Lindsay Redman on the job at Los Alamos National Laboratory, working with the Isotope Program to understand the rare element actinium and to develop radiotherapy treatment for cancer. Photo by Richard C. Robinson/LANLLANLF News:
Lindsay Redman says she always knew she would have a career in science. As early as Kindergarten, she was active in school science fairs and sought opportunities to learn and explore.
One of the benefits of attending smaller schools like Holy Cross Catholic School in Santa Cruz and McCurdy School in Espanola was the emphasis on developing writing and communication skills, as well as the individual attention and support she received from teachers and the school community.
However, opportunities in science were somewhat limited, so science fairs provided an avenue for learning along her path of interest.
With participation in drama, student government, sports, and competing in three State science fairs, this high school honors student was an excellent candidate for an award from the Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund. In 2011, Lindsay won a Bronze scholarship and set a course for a biology degree and a career as a doctor or dentist, following in her father’s footsteps.
The summer before her senior year, and even before winning the scholarship, Lindsay pursued an internship at Los Alamos National Laboratory and was placed in the Chemistry Division as an administrative assistant. After high school graduation, she returned to the Lab as a summer intern, moving to the Isotopes group with her mentor. This time, after showing interest and initiative, she was given more technical work.
Lindsay attended New Mexico State University and returned to the Lab during winter and summer breaks. By working in the Isotopes group she developed an interest in inorganic/isotopic chemistry. She was so intrigued by the research and the desire to find better treatments for cancers that she changed her major from biology to biochemistry during sophomore year.
Her new direction wasn’t easy, and she had some catching up to do. “I had never taken a chemistry class before, or physics,” she said, “but I was inspired by my work.”
After earning a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry in 2015, Lindsay returned to the Isotope Program as a Post-Bac Student. She is involved with the C-IIAC Isotope Program’s multi-disciplinary effort to understand actinium complexes for targeted radiotherapy treatment of cancer. “We characterize and model highly radioactive, novel, actinium-containing molecules to obtain a first glimpse of the coordination chemistry and electronic structure of this unexplored element for medicinal applications.”
This fall she will attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., to study quantitative and chemical biology. She is pursuing a PhD and a career in biomedical research, circling back to her original interest in the medical field by way of chemistry.
“Through my work at the Lab, I was able to see how science is applicable to medicine,” she said. “I want to make an impact in cancer therapeutics—maybe it’s through researching or testing a new drug. If I hadn’t started working with this group, I would have been on a different path.”
Lindsay recognizes that receiving the LAESF Bronze award significantly impacted her life and career as a scientist. Before returning to college, she wants to “pay it forward” by supporting the Scholarship Fund and helping to promote opportunities for other students in Northern New Mexico.
“The scholarship allowed me the time to obtain valuable undergraduate research experience while alleviating the financial stress. My ability to dedicate so much time to research helped me to achieve more as a student. Additionally, my involvement in the Isotopes Program for the past five years has molded my scientific interests and has given me the mentorship that I gratefully attribute to my success.”
About the Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund
The Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund program began in 1998 and is administered for the Laboratory by the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation. Since its inception, more than 1,100 scholarships have been awarded totaling $5.5 million to students in the Northern New Mexico counties of Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe and Taos.
Laboratory employees have donated $3.7 million to the fund. The Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund encourages Los Alamos National Laboratory employees, retirees and subcontractor personnel to donate to a fund that awards college scholarships to Northern New Mexico students. Contributions from businesses and individuals outside the Laboratory may also be made at www.lanlfoundation.org.
The Laboratory’s 2016 scholarship drive continues through June 17. Pledges will fund scholarships in 2017 and continue to build the endowment for a sustainable program.
About Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, a team composed of Bechtel National, the University of California, BWXT Government Group, and URS, an AECOM company, for the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration.
Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health and global security concerns.
About the LANL Foundation
Since 1997, the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has worked to inspire excellence in education and learning in Northern New Mexico through innovative programming, collaboration and advocacy. By investing in human potential, the Foundation’s vision is that all New Mexicans have the skills and confidence they need to be self-sufficient, lifelong learners who are engaged in their communities. Programs in early childhood education, STEM inquiry learning, scholarships and small grants serve Northern New Mexico communities primarily in Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe and Taos counties.
Lindsay Redman on the job at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Photo by Richard C. Robinson/LANL