Meet Mariana Sorroza. She an NNSA Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation intern. The daughter of an engineer, she's following in his footsteps while bringing a global perspective that keeps people and their needs a priority.
National Nuclear Security Administration
October 13, 2023
minute read time
How do you support NNSA?
I am an intern supporting the Office of Radiological Security with various types of projects and I previously supported the Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD) on the science and engineering team.
What is your personal background, and how has that shaped you and your approach to your career?
My family is from Mexico, and I have the blessing of having very hardworking parents who have always taught me the importance of service to others. This has shaped who I am and my values. How I was raised also influenced my approach to my career because it led me to study mechanical engineering and international and global studies, which can both be used to serve others.
My dad is an industrial engineer and growing up, I was always in awe by what I learned about his job. I have known what an engineer was since I was five years old. When I used to share with my friends what I wanted to be when I grew up, they asked ”you mean like in 'Thomas the Tank Engine?’ ” But that’s a different type of engineer.
I am fortunate to have learned about how science, technology, engineering, art, and math could benefit the world from an early age and seeing my parents use their skills to help others made me aspire to one day gain skills that could help me to serve others.
What did you study in school and how did it impact you personally and professionally?
I am pursuing my undergraduate degree, double majoring in mechanical engineering and international and global studies. I have a machining technologies diploma and certificates in leadership studies and teaching English as a foreign language. My studies have made me more aware of others and their individual situations. In international and global studies, I learn about many countries, and it teaches me to broaden my perspective and have a global way of thinking. It also makes me more empathetic to situations others are in. Studying this alongside mechanical engineering reminds me to always keep people and their well-being as a priority when creating designs. Professionally, my studies have opened doors for me, which I am forever grateful for. I have also had the privilege of meeting so many great people from both fields of study and I always learn a lot from those I meet, which further prepares me to serve others.
What led you to a career in nuclear security?
I often share with people that I received an email in 2021 with information on NNSA’s Minority Serving Institution Internship Program that I refer to as God-sent. It was the first opportunity I came across that combined my passions for engineering and international and global studies. Once I began to learn more about nuclear security, I fell in love with the mission and impact it has on others, and I felt I had found my calling in life.
What is the best part about your job?
The best part of this internship is interacting with so many great individuals. I have met a diverse group of individuals that come from many walks of life, have studied a wide range of topics, and that share a passion of service. I learn so much from them both personally and professionally.
What is your proudest accomplishment while working at NNSA?
Getting accepted into NNSA’s Minority Serving Institution Internship Program for two years in a row was an accomplishment all on its own. Supporting NNSA, my proudest accomplishments have been designing a 3-D prototype with NSDD and presenting a supply chain analysis report review briefing at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. I am grateful for the support of my mentors and the teams I have supported that have created such unique opportunities that have allowed me to further grow.
Representation matters and it is an honor to be able to highlight my values, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month for educational and awareness purposes.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I have gone sky diving with my two sisters. I have two dogs (a Jack Russell terrier/boxer mix and a pitbull/bullog mix.) I naturally wrote with my left hand as a child and was later taught to write with my right.
Do you have any highlights from your time supporting NNSA?
The trips I have gone to during my internship have been a highlight for me because they have allowed me to learn more about the NNSA’s mission and meet many great individuals. The exposure I have gained have been critical to my learning. Seeing the work that is planned in headquarters be implemented and brought to life has been great to watch. I was also featured in an Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Technology (ORISE) success story, which I am grateful for.
What advice would you have for anyone interested in a career in nuclear security?
You deserve to be there! You are more than capable of successfully having a career in nuclear security.
How do you plan to celebrate/commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month?
I plan to participate in the University of Central Florida Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. I also plan to teaching others about my Mexican culture and by learning more about other cultures. I believe teaching others about Hispanics that have made positive contributions to society should be highlighted and by highlighting this, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated and embraced. Representation matters and it is an honor to be able to highlight my values, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month for educational and awareness purposes.