People Spotlight | Argonne National Laboratory

Safeguarding science: Alessandra Panko’s commitment to safety at Argonne

From her early career as an analytical chemist to her role in emergency preparedness, Alessandra Panko has made safety her life’s work

By
Carolyn M. Steele
|
What does it take to keep a world-class national laboratory safe? For Alessandra Panko, it starts with speaking up. Learn how her commitment to safety shapes Argonne’s emergency preparedness programs and protects the people who power its mission.
A professional headshot of Alessandra Panko.
Alessandra Panko, design basis threat security analyst at Argonne. (Image by Argonne National Laboratory.)

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Argonne National Laboratory accelerates the science and technology that drive U.S. prosperity and security. Argonne staff are thinkers, builders, problem-solvers and caretakers — every person and every role contribute to the laboratory’s impact on the world. Among these dedicated individuals is Alessandra Panko, a design basis threat security analyst in the Emergency Preparedness and Response division, whose work exemplifies Argonne’s commitment to safety and excellence.

Growing up just minutes from Argonne, Panko was inspired by the groundbreaking research conducted at the laboratory. Her role involves evaluating health impacts from unplanned releases of hazardous materials, developing protective action plans, and ensuring compliance with DOE physical security measures. Using advanced computer modeling techniques, Panko predicts how airborne hazardous material plumes would spread, ensuring that evacuation or shelter-in-place plans are precise and effective. Her work directly affects life safety, protecting both Argonne staff and the surrounding community.

Panko’s journey to her current role was shaped by a pivotal moment early in her career as an analytical chemist. During training on an instrument that operated at extremely high temperatures, her trainer frequently stepped away, leaving Panko alone with the equipment. Although new to the field, she trusted her instincts and voiced her concerns to the trainer, explaining she was uncomfortable operating the equipment without proper guidance. This conversation led to improved training and gave her the confidence to prioritize safety in her work.

“Be keenly aware of the hazards that you work with and the mitigation measures that are in place to keep you safe. Look out for your colleagues and don’t assume that they are informed of all hazards. Discuss, train and prepare for emergencies.” — Alessandra Panko, design basis threat security analyst at Argonne

Panko’s contributions at Argonne reflect this commitment to safety. Today, she evaluates hazardous materials and develops protective action plans to aid first responders in implementing life-saving measures during emergencies. She also assesses materials from a security perspective, ensuring compliance with DOE physical security measures.

Panko’s colleagues commend her for her exceptional contributions to Argonne’s safety programs and her leadership in national initiatives, especially her involvement with the Emergency Management Issues Special Interest Group and her role as a chemical subject matter expert. Her dedication to fostering a strong safety culture and her attention to detail make her an invaluable asset to Argonne.

Reflecting on her approach to safety, Alessandra emphasizes the importance of vigilance and collaboration. 

“Be keenly aware of the hazards that you work with and the mitigation measures that are in place to keep you safe. Look out for your colleagues, and don’t assume that they are informed of all hazards. Discuss, train and prepare for emergencies,” she said.

This philosophy drives her attention to detail and her commitment to fostering a strong safety culture at Argonne.

Panko’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of safety in science and the impact of dedicated individuals in advancing Argonne’s mission. Her work not only safeguards the laboratory but also inspires others to prioritize safety in their own careers, ensuring a brighter and safer future for all.

Carolyn Steele is a senior scientific editor and writer at Argonne. She began her career editing for an astrophysics journal ​and now works on content spanning nearly every area of research at Argonne. Her expertise includes coordinating reports and editing scientific articles for peer-reviewed journals. With more than two decades of experience in science communication, she specializes in making complex scientific information clear and accessible to diverse audiences.

Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology by conducting leading-edge basic and applied research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit https://​ener​gy​.gov/​s​c​ience.