Lena Trotochaud, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Chemical Sciences
Born and raised in Athens, Georgia, Lena is a graduate of the University of Georgia (BS in chemistry, 2009) and the University of Oregon (PhD, 2014). She first came to Berkeley Lab as a postdoctoral fellow in 2014 to build upon her PhD studies of catalysts for solar energy conversion at the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis. Her current research uses ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to better understand the chemistry of water and other common atmospheric gases on different surfaces. Lena is passionate about making education accessible to underserved communities and inspiring the next generation of scientists. She is active in many education and outreach programs in the Bay Area.
What inspires you to work in STEM or operations?
I always wanted to do something that would help other people, and I have always been really interested in science and learning how things work. Being a scientist is exciting because there’s always the opportunity to learn something new, and I enjoy sharing that excitement with other people. Science is all around us, and it is for all of us.
What excites you about your work at Berkeley Lab?
I love having the opportunity to work with people from so many different scientific and personal backgrounds. Working at Berkeley Lab is very rewarding because we are producing publicly funded scientific results and we all share the common goal of “bringing science solutions to the world.” I am excited and honored to be part of that team.
How can our country engage more women, girls, and members of other underrepresented groups in STEM or operations?
We need to provide high-quality, meaningful exposure to science and scientists for all kindergarten to twelfth-grade students. Although not all of these students will become scientists themselves, science and technology are inextricable parts of daily life. I think that as professional scientists, we have a responsibility to be active in our communities to make this happen. At the same time, we have to do a much better job of fostering workplace cultures and promoting policies that will help retain women and other underrepresented groups at higher levels in STEM. This is essential for providing the next generation with effective, relatable mentors.
Do you have tips you would recommend for someone looking to enter your field of work?
Take time to prioritize self-care, especially in graduate school. Sometimes you will encounter a workaholic attitude that, in my opinion, is too often rewarded or put on a pedestal. You are no good to anyone if you aren’t good to yourself first. Seek out a workplace with a culture that values individuals and recognizes that employees are more than just the hours on their timesheet. Never stop asking questions, especially about convention and what is possible. Always be aware of the limits of your knowledge. Never be afraid to say “I don’t know.” And as my PhD advisor would say, “fail fast and iterate.”
When you have free time, what are your hobbies?
Currently, I’m on a soccer team that plays every Friday night. I’m always in the middle of a craft project (or two); I started making pottery in grad school, and I like taking my friends to the studio with me to learn how to use the wheel. I also love to cook and bake (especially cupcakes).