These are profiles of a few ORNL African-American employees who exemplify qualities relating to the 1999 National Theme "The Legacy of African-American Leadership for the Present and the Future". We recognize the contributions of all employees to our society and hope to include additional profiles in the future. The names were obtained from the Divisions' Workforce Diversity Representatives.
Evelyn Baskin, Energy Division -- Dr. Evelyn Baskin is a native of North Carolina and has been employed at ORNL since November 1998, as a mechanical engineer. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Her expertise is in the area of refrigerate freezing and exploring alternative refrigerates for the protection of the ozone layer. Her past community activities involved giving steam power engine demonstrations to fourth and fifth grade students and encouraging seventh grade females to seek professions in science. She is a member of ASME and ASHRAE professional organizations.
Faye S. Brewer, P&E -- Faye Brewer is a Maintenance Program Manager for Lockheed Martin Energy Research. She received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Western Michigan University and an MBA from Bristol University. Faye received the designation of Certified Manager (CM), one of nineteen at LMER/LMES. She has successfully coordinated several LMER/LMES and NMA Adopt-a-Highway Programs to pick up trash on Highway 95. Selected in 1996 by ORNL's Associate Director of Operations, Environment, Safety, and Health to represent his divisions on the ORNL Women's Committee. Faye was selected as a delegate to represent ORNL at the Fourth Annual U.S. and DOE Review of Laboratory Programs for Women in Albuquerque, NM. She is a member of the National Management Association (NMA), LMER Chapter, and a Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority.
Patricia Cleveland, Waste Management Division -- Patricia is employed at ORNL as a Technical Associate in the Waste Management Division. Mrs. Cleveland was born in Oak Ridge. Her joy was increased with the presence of one sister and two brothers. She is a firm believer in the Lord and His word. She lives by the philosophy that "everything that we do that does not glorify God is done in vain". This honored lady shares the ministry of her husband, Rev. Henry Cleveland. The couple has one son, Michael. Mrs. Cleveland is not a woman who is often in the limelight, but she does let her light shine. In her free times she loves to teach Bible Study, play basketball, walk, and read. She received a plaque from Zeta Delpa Chapter congratulating her for outstanding service and dedication to the Knoxville Community and the University of Tennessee in 1998.
Phyllis Cotten, Office of Nuclear Safety-- Phyllis Cotten has been employed at Lockheed Martin for seven years. Initially she was located at K-25 as a Task Leader/Safety Analyst for System Safety Engineering. She joined the Office of Nuclear Safety (ONS) at ORNL in 1994, as a Facility Safety Engineer and also serves as the Division Radiation Control Officer. She is a member of the Laboratory Facility Authorization Basis Board, the Committee for Women, and was recently nominated to represent the ONS on the Accelerator Safety Review Committee. Phyllis received a BS in Biology from Tennessee State University, an MS in Health Physics from the University of Florida, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Community Health and Safety, with a specialty in Safety. In 1997, she was published in "Professional Safety" a journal of the American Society of Safety Engineers.
Tina Curry, Computing, Information & Networking -- Tina Curry holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Florida. She serves on the Computing Information Networking Division Training Committee and, as a technical illustrator, provides graphic support for the Joint Information Center, a part of the Emergency Preparedness Team for the Oak Ridge Reservation. She is a volunteer for Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy Program (STAR), a therapeutic riding facility for physically and mentally challenged individuals; a clay artist and member of the Foothills Crafts Guild; and former graphic artist of the Martin Luther King, Jr. community activity posters. She has 16 years of company service.
Kowetha Davidson, Life Sciences Division -- Kowetha Davidson, a Texas native, obtained her Doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee after beginning her graduate school career at the University of Colorado. She has been employed at ORNL for 23 years; she started her employment in the former Biology Division and is now on staff in the Life Sciences Division. Her work involves chemical-specific risk assessment and evaluations of various types of toxicity studies. Dr. Davidson is a Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology, Inc., a member of the Society of Toxicology, a member of the ORNL/ORAU Institutional Review Board, and a member of the 1998 Lockheed Martin Corporate Gifts and Grants Committee. In the community, she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a community service organization and a member of Joyful Reconcilers, a church-based interracial group, whose purpose is racial reconciliation.
