Kenya Hairston
About Kenya Hairston
Kenya Hairston is a Senior Health and Safety Technologist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where they ensure compliance with safety regulations and lead safety initiatives. With a background in emergency management and extensive experience in safety audits and environmental studies, Hairston contributes to a culture of safety within the organization.
Work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Kenya Hairston has been employed as a Senior Health and Safety Technologist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory since 2020. In this role, she conducts safety audits to ensure compliance with local, state, federal, and contractor guidelines. She leads soil and material collection projects aimed at maintaining the safety of employees and contractors. Additionally, she provides safety criteria for the design, fabrication, and testing of experimental equipment. Hairston also conducts biweekly 2-hour tailored briefings on construction site safety, security, and regulations for new independent contractors and employees.
Previous Experience in Emergency Management
Prior to her current position, Kenya Hairston served in the United States Air Force as an Emergency Management Journeyman from 2016 to 2020 at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. During her four years of service, she gained valuable experience in emergency management protocols and safety procedures, which contributed to her expertise in health and safety technologies.
Educational Background
Kenya Hairston completed her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at the University of Maryland University College from 2017 to 2021. She also holds an Associate of Arts in General Studies from Portland Community College, which she earned from 2011 to 2014. Additionally, she obtained an Associate of Science in Horticultural Science from Foothill College from 2020 to 2023. Her educational background supports her current role in health and safety.
Experience in the Food Service Industry
Before her career in health and safety, Kenya Hairston worked in the food service industry. She was employed as a Barista at Starbucks from 2011 to 2014 in Santa Rosa, California, and later at Tonkon Torp LLP from 2014 to 2016 in the Portland, Oregon area. This experience provided her with customer service skills and an understanding of workplace dynamics.
Specialized Skills and Responsibilities
In her current role, Kenya Hairston performs specialized tasks including radiological, asbestos, soil, and water collection, as well as tests and sample analysis. She operates, maintains, and calibrates various radiological, industrial hygiene, and sampling equipment. Her responsibilities also include guiding project planning and operations, influencing the safety culture at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.