Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32Meet Briana Phillips, a health physics technician at INL Education background: Certification of Applied Science in radiation safety technologies from Eastern Idaho Technical College (EITC) Job description: As health physics technicians, a specialized branch of safety, we maintain radiological levels within established boundaries to ensure the people, the environment and our work equipment stay safe. That being said, something someone at my very first job said has always stuck with me about what our description should really read. They said,“Health physics technician: one part cartographer, one part watchful big sister/brother and one part fun!” While our first priority at work is focused on safety, we are still able to have fun and enjoy what we do. What led you to become a health physics technician? For me, it was a unique, up-and- coming field that I wanted to know more about. A lot of people are completely misinformed about nuclear power, they get this image of an atomic bomb and a sense of fear every time they hear the word, and that just isn’t right. Atoms and molecules make up everything! I don’t know who came up with the “science is uncool”stereotype, but it’s just not accurate. I remember my chemistry teacher in high school; he started out each day with a demonstration. He did everything: lighting things on fire, adding sulfuric acid and sugar together, or adding iodine, zinc and water to make purple smoke (an exothermic reaction), now THAT is cool. Go ahead, look it up. It’s awesome! What do you love about your job? The people. Pretty much every other health physics technician I’ve heard asked that question answers the same. There is such a unique camaraderie among the people you work with. It creates such a lively, light environment, and then in an instant, it’s game time, and everyone gets their game faces on to work. Everyone looks out for one another because at the end of the day, we all want to go home to our families the way we came in. Why is your work important to the mission of INL and the world? Like any great organization, it really does funnel down to the day-to- day individual succeeding at their role. Radiological research and development has to be monitored and maintained. There are some totally rare and unique radiological isotopes here at INL that need special attention. We are one of the many safety checks that go along with the responsibility of working with such powerful substances. I know you are all quoting the Spiderman in your head now. . . What advice do you have for future health physics technicians? Develop a strong basis at school and have a positive attitude. I know everyone says that, but it’s true! I always wish I had paid more attention in class. There will be moments after school—and trust me they’ll come—where you’ll say,“oh I remember learning about that,”but you can’t remember how to do it to save your life! You really want to build on what you learn in high school, instead of having to relearn it all. Be confident in your skill set, hard work does pay off. $42,000 AVERAGE STARTING SALARY 25