NSC Honors 2023 Diversity in Safety Scholarship Winners

Suhas Sudhir Bharadwaj: Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
Year of Study: Fourth-Year Ph.D. Student
Major: Industrial Engineering
Anticipated Graduation Date: Dec. 2024

Suhas believes that his formal education as well as work experience have taught him that the only surefire way to prevent major injuries is by following a robust workplace safety management plan.

His interest in safety started early:

"My encounter with safety began at a young age when I was exposed to safety practices in engineering. Responsible for setting up infrastructure at a national thermal power company, my father, a mechanical engineer, knew the relevance of safety. He taught me that “safety doesn’t happen by accident.” My father fully endorsed workplace safety management, a complex set of activities designed to ensure safety of the work equipment, work crew, internal visitors and external contractors. As I became older, I was able to understand that workplace safety management involved various activities but focused on one single outcome: preventing illnesses, reducing incidents and eliminating injuries."

Suhas shares lessons learned:

"Learning the 4E’s of safety has helped me understand that while “Engineering” reduces the magnitude or severity of an adverse outcome, “Education” reduces its probability or likelihood. A strong “Enforcement” program is developed through trust, garnered by making safety relatable and personal. And “Enthusiasm” motivates people intrinsically to follow safe work practices and contribute effectively to workplace safety. My safety education and Brauer’s 4 E’s have given me a broader perspective. I now look back at my previous work experiences with a different lens. By re-evaluating them from a safety perspective, I am preparing myself to be a better proponent of safety."

Nyala Brooks: Lander University Nursing Program, Greenwood, South Carolina
Year of Study: Freshman
Major: Nursing
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Nyala is particularly excited by the prospect of delving into cutting-edge research and employing innovative strategies to tackle emerging health and safety issues.

Why she chose to study safety: 

I chose to study health and safety primarily due to the profound impact these fields have on people's lives across the globe. I am driven by the belief that every individual has the right to live in a safe and healthy environment, and my passion for health and safety is rooted in the desire to make a tangible difference in the world. The interdisciplinary nature of health and safety studies offers a chance to explore multiple fields, including public health, engineering, environmental science and psychology, allowing for a well-rounded and diverse academic experience."

How she plans to impact diversity, equity and inclusion in safety:

"It is crucial to recognize and address the disparities within these sectors to positively impact diversity, equity, and inclusion in health and safety. This can be achieved by actively engaging with underrepresented communities and advocating for policies and practices that promote equal access to resources and opportunities. My approach involves a combination of research, education and community outreach to ensure that my efforts are evidence-based and responsive to the unique needs of marginalized populations."

Amentum Scholar

Amaya Fisher: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, North Carolina
Year of Study: Junior
Major: Environmental Health and Safety
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2025 

Amaya is a self-described risk-averse individual who pays close attention to detail. But what she did not know is that these qualities would make her a great fit for a career in EHS. 

Why she chose to study safety:

Amaya chose to make a career in safety to maintain a healthy and safe environment for humans and all living things. “When introduced to the safety field I felt at home because common safety principles and values were always principles of mine. I plan to use the power of knowledge to educate people on how they can contribute to a healthy and safe environment. It is my intention to keep all people safe, regardless of race, sex, gender, religion, or capabilities. So, when developing ways to become safer I will be sure to consider and include all people’s safety. Additionally, I would like to develop safety programs that accommodate for disabled individuals, especially in the event of an emergency.”

Jacobs Scholar

Taylor Foster: Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus 
Year of Study: Sophomore
Major: Human Systems Engineering
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2025

Taylor was particularly drawn to safety within the context of human systems engineering because this field takes a holistic approach to safety, considering not just the physical aspects of safety, but also the social, organizational and environmental factors that can impact safety outcomes.    

Why he chose to study safety: 

"The importance of incorporating human factors into the design of systems and how this can help to minimize errors and improve safety cannot be overstated. In addition, I was drawn to the field of safety because of its interdisciplinary nature. Safety requires a broad range of knowledge and skills, including engineering, psychology, sociology and management. As a human systems engineering undergraduate, I am learning how to apply these different disciplines to create systems that are safe, effective and efficient. I am also learning how to work collaboratively with others from different backgrounds and perspectives, which is essential in creating solutions that are inclusive and responsive to diverse needs."

How he plans to impact diversity, equity and inclusion in safety: 

"As a young black professional studying human systems engineering, I am acutely aware of the need for more diverse voices in occupational and environmental safety. I can have an impact by applying my skills and knowledge in human systems engineering to develop more equitable and inclusive approaches to occupational and environmental safety. This could involve conducting research on the unique safety needs of marginalized groups, or designing safety systems that are more accessible and accommodating to a wider range of individuals. By leveraging my expertise to address the needs of previously marginalized groups, I can help to ensure that the future of occupational and environmental safety is more equitable and inclusive for all."

Amentum Scholar

Lillian Johnson: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, North Carolina.
Year of Study: Sophomore
Major: Environmental Health and Safety
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

For Lillian, safety is personal. 

Why she chose EHS: 

"I was moved when a woman at my job slipped on black ice and broke several bones putting her out of work for eight months. I was right behind her when the incident happened. Since then, it has been a goal of mine to decrease workplace injuries and ensure workplace safety so we make it home to our families every night."

Why diversity, equity and inclusion in safety is important: 

Lillian has a particular interest in mental health issues and psychological safety as they relate to DE&I in the workplace. She believes that by focusing on these areas there will be a decrease in the number of suicides, overdoses and depression.

