Linda Kaiser Leaves Legacy of Innovation and Inclusion at Rocky Flats
Kaiser has spent her entire professional life working with DOE.
After earning a mechanical engineering degree from Colorado State University, she specialized in decontamination and environmental restoration of the nation's nuclear sites at Idaho National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, both of which are managed by DOE. This experience prepared her for her future role at Rocky Flats.
"While each DOE site is different, many of their cleanup and environmental restoration needs are similar,” Kaiser said. “So, I was eager to join the Rocky Flats team and contribute to its stewardship mission."
Kaiser and her team regularly conducted site inspections and tested water samples from the site's groundwater and streams. They also reintroduced native plant species to the site and used specific insects to combat invasive weeds. The team will maintain these efforts after Kaiser’s departure, and results will continue to be shared online and at the Rocky Flats Stewardship Council's quarterly meetings.
Kaiser and her team also looked for ways to improve stewardship processes at Rocky Flats. For example, they upgraded one of the site's underperforming groundwater treatment systems to a solar-powered system that meets all treatment standards. The team earned a Presidential Award for innovation and sustainability for implementation of the solar treatment system.
Kaiser emphasized that all her successes are shared.
"I didn’t carry out any of these accomplishments — my team members did," she said. "While I helped them find funding and navigate obstacles, they are truly responsible for this great work. I’ve been blessed to collaborate with so many incredible people here."