Born: 1948 (Brooklyn, NY)
Biography:
Hattie Carwell is an American physicist and former scientist with the United States Department of Energy and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Born on July 17, 1948, in Brooklyn, NY, Carwell grew up in Ashland, Virginia, where she was encouraged by her community to become a scientist. She pursued her education at Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, North Carolina, and graduated in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Carwell furthered her studies at Rutgers University, earning an M.S. degree in health physics in 1971.
Following her graduation from Rutgers, Carwell joined the U.S. Department of Energy as a health physicist. In this role, she provided radiation safety oversight at several national laboratories. Carwell’s passion for international cooperation led her to Vienna, Austria, where she served as a nuclear safeguards inspector and group leader at the International Atomic Energy Agency from 1980 to 1985.
In 1985, Carwell relocated to Oakland, California, to work with the Department of Energy. She played a key role in developing new radiation safety policies and worked on streamlining them while conducting research. Carwell’s dedication and expertise led to her appointment as the program manager for high energy and nuclear programs at the Department of Energy’s San Francisco Operations Office in 1990. This position allowed her to have a significant impact on shaping energy programs at the national level.
Continuing her career advancement, Carwell became a senior facility operations engineer at the Berkeley Site Office in 1992. In 1994, she was promoted to operations lead, a position she held until 2006. During this time, Carwell played a vital role in overseeing the operations and development of the Berkeley Site, demonstrating her exceptional leadership abilities. By the end of her career, Carwell had risen to the position of senior physical scientist before retiring in 2008.
Carwell’s contributions extend beyond her work in the field of physics. In 2010, she attended a workshop organized by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine on communicating chemistry in informal environments. In March 2020, she participated in a panel on higher education leadership at the 50th Annual Conference of the Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools. Carwell’s involvement in these events showcases her commitment to promoting scientific discourse and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in STEM fields.
Throughout her career, Carwell has shared her knowledge and experiences through writing. She has authored two books, including Blacks in Science: Astrophysicist to Zoologist, which highlights the contributions of Black scientists in various scientific disciplines. Additionally, Carwell has penned numerous articles and has been recognized as a contributor in several publications, further showcasing her expertise and dedication to advancing scientific knowledge.
Carwell’s impact extends beyond her professional achievements. She has been actively involved in non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting diversity within STEM-related fields. As one of the original founders of the Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology (DFBSST), Carwell has played a significant role in supporting Black students pursuing careers in science and technology.
Hattie Carwell’s remarkable career as a physicist, her commitment to promoting diversity in STEM fields, and her contributions to scientific literature make her an influential figure in the field of physics and an inspiration for aspiring scientists.
Awards:
– Mention any official awards or recognitions received by Hattie Carwell.