PRESIDENT – Michael Kaminski
My mother emigrated from Mexico and my father lived in the Chicagoland area, which is where I was born. I went to the University of Illinois in Urbana where I graduated with my Ph.D. in nuclear engineering in 1998. Immediately upon completion of my dissertation, I came to Argonne as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the former Chemical Technology Division. I am currently a Principal Nuclear Chemical Engineer in the Strategic Security Sciences Division leading a small group of scientists and engineers to develop solutions to nuclear-related national security issues for the U.S. and our allies. Seeking to train our next generation of young talent, I have been active in supporting minority students at the graduate level (research and/or academic advisor for two Master’s Degree and six Doctoral students) and undergraduates (research advisor to more than twenty minority students). I have more than 70 published journal articles, 47 reports, 137 presentations, 29 inventions, and 10 patents. The total of my work has generated over 2200 citations in the scientific literature ((h-index = 26, i10 index=55). I am also a Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Illinois in the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering; and a Fellow in the Argonne-University of Chicago Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology.
When I am not working, I enjoy coaching youth sports, spending time with my friends and family, and staying active through sports and fitness. I am blessed to live very close to many of my family members so I enjoy staying close to my family at parties and events.
VICE PRESIDENT – Jofrey Quintanar
I grew up in the historic city of Queretaro in central Mexico accompanied by challenges, cultural richness and opportunities. During my youth, I developed many strong friendships as I participated in musical and swimming competitions on a local and national level in Mexico. I immigrated to the Unites States in 2001, after having graduated with a degree in architecture from ITESM (Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey).
For a number of years, I worked in several firms in the Chicagoland area in order to gain a thorough understanding of the construction industry in multiple markets such as residential, commercial, institutional and mixed-use developments, amongst others. Although it was difficult, I enjoyed participating in a wide variety of projects with significantly different scope and complexity.
After completing the necessary coursework in the United States to validate my degree and obtaining my Illinois architectural license, I was able to open my own design firm. While leading the firm, I also obtained a master’s degree from Northwestern University in project management with a focus in construction, the LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credential and the Construction Document Technologist Certification issued by the Construction Specifications Institute. If I learned something from my humble beginnings, it was to be resilient and adapt to change. After the financial crisis in 2010, this ability to adapt allowed me to shift my focus within the industry and become a project manager for a large financial institution. I soon became a vice president in their real estate department where I was responsible for the planning, budgeting, scheduling, construction and several maintenance activities of many of the company’s branches and corporate facilities throughout the US.
When I learned about the opportunity to work at Argonne, I became eager to join the group of professionals working towards a meaningful goal. I knew I would have the privilege to participate in unique projects with a strong focus in sustainable design and collaborate with a diverse and extraordinary group of people. It is very satisfying to know that through my work, I am able to help the scientists and the laboratory achieve their scientific mission.
Whenever we have the opportunity, my wife, two sons and I love traveling abroad and within the United States, playing music together and enjoying each other’s company.
TREASURER – Lupe Franchini
My family came to Illinois from Guanajuato, Mexico when I was 11 years old. I have an Associate’s degree in Business from Joliet Junior College and have been working at Argonne since 1981, most recently as the Executive Assistant to the Laboratory Director. I have two daughters and one granddaughter, and I enjoy planning and cooking for family gatherings. I also like to go back to my hometown every year, to visit relatives and immerse myself in the wonderful culture of my ancestors.
SECRETARY – Laura
ADVISER – Frank Gines
I have over 30 years of Federal experience in the Dept. of Defense (DOD) and the Dept. of Energy (DOE) managing facilities and infrastructure. After graduating from the University of Puerto Rico as an Electrical Engineer, I entered the U.S. Air Force and began an engineering career as a Construction Manager and later as a Design Engineer. From the field to a command position as a Computer Software/Information Systems Analyst, I was responsible for the installations of the Engineering Work Management System at six military bases. After nine years of active military duty, I transferred into the Air Force Reserves and continued serving until retiring in 2012. After active military duty, I joined DOE at Argonne and continued managing facility and infrastructure. My initial DOE assignments include a Facility Maintenance Manager and later a Program/Project Manager for the facility, energy, and pollution prevention programs. Since 2002, I have been a Federal Project Director for science related projects such as the Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) project, three Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF) Upgrade projects, the Dynamic Compression Sector (DCS) beamline project, and currently Deputy Federal Project Director of the Advanced Photo Source Upgrade (APS-U) project.
ADVISER – Vanessa Mendez
I have worked at Argonne since 1982. I worked in Argonne’s Analytical Chemistry Laboratory for 15 years, 2 years in Chemical Technology’s Budget Office, and 9 years in ANL’s Sponsored Research Office. Currently, I am a Division Financial Manager where I provide operational and managerial support for the Biosciences and the Data Science and Learning Divisions as part of the Computing, Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) Shared Services Financial Support Team.
My job consists of administering a wide variety of activities in the areas of budgetary controls, accounting, procurements, effort reporting, proposal processing for DOE, SPPs, and CRADAs. I monitor spending, analyze variances, identify funding and accounting problems, and resolve discrepancies. I have expertise in joint appointment processes for the Laboratory.
I was born and raised in Joliet, IL. I am married to my hard-working husband Joe (retired, but still hard-working), and have two sons, Adam and Alex. My father was born in Ixtlan, Michoacan, and my mother in Ransom, IL. My mother’s parents were also from Ixtlan, Michoacan until they came to the United States to start their family. Both of my parents are deceased, and I miss them very much!! I love the warm and friendly culture of Mexico and hope to retire there someday!
I graduated in May 2005 with an associate degree in Marketing Management from Joliet Junior College.
ADVISER – Mary Nunez
My name is Mary Nunez and I work in the EGS Directorate in Bldg. 205. I have been in Bldg. 205 for a little over 5 years but have been at the laboratory for 40 years. Little did I know I would graduate from East Chicago, IN, in June 1980 and start working here in July, and I have been here ever since! I have been in a couple divisions here at Argonne but have finally found the position that I love and division that I call home. My plans are to be here until I retire.
I am also the Adviser for the Argonne Hispanic