The Y-12er Spotlight shines on one of our own. It takes all Y-12 employees to make the mission happen successfully and safely. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.
Growing up and working in Tennessee, Amber T. had always heard about Oak Ridge, but she hadn’t considered working there. She often heard a rumor: To work in Oak Ridge, you had to have a Ph.D.
It wasn’t until later in her career that a weekend trip to the Knoxville area proved that rumor wrong. After her visit, Amber applied at Y-12 and found her place at Y-12 as an analytical chemist.
She has worked in private industry and lived all over the country but loves Tennessee the most. Her experiences have given her a unique perspective and appreciation for East Tennessee and Y-12.
“Private industry is vastly different than Y-12. There’s a high emphasis on efficiency rather than quality and safety like we have at Y-12,” Amber said. “It’s higher pressure rather than the family atmosphere that’s here. This is a really good job, and I try to communicate that to people who may not have my background.”
Y-12’s focus on the community and area youth, as well as its generosity, also makes a big difference to Amber. She credited her former senior director with helping her get involved in a couple of different Y-12 projects. For example, this was Amber’s second year putting together a United Way basket for her organization.
“The generosity here is not a common thing, but it’s the norm here with all the ways Y-12 invests in the community,” Amber said. “Living generously isn’t just giving money, but also time and experience.”
Another aspect of working at Y-12 that stands out to Amber is the mission. When asked what motivates her to continue working her hardest, she said, “My mom has always been a strong influence on my work ethic. It’s more pronounced here, though, because I’m proud to be here. I want to be an asset, not a liability.”
Amber’s final piece of advice: “Be good to each other. Be kind. Be the person who you wish you had to show you around. There’s no price for that—it gives hope on hard days.”
What has surprised you about your time at Y-12? The ability to do what we are passionate about and the culture of a learning mindset. There is not one single pathway to success here, and the paths are as diverse as we are.
What’s your top bucket list item and why? International travel. I have always loved watching travel shows, and I believe travel puts you out of your comfort zone in a way that makes you a more rounded individual. I want to expand my lived experiences and include my children in them.
What CNS principle drives you to be successful? Questioning Attitude and Continuous Improvement go hand in hand. Although most of our processes are driven by regulatory requirements, there is always room for improvements in efficiency and quality.
What work advice would you offer someone who is new to Y-12? Bring your fresh eyes to situations you encounter. Don’t be discouraged if change is slow, just be diligent in pursuing improvements. Pursue quality and share your ideas.
What is the top lesson you have learned by applying problem-solving skills to an issue? Sometimes you have to get in there and try it out. If you believe you have a solution, back it up with data that shows demonstrable improvement. Always be proactive if you see potential problems coming.