Leonard Dickerson, Chemical Technology Division -- Leonard Dickerson has worked at ORNL for 22 years and is currently in the Engineering and Analysis Section working as a Transportation Specialist. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a Master of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering. He is an avid chess player and is the reigning Tennessee Chess Champion. He has attained a Life Master standing with the United States Chess Federation. He has been the President of the Tennessee Chess Club for the past 20 years and is also the Treasurer of the Tennessee Chess Association, the Chief Tournament Director for scholastic chess tournaments held in East Tennessee, and the chess contact for East Tennessee. In addition to developing and teaching scholastic chess at local schools, Leonard is an Associate Staff member of Pellissippi State Community College and teaches in Community Outreach and Gifted Children Programs in the Lonsdale community.
Ella DuBose, Solid State Division -- Ella DuBose works in a dual capacity as Divisional Training Officer and User Facility Coordinator for the Neutron Scattering Research and Surface Modification and Characterization facilities. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Bristol University and is currently a graduate student at the University of Tennessee in the Educational Psychology Program. She is the recipient of the Lockheed Martin 1998 Community Service Award. She is a Workforce Diversity Representative and serves on the ORNL/ORAU Institutional Review Board for Human Studies, Community Service Awards Committee (1999), the Urban League's Black Executive Exchange Program. She is a volunteer with SECME, Inc., member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.( a community Service organization) and holds leadership positions in her church and with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Planning Committee.
John Foatman, P&E Division -- John Foatman is a Maintenance Supervisor with the Plant and Equipment Division. He is a Carpenter by trade and lives in Knoxville. John moved to Knoxville from Gross, South Carolina in 1966. He has donated several hours of his time to help build homes for Habitat for Humanity and is actively involved in Mount Olive Baptist Church, East. He has been chairman of the trustees for the past 17 years at Mount Olive and has been a trustee for the past 18 years. He continues to devote much time to his church through volunteer carpentry work, Bible studies, and sings in the choir.
Jerry Foster, P&E Division -- Jerry Foster is currently a Training Analyst with the Plant and EquipmentDivision. He is currently developing and coordinating the first production of a laborers videotape as a training aid that depicts six job tasks in conjunction with job specific lesson plans for new laborer hiring and interviewing procedure. He is also the program manager for the new P&E Division Widen Our World, WOW, First Line Supervisors and Planner Training and Qualification Curriculum. He holds a B.S. degree in Organizational Management from Tusculum College and is the founder and Executive Director of Unit IV, Inc. Unit IV, Inc. is a Knoxville based non-profit organization that champions leadership, motivation, and investment discipline to today's disadvantaged youth in America. He has also conducted seminars and workshops with Les Brown, renowned motivation speaker, author and trainer.
Auzzie "Troop" Freeman, Laboratory Services -- Aussie Freeman is a supervisor over clerks in Receiving and a member of the Christian Youth Organization in Claxton where he has coached basketball, football and baseball. He works with the Youth Group and Youth Ministries at his Church and is a member of the Optimist Club in Claxton.
Hurtis U. Hodges, P&E Division -- Hurtis Hodges is a Facility Engineer in the Plant and Equipment Division.He received a Bachelors in Mathematics from Morehouse College and Bachelors in Electrical Engineering from The Georgia Institute of Technology. Additionally, Hurtis is certified by the International Conference of Building Officials and the International Association of Electrical Inspectors as a Certified Electrical Inspector.Originally from Atlanta, Hurtis, his wife and two children live in Knoxville. Actively involved in church activities, Hurtis is member of the Board of Trustees of his local church.
