Empowering Young Professionals to Lead Innovation

At the forefront of environmental cleanup at the Hanford Site in Richland, Washington, the Waste Treatment Plant (WTP) team is preparing to treat 56 million gallons of radioactive tank waste using state-of-the-art vitrification technology this summer. Their culture of—“Empowering Young Professionals to Lead Innovation”—reflects the driving force behind this complex, high-stakes mission.

Amentum, leading this monumental task, is responsible for commissioning the plant systems, including two 300-ton melters that will convert radioactive waste into solidified glass for long-term storage. This effort is being powered by a diverse team of dedicated professionals—involving several outstanding women whose leadership, creativity, and innovation are playing a vital role in the plant’s success.

Rachel Parsons

Chemical Engineer | 5 Years on the Project
Education: B.S., Chemical Engineering, Colorado State University; M.S., Engineering and Technology Management, Oklahoma State University

Rachel led the redesign of the Glass Former Delivery system after identifying critical operational issues. Facing repeated system clogging, Rachel spearheaded an innovative solution by researching commercial industry best practices and collaborating with experts from the bulk power handling sector and recyclers. Her team implemented a coreless wetting screw to reduce dust buildup, and vertical transfer lines that preventing downstream blockages.

One of her most formidable challenges? Replacing the system in an already constructed, operating plant—a task she likened to “building a ship in a bottle.” Rachel orchestrated the removal of old components and the precise installation of new equipment, some weighing up to 30,000 pounds, through rooftop hatches—all while maintaining plant operations via a temporary system.

Rachel’s keys to success: Cross-department collaboration, clear communication, and employee engagement.

“A culture of openness and transparency gives people the confidence to speak up. Innovation starts with recognizing that change is necessary and taking ownership to lead it.”

Her advice:

• On innovation: “Think creatively, don’t limit yourself, and have fun.”
• To early-career professionals: “Reach out to experts—you’re not alone. And have a mentor. Mine helped me see this project through with confidence.”

Kayla Isley

Operations Supervisor | 5 Years on the Project
Education: Associate of Arts, Columbia Basin College

Kayla empowered her team to innovate safer, more effective work practices in radiological environments. One key improvement was the use of a mechanical piping solution to install a new sample collection point—eliminating the need to breach containment and significantly reducing worker exposure.

Kayla is known for her hands-on leadership.

“I don’t manage from a desk. I’m out in the field in full PPE with my team, listening and working through problems together.”

Her field leadership was critical during ammonia system repairs when she suited up in protective gear and collaborated directly with technicians to develop a repair strategy.

Her advice:To early-career professionals: “Be strong and true to who you are.”

Amber Waltke & Jamie Elpers

Laboratory Managers

• Amber: A.S., Biology, Salt Lake Community College | 5 Years on the Project
• Jamie: B.S., Biology, St. Mary of the Woods College | 3 Years on the Project

Tasked with launching one of the largest laboratories in the DOE complex, Amber and Jamie developed a comprehensive strategy to close the knowledge gap among young technicians. Drawing on their prior lab experience, they trained staff on safe sample handling, analysis procedures, and critical thinking.

Their advice:

To early-career professionals:

Jamie: “Explain the ‘why.’ That frustrated me early in my career. Encourage questions—they lead to real understanding.”

Amber: “You have to be in the field, showing technicians what ‘right’ looks like. Safety and sound lab practices are fundamental to how we operate the lab.”

Sarah Sheen

Shift Operations Manager | 3 Years on the Project
Education: B.S., Electrical Engineering, Oregon State University | U.S. Navy Veteran

As one of the plant’s senior operational leaders, Sarah has guided her team through system tuning to prepare for processing radioactive tank waste. She fosters a culture of open dialogue and integrity, drawing on her Navy background to lead with decisiveness and accountability.

“You need to know when you have enough information to make the call—and own the outcome. I’m honest about what I don’t know, and I support my team when things go wrong.”

Sarah collaborated across teams to fine-tune water slurry mixtures and simulate feed conditions, ensuring safe operating limits were established.

Her advice to women in STEM:

“Don’t caveat your knowledge. Women tend to undersell themselves if they don’t know everything. Be confident in your ability to figure things out—and assume good intent when leading others through problems.”

Amber Wolf

Facility Manager | 7 Years on the Project
Education: B.S., Biomedical Engineering, St. Louis University

Amber’s journey began as a Shift Technical Engineer, giving her a broad understanding of plant systems. Now in Facility Management, she led efforts to prepare the Effluent Management Facility for operations, identifying and resolving biofouling and debris issues through the design and implementation of a slipstream filtration system.  This innovative approach came about by soliciting ideas from the team and considering creative ideas. 

She believes strongly in modeling best practices in the field.  Amber takes the time to walk down the systems, explain the fundamentals, and share lessons learned.  Equally important is knowing her team members individually.  She assigns tasks to maximize their strengths to get the best from her team.

Her advice:

To early-career professionals: “Don’t limit yourself. If the path is too narrow—widen it. My mentor was from Maintenance, not Engineering, and that helped me see the bigger picture.”

On innovation: “Leadership starts with people. Create an open, respectful environment where everyone feels safe to share ideas.”

Leading the Way at Hanford

Kim Jackson, Senior Vice President of Operations at WTP, emphasizes the importance of empowering early-career professionals and encouraging diversity of thought.

“Young talent is eager to make an impact. When they see their ideas making a difference, it sparks a passion for innovation. This culture of collaboration, creativity, and ownership, is happening across Amentum projects and delivering real value to our customers.”

At Hanford, these female leaders aren’t just solving problems—they’re shaping the future of nuclear waste cleanup. Their dedication, ingenuity, and people-first leadership are turning challenges into opportunities, and innovation into action.