As the traditional season of giving winds down, a few generous souls continue to serve those in need. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) employee Kris Egan of Rigby and his family are shining examples of what it means to be of service to their community.
Since early 2023, Egan, his wife, Ashley, and daughter, Aubrey, have hosted fun and educational activities for young people in foster homes, helping equip them for life as adults. This work aligns with INL goals to provide community support through volunteer service and charitable contributions.
Their efforts started with a Facebook community ad in early 2023 posted by Rebecca Neal, who was working for Northstar In Home Support Services, a private agency in Idaho Falls that assists families having juvenile difficulties. The ad was aimed at anyone interested in helping kids learn about employment options in the real world.
“Most of the people who answered came in and talked for an hour, but Kris wanted to do more,” Neal said. “He was really enthusiastic, encouraging and kind.”
Besides ice skating, sledding and trips to Heise Hot Springs, Egan organized a daylong tour of INL. The tour included a visit to the Biomass Feedstock National User Facility (BFNUF) where Egan works, the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) and INL’s Safeguards and Security operation. About 20 people took the tour, including caseworkers and lab employees.
“I just wanted them to understand there’s a wide variety of options for them,” Egan said.
What did the foster kids learn?
In the BFNUF, new hires will help develop and improve ways to turn plants and other biological materials into energy. They will also make sure different technologies work well together and help increase the production of these bioenergy solutions from small projects to larger ones. This work supports creating integrated energy sources.
At MFC, researchers delve into nuclear materials science, developing reactor fuels examining irradiated materials. MFC also offers roles in project management, technical support and safety analysis, all of which require some level of advanced science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. All new hire can expect to be mentored by some of the most brilliant people in the field. Working at MFC means contributing to national security and global nuclear energy solutions, emphasizing safety, efficiency and innovation.
INL’s Safeguards and Security division is critical in protecting the laboratory’s people, property and information. Career opportunities include physical security, cybersecurity and emergency management. There’s a rigorous process involved in becoming a security police officer, but the department needs plenty of people in support positions.
On the tour, the kids also got a peek into more conventional careers at INL. Facilities and Site Services offers opportunities in facilities management, maintenance, engineering and construction. Young professionals can pursue careers as electricians, welders, fabricators and HVAC technicians. No two days are the same, which makes it an excellent fit for those who enjoy hands-on work and solving problems.
Neal said the INL tour was as much of an eye opener for her as it was for the kids. “I think it was really beneficial for the kids,” she said. “They’re a unique bunch. Some of the younger ones got restless by the end of the day, but for the older kids who came, I think it was a good chance for them to learn what’s available to them, whether it’s a STEM career or a skilled trade.”
“INL is a great place for the kids to get a jump-start in life,” Egan said. “Between summer STEM camps and high school internships, INL offers students from all backgrounds the opportunity to discover a love for science.”
Click here for more information on high school internships at INL.