C. Yvonne Horton,Office of Safety and Health Protection -- C. Yvonne Horton, has been an employee for 22 years. She received her MPH degree from the University of Tennessee. She is involved extensively in her community by participating in the Restoration Outreach Mission in Knoxville. She works specifically with the Senior Citizen Program whose aim is to enhance the quality of life for the citizens in the Mechanicsville area. On Saturdays, Yvonne is busy cleaning, transporting, grocery shopping or taking the seniors to their doctor's appointments. Additionally, she reads to the seniors, conducts Bible studies, and always listens and communicates with them.She has worked with the Youth Program in Mechanicsville by tutoring three fifth grade boys in mathematics and reading. She serves as a Sunday School teacher in her church.
Keith Joy, Laboratory Services -- Keith Joy is a Quality Assurance Specialist in the Office of Quality Services. He is assigned to assist quality-related pursuits of the Lockheed Martin Transportation and Packaging Management (LMTPM) and the Materials Management organizations. Keith has an A.S. from the State Technical Institute at Memphis and a B.B.A. from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis). A member of the American Society for Quality, Keith has achieved the requirements to be recognized both as a Certified Quality Engineer and a Certified Quality Auditor. LMER has recognized his contributions by presenting him with a Distinguished Service Award, two President's Awards, and a Values Award. Keith was the Coordinator for LMTPM's efforts which resulted in its being the only LMER organization presented with a Tennessee Quality Award. Keith is a member of Freedom Fellowship Christian Church.
John Mayo, Jr., ORNL Engineering Division -- John A. Mayo has worked as a Project Manager at ORNL since 1989. He is a native of Washington, D. C., and a graduate of Howard University with a degree in Civil Engineering. He serves as President of the Knoxville Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He is an avid church worker and recently served on the committee to select and nominate the next Bishop of the Diocese of East Tennessee.
Herman Phillips, Chemical Technology Division -- Herman Xavier Phillips began his career with Union Carbide in 1976 as a laboratory aide. He came to ORNL in 1984 as an engineering technologist. Currently, he is facility supervisor at the Radioisotope Development Laboratory, Building 3047, where he leads a team of technicians in the task of research and production of radioisotopes for medical and industrials use. He describes his job as "uniquely" challenging and diverse. Herman is named after his father and the big band leader Xavier Cugart. Naturally, he is a lover of jazz and its diverse roots. He is very active in his church and serves as chair of the audiovisual committee.
Jean Shaakir-Ali, Computational Physics & Engineering -- Jean Aliyah Shaakir-Ali is an Information Technology professional in Software Engineering. She participated in the Cooperative Education Program (Union Carbide) while a student at North Carolina A & T State University and graduated with a BS in Mathematics. Ms. Shaakir-Ali completed graduate studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in Public Health (Biostatistics and Data Management). Upon graduation, she returned to Oak Ridge to the Mathematics Division. She has served as a Workforce Diversity Representative and a mentor for Project SEED students, undergraduate students, and self-selected entry level employees. She has worked with the Oak Ridge Schools SECME programs and Science and Math programs at Austin-East, Vine Middle, and Lonsdale and Green elementary schools. She participates yearly in recruitment activities at college fairs for A&T and UNC. She was recognized for her efforts at the 1997 Homecoming activities at A&T. She is the mother of two daughters.
Charles O. Slater, Computational Physics & Engineering Division -- Dr. Charles Oneal Slater, Sr. is a senior Development Staff Member in the Nuclear Analysis and Shielding Section. He earned degrees from Florida A&M, California Institute of Technology, and University of Tennessee. He specializes in radiation shielding with additional expertise in the areas of development and application of discrete ordinates and Monte Carlo radiation transport methods. He has worked on several national programs and authored or coauthored five journal articles, thirty-two professional society papers, thirty-seven ORNL reports, and three pre-ORNL reports. He has been a member of the America Nuclear Society since 1974. He is active in his church and a former member of the Knoxville Minority Business Bureau Board.
