AIKEN, S.C. - When he served as a judge for the 91st annual meeting of the South Carolina Academy of Science (SCAS) this summer, Robin Brigmon, a senior fellow engineer with EM's Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), continued more than a decade of advancing the state’s scientific community.
As a volunteer and leader with SCAS, Brigmon has dedicated countless hours encouraging the scientific knowledge of students and faculty and strengthening science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in the state.
The SCAS meeting this summer brought more than 500 students together for demonstrations and presentations. As a judge, Brigmon followed the same criteria used for peer reviewed journals. This includes evaluating for originality, experimental design, clarity, results, and conclusions.
“Every year the quality of papers improves," Brigmon said. “I am very pleased to see the progress these students make year after year."
Brigmon served as SCAS president in 2012 and his responsibilities included overseeing budgets, collaborating with university and industrial partners, and assisting with award and judging committees. He was also instrumental in bringing the SCAS annual meeting to the University of South Carolina Aiken in 2012 and linking it with the scientific capabilities of SRNL.
“I continue volunteering and supporting SCAS because it is a rewarding way to help South Carolina college, high school, and middle school students in STEM education," Brigmon said. “When you see the excitement of the students as they give their presentations and they explain their results, it is clear they are learning."
Brigmon’s efforts have not gone unnoticed.
“Robin has been instrumental in connecting Savannah River National Lab with SCAS," said John Kaup, executive director, SC Junior Academy of Science. “Even after his presidential succession ended he continued to be a part of the academies, giving support and mentoring."
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Environmental Management
