Dr. Mary Burkey completed her PhD at the University of Chicago, studying Nuclear Physics. She then transitioned into the Mirzayan Fellowship, where she spent 12 weeks at the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine in Washington, DC, learning about science and technology policy and the role that scientists and engineers play in advising the nation. After her fellowship, Dr. Burkey completed her postdoc at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab, studying simulations of how to deflect or disrupt an incoming asteroid via a nuclear mitigation mission, later transitioning into a staff scientist. This talk will feature Dr. Burkey’s experience at a National Lab as a staff scientist, differences in research at a national lab vs academia, and how to pursue a similar path.