Earnestine Sloan, Computing, Information, & Networking Division -- Earnestine Sloan works as computer technician. She has attended Photographic and Computer Schools in Winona Indiana and Chicago, Illinois. She is attending Pellissippi State Community College and pursuing a degree in communications graphics. She is past recipient of the President's Award and the 1997 Team Award in Administrative and Office Support. She is involved with her community and sings in her church choirs. She enjoys working with children and her hobbies are swimming and traveling. In addition to being a proud wife and mother of two children, she is a foster parent to two wonderful children.
Carol Stewart - Research Reactor Division -- Carol Stewart works as the Division Director's Secretary and is a Certified Professional Secretary (CPS). She is the former chair of the ORNL Administrative Advisory Council, a former member of the ORNL Committee for Women, and a 1995 Lockheed Martin Awards Night recipient for Operations and Support. Carol is a native of Kokomo, Indiana, attended Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Michigan, and is continuing her education at Tusculum. She is a member of the Optimist Club of East Knoxville and is an active member of the St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Alcoa where she serves on the usher board. Aerobics, chess, and collecting black figurines and magnets occupy much of her leisure time.
Mary Lynn Turner, Chemical and Analytical Sciences Division -- Mary Lynn Turner graduated as High School Valedictorian and was the first generation in her family to attend college. She has a BS degree in Chemistry from Jackson State University (MS) and an MS degree in Bio-organic Chemistry from Atlanta-Clarke University (Atlanta). At ORNL she is a member of the Inorganic Mass Spectrometry Group. She enjoys working with young people--tutoring, Girl Scouts, and mentoring. She was founder and first President of the Paducah Area Chapter of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE). She was named as an Outstanding Black woman in the area of science in 1989 and was honored as a Duchess of Paducah in 1993. She has participated in the BEEP-National Urban League for the past ten years. She attends New Covenant Baptist Church. Mary is the proud mother nine year old Jare'asa.
Robert A. Washington-Allen, Environmental Sciences Division - Robert is a research associate in the Environmental Analyses Section. He was born in Northampton, England and raised between Ohio and Jamaica. He has BS in Zoology from Ohio State University where he was also a varsity letter man in track and cross country, an MS in Ecology, where his research was on the effects of drought on subsistence agropastoral communities on the Bolivian Altiplano, and is completing his Ph.D. in Ecology. He was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho, Southern Africa, which was completely surrounded by at-the-time-Apartheid South Africa. He lived in Lesotho for 6 years where he met his wife, Marisa. They have two children, Kendall and Liliane, who attend Sarah Moore Greene and Green Math & Science Academy Magnet schools.
Sheria Johnson, Human Resources Division -- Sheria has has held positions in LMES Staffing, Central Employment, and is currently the Staffing Services Representative at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Sheria hold an A. S. degree in Accounting and is pursuing a B. S. in Business Management, with a speciality in Human Resource Management. Sheria has received two President's Performance Improvement Awards, Lockheed Martin Company Awards Night recognition and a Human Resources Outstanding Achievement Award. She is a native Knoxvillian with varied outside interests, including following the "back-to-back-to-back" National Championship Lady Vols; collecting, reading and learning about whales; serving as the financial trustee to her community cemetery; and providing watch-care for two friends of her daughter. She has one daughter who currently attends East Tennessee State University.
Judy Whiteside, Physics Division -- Judy Whiteside has been an employee at ORNL for 19 years. She currently works as Procurement Coordinator. She was recognized for her contributions as a member of the Requisition Approval System Committee under the auspices of the Columbus Initiative. She is very involved in her Church activities and served on the Phyllis Wheatly Administration Committee for several years.
Don Foster, Chemical Technology Division -- Don is a Group Leader in the Engineering Support Group in the Radiochemical Technology Section of the Chemical Technology Division where is he is responsible for providing design support and
development of equipment for ORNL Hot Cell Facilities. He graduated in 1983 from North Carolina State University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Don has been a registered Professional Engineer in State of Tennessee since 1988 and an ORNL employee since 1983. He holds a co-patent for a Microwave Concrete Decontamination System.