Julia Kiernan

I appreciate having the support of my group leaders, who assign me tasks that let me take the lead and who trust me to make decisions on their behalf.

What drew you to a career at the Laboratory, and what is a day in the life like?

Before coming to the Laboratory, I worked at Bose Corporation as an administrative assistant in HR and then payroll. I knew about the Laboratory from my husband, as his grandfather had worked here for many years as a welder. Because Bose is very much an MIT-style company that prides itself on its research and development, I figured that my experience working with engineers there would transition well here.

My day to day is always different based on the requests that I receive. Besides scheduling meetings, processing shopping carts, and making travel arrangements, I provide support for onsite and offsite conferences, such as the National Fire Control Symposium.

What aspects of your work do you take the most pride in?

I take pride in being one of the go-to contacts in the group office, not only to address the group’s administrative needs but also to act as a sounding board when a problem arises. I appreciate having the support of my group leaders, who assign me tasks that let me take the lead and who trust me to make decisions on their behalf.

What has been a standout personal achievement in your career here?

I was offered the opportunity to go to the Laboratory’s Kwajalein Field Site in 2023. As an admin, I don’t get the chance to travel very often, especially to a place like Kwajalein. Going out there to assist with the Director’s Office visit, meet my colleagues with their families, and view some of the projects I have helped support over the years was absolutely amazing.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love to read and collect all different kinds of books but mostly in the fiction and romantasy genres; The Ravenhood book series is one of my favorites that I have read multiple times. I read on average about 150 books per year and have collected a few special editions of some of my favorite authors like Sierra Simone, Sarah J. Maas, and Emily McIntire. I also have a rare first-edition Jane Eyre that I found at a yard sale — its ripped and weathered, but I love it! Reading is definitely a part of my mental health, so I take a moment each day to either read on my Kindle or a physical book, or listen to an audiobook.

I also love to travel; I have visited Italy, Ireland, France, Belgium, Aruba, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas, and have taken several road trips throughout the United States and Canada with my family. I hope to take more road trips and make my way to Scotland soon.