Tracy Mattox

Tracy Mattox is a Principle Scientific Engineering Associate working in the Molecular Foundry. She has been responsible for critical equipment as a staff member in the Inorganic facility since 2007 and strives to provide a great experience for every user. Her own research focuses on metal-boride materials for energy applications. Tracy is very proactive and involved with the safety program at the lab and is often a go-to person when safety matters arise. She is a member of the Chemical Safety Advisory Committee, Building Emergency Team, and the Molecular Foundry Division Safety Committee, as well as the Community Emergency Response Team in her local community. In addition to promoting a safe work environment, Tracy believes strongly in the importance of fostering a love of science starting at a young age. She is involved in various science outreach programs throughout the year and is a regular SULI mentor to aspiring researchers. Tracy has also authored Nancy Nano, an online book series explaining the science being done at the Molecular Foundry in kid-friendly terms.

1. What inspires you to work in STEM?

I fell in love with science and math when I was a kid and have always wanted to know how things work. After my first chemistry class in high school I was hooked! I knew back then that I would pursue a career in science and have never regretted it.

2. What excites you about your work at the Energy Department/Berkeley Lab?

I absolutely LOVE working at the Molecular Foundry! The Foundry was established to foster a collaborative research environment among multiple fields, and the concept works exceptionally well. I work with brilliant scientists and every one of them is very supportive. Every research project that I help with has its own science and goals, and the knowledge I have gained spans beyond anything I ever imagined. I really enjoy developing synthetic procedures and I’m able to do that in multiple chemical systems just because of the nature of my position. The staff is always helpful, the work environment focuses on safety, and the interactions I have with our users every day is wonderful. I have the opportunity here to teach what I know as well as to learn from our users. This is truly an incredible place to work and to grow as a scientist, and anyone who has worked with me will tell you I'm passionate about what I do.

3. How can our country engage more women, girls, and other underrepresented groups in STEM?

I wish there was an easy answer to this question. I’m a firm believer that the sooner you can get kids involved in science the better chance you have of keeping their interest in STEM as they grow to adulthood. We need role models to be visible to school-aged kids, and we somehow need to convince students that just because math and science may be hard to get a handle on there’s no reason to quit or to assume you can’t become great at it.

4. Do you have tips you would recommend for someone looking to enter your field of work?

I was told in graduate school that women don’t belong in science because they should be home with their families. Feel free to ignore that comment, or get a little mad and work harder. No intelligent person with a passion for research should be told to give up on his/her dream. There’s also no reason to believe you can’t balance a science career with a family, especially with a supportive partner. (I’m very fortunate in that regard!) If you are passionate about science you can be successful in your career choice. All it takes is hard work and persistence.

5. When you have free time, what are your hobbies?

I love experimenting with cooking new foods and camping in the Redwoods over the summer. I started swing dancing in high school and it’s still one of my favorite activities, so I’m no stranger to the lab’s dance club at lunch. Family activities take up most of my time outside of work, but in a few years I’m sure there will be more hobbies to add to the list.