Katy Yoshimura

July 8, 2021

What do you like about working at the Lab?

I love that I get to meet and help all kinds of people with their work. I support a group of around 25 physicists, and it's a pleasure to help them with tasks of all shapes and sizes so that their day is a little easier on the non-scientific end of things. I also work with a great administrative group. They are always ready to lend a helping hand and take a minute to answer my questions. I'm fortunate to work with so many wonderful people. I'm also learning new things all the time, and I love applying these new skills to my job every day. I love the work-life balance this job has afforded me too. Between the flexible schedule and being able to use the gym on site, I feel like I have time to do everything I need to do—both at work and outside of work—without feeling burned out.

What do your day-to-day work activities include?

I provide administrative support to a group of physicists in the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences (NACS) Division of PLS. I help arrange domestic and foreign travel, seminars or talks, and occasionally larger meetings or conferences. I also help set up collaborations and coordinate travel with individuals my group has invited to visit the Lab. I coordinate interviews when the group does any hiring and help with the onboarding of new hires and summer students as well.

What is your educational or career background?

I have a BA in literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). Prior to LLNL, I worked on the sales floor at Target. After I graduated from UCSC, I started working at LLNL in 2018 as a student intern in HR. Once the internship ended, I started my current job as an administrative specialist in NACS.

What advice would you give to a new employee at the Lab?

Don't be afraid to ask questions! There is so much to learn at the Lab, and it can seem a bit intimidating at first. But once you start reaching out, you'll see that everyone is friendly and often willing to lend a helping hand. Don't be afraid to check out a networking group or take advantage of the gym and the classes that LLESA offers. They're loads of fun and a great way to meet new people.

What do you do in your free time?

I love to read, roller skate, cross stich and embroider, sew, hike, watch a good show or movie, and spend time with family and friends.