Nicole Jenkins joined the BNL Police Group in October 2007. Asked why she decided to take a job at Brookhaven Lab, Jenkins said she had heard from friends and relatives who work at the Lab that BNL is one of the best employers on Long Island with a top-notch police force.

"I knew I had something to offer the Lab's police force - my enthusiasm and my sense of responsibility," she said. Jenkins, who said she has worked hard to excel at her training, is impressed by the Lab's training requirements, which she feels will help her to become one of those top-notch officers.

"I have already learned so much, and I already love this job," she said.

Lazaro Vazquez, a systems management professional, has traveled the world, first with the U.S. Navy and then as an infrastructure architect for major companies. He chose the opportunity to work for the Laboratory's Information Technology Division and stay close to his home in Bohemia, NY.

"I felt very welcomed at Brookhaven," he said. "People here see the human side of work. They worry about safety, for example. Back in the corporate world, that's not necessarily true." Vazquez said he is particularly honored to be able to contribute to the important work being done at Brookhaven.

"There is so much potential in this scientific community to do something big for the world," he said. "Even though I don't work on the science front, I'm helping to make sure the scientists can do their jobs. I feel like I'm part of a bigger picture, helping to keep the science going."

Jacob Hooker, had two goals after receiving his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley: to find his perfect job, and to compete in an Ironman competition.

During the day Hooker spends his time developing novel methods to label molecules that can be used for neuroimaging to study root causes of addiction. "To synthesize a molecule and then visualize it in living systems is very seductive," said Hooker. "BNL is one of the few places in the world where this can be done. I'm already finding the work challenging and rewarding."

When he isn't working with molecules, Hooker trains for long distance triathlon competitions, also known as the "Ironman." 

"Besides the self-satisfaction of completing the triathlon, I have a group of friends who also participate and we have a sort of personal competition among ourselves. It's all about getting together, cheering each other on, and having fun."