Lillian added that her experience at the 2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo was great. The most impactful part of the conference for her was the Naloxone training session. She learned how to properly administer it. She loved that it was hands on and left the session confident that she could potentially save a life.

Jacobs Scholar

Brittany Metoxen: Columbia Southern University, Orange Beach, AL
Year of Study: Junior
Major: Occupational Health and Safety
Anticipated Graduation Date: Dec. 2025

Brittany’s LinkedIn tag line is People | Safety | Quality. No matter what the employment field is, nothing at all can happen without people, whether that is internally employed individuals, vendors or contractors.

In her own words: 

“Once the people are established, SAFETY is the next component of utmost importance. The assurance of physical and psychological safety allows people to invest in their employment, their work, and produces quality and efficiency. I am thrilled to be a part of this field and as I look back on my career, I can reflect on the employers that invested in Safety and those that did not. I understand how my contributions with relationship building, seeking insight from frontline workers, sharing my expertise, and recommending business decisions can impact safety. My goal is not just to make sure that people leave the way they came, I want them to understand the importance of safety, recognize their behaviors and how they contribute to safety, and to ultimately take that investment home with them to make their homes, families, and communities safer.”

Amentum Scholar

Marcus Rayner: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, North Carolina.
Year of Study: Sophomore 
Major: Construction Management  
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2025   

Commitment to safety culture:

Marcus is committed to creating a safety culture that not only keeps workers safe but also ensures that safety initiatives are inclusive, fair and accessible to everyone in the construction industry.

Marcus was inspired by what he experienced at the 2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo. As a construction management major, he recognizes the major role that safety plays in ensuring the well-being of workers on construction sites, but what he didn’t realize was how much more there is to learn about safety in the construction industry.  He plans to learn more about incorporating safety into his field and promote an inclusive environment where every construction worker, regardless of their background, feels valued and protected.

Kelley Anne Severinsen: University of Utah-Mining Engineering, Salt Lake City, UT
Year of Study: Junior
Major: Mining Engineering 
Anticipated Graduation Date: Dec. 2024

Kelley Anne is a non-traditional student who went back to school after 20 years in the workforce. She says this experience gives her a unique perspective about the world and her industry. She is majoring in Mining Engineering and anticipates pursuing a career in mining, utilities or construction. She is interested in project management and sees such a great need for a safety focus within that field.

Why safety is personal: 

"I have worked for a company where you didn’t report an injury unless you had no other choice. I want to take my passion for safety and find the best ways to foster an environment of safety. Every employee needs to have the ability to stop work on a job if things aren’t being done safely. They need to feel like their safety is important and that they don’t have to decide between safety and a paycheck."

Rudy Solano: Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Year of Study: Freshman
Major: Fire Protection and Safety Engineering
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Rudy was in kindergarten when he first announced his desire to become a firefighter. He clearly never wavered because he is now a junior volunteer firefighter in his hometown.

His interest in safety started early:

Rudy’s dreams of becoming a firefighter have evolved. He still aspires to be a firefighter but with a degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering. “I want to be the person saving people from fires, while at the same time developing engineering and safety controls to prevent fires from occurring. I want to dedicate my life to the various career opportunities within the fire and safety service.”

How he plans to impact diversity, equity and inclusion in safety: 

"I plan to impact diversity, equity and inclusion in safety by earning a degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering and working with other BIPOC individuals to introduce them to the vast career opportunities within this field. I want to increase the number of BIPOC individuals working in the field of Fire Protection and Safety Engineering."

Chiemezie Anthony Udemba: The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
Year of Study: Year of Study: Fourth-Year Ph.D. StudentMajor: Occupational safety, ergonomics and human factor 
Anticipated Graduation Date: Dec. 2025

For Anthony, education is the brightest and most powerful tool against poverty.

Why education and this scholarship award are important:

I seized education as the only means available to overcome very harsh and challenging socioeconomic conditions. Being a product of Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States, I have obtained engineering and occupational safety degrees from these countries. Using my education to help people with safety awareness and training to help save lives and prevent injuries has been my greatest accomplishment. I am on a mission to build a legacy focused on improving lives.

This scholarship pushed me further towards my career goals. I am committed to using my work and story to inspire, uplift, and impact others. I want to work to bring quality safety measures to men and women around the globe.

Diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace:

Sharing knowledge is a significant way to help others to a better future. It is essential to spread the word about inclusion, equity, and diversity in the workplace. I was the only black man in my department when I attended Colorado State University-Pueblo and Wichita State University in Kansas. I began speaking out on the value of diversity because I felt it was crucial for me to utilize my voice to effect change in the community. I joined the (ISEOS) at Lager and became the only black man working as an international member. Most of the organizations where I have worked have benefited greatly from my efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion because most companies must acknowledge the critical role these factors will play in the future.

Amentum Scholar

Brian Williams: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, North Carolina.
Year of Study: Sophomore
Major: Environmental Health and Safety
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

Brian was interested, at an early age, in researching and studying fields that dealt with helping and preserving the environment. 

Brian chose to study EHS after participating in several summer enrichment and exploration camps while in high school. He designed a 3D model that contributed to an environmental exposure and collaborated with others to develop strategies to prevent environmental hazards that could be useful in the field of EHS. 

Brian was excited to share that while on the expo floor at the 2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo he came across companies that developed products and systems that he is currently learning about in his EHS related classes.  One example was a company that created exoskeletons for the field of ergonomics. He said he had a wonderful learning experience.