversity allows for expansion of ideas and reinforces the ability to execute the mission.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I work out because health is important! I’m an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., one of the nine National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations focused on service to mankind. I also enjoy community service, traveling, and shopping.
How will you celebrate Black History Month?
I will serve others this month. I am working with my sorority sisters on servicing the Montgomery County, MD area in matters of social action and scholarship. I will also continue to take time to recognize the ancestors that put in the work towards making this country a more perfect union, while acknowledging that there is much that still needs to be done.
What leader or cultural figure would you like to recognize this month?
As a Black woman in this industry, I am inspired by engineers and scientists like Dr. Mareena Robinson Snowden, the first black woman to earn a PhD in nuclear engineering from MIT and NNSA Graduate Fellow alumna. Another black woman that I admire, as I focus on personal finance and wealth building, is Mellody Hobson, president and co-CEO of Ariel Investments and chair of Starbucks Corporation and the first black woman to helm an S&P 500 Company.