Liana Klivansky

Liana received an honors degree in Chemistry from Monash University, Australia. She has worked at Berkeley Lab for the last 14 years collaborating with users and other scientists in the organic facility at the Molecular Foundry. With over 20 years of research experience, she likes to learn new things and has explored many areas of chemistry from peptide and DNA synthesis to medicinal chemistry and materials science.

What inspires you to work in STEM or operations?

I was always curious about science. As a child, I remember playing with my father’s scientific glassware and equipment at home when he wasn’t looking. When I was in high school, I really liked chemistry so I pursued it in university.

I like to learn and I am generally curious about how things work. I also love the feeling of scientific discovery and the challenge of finding solutions to problems.

What excites you about your work at Berkeley Lab?

My role as a technical staff in the organic synthesis facility is multifaceted and I really enjoy this aspect. It involves research, training, safety and management. I get to work with researchers in different stages of their careers and having worked at Berkeley Lab for a long time, I get to reconnect with some of them. It inspires me to see how their own careers have taken off since their days at the Lab.

How can our country engage more women, girls, and members of other underrepresented groups in STEM or operations?

I think women in STEM who are champions in their chosen fields should be celebrated more by society so that young girls can see more women role models in STEM. In addition, we need to empower girls by providing more outreach programs that are run by women showing how much fun science can be.

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

Stay curious and find opportunities to learn and grow. There are opportunities in Berkeley Lab for undergrad students to get an internship and there are programs for K-12 students to participate in various lab events throughout the year.

When you have free time, what are your hobbies?

I enjoy cooking, baking, traveling and spending time with my family.