Annie Kersting
About Annie Kersting
Annie Kersting serves as the Director of University Relations and Science Education at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where she has worked since 2016. She holds a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering and plasma physics from the University of California, Berkeley, and has been recognized as one of TIME's 100 most influential people in the world in 2023.
Current Role at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Annie Kersting serves as the Director of University Relations and Science Education at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) since 2016. In this role, she focuses on fostering partnerships between the laboratory and academic institutions, promoting science education initiatives, and enhancing outreach efforts. Additionally, she holds the position of Director of the Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, a role she has maintained since 2004. Her leadership in these positions emphasizes the importance of collaboration in advancing scientific research and education.
Previous Experience at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Annie Kersting has a substantial history with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where she worked in various capacities. She began as a Postdoctoral Fellow from 1992 to 1995, followed by a role as a Staff Scientist from 1995 to 2004. During her tenure, she contributed to the Design Physics Division, focusing on the design and simulation of inertial confinement fusion experiments. Her expertise in this area led her to become a team lead within the inertial confinement fusion program.
Educational Background
Annie Kersting has an extensive educational background in geology, geochemistry, and nuclear engineering. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Geology from the University of California, Berkeley, from 1978 to 1983. She then pursued her studies at the University of Michigan, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences. Kersting continued her education at the University of California, Berkeley, achieving a Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering and a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering and Plasma Physics from 1985 to 1991.
Recognition and Achievements
Annie Kersting has received notable recognition for her contributions to science and engineering. In 2023, she was named to TIME’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Additionally, she was selected as a fellow of the American Physical Society in 2022, highlighting her impact in the field. Kersting was also the lead designer for inertial confinement fusion experiments that achieved fusion ignition, marking a significant milestone in fusion research.
Work-Life Balance Philosophy
Annie Kersting advocates for maintaining a work-life balance while leading significant scientific initiatives. She emphasizes the importance of personal well-being alongside professional responsibilities, particularly in high-stakes environments like scientific research. Her approach reflects a commitment to both groundbreaking science and the well-being of her family, as she is a mother of three young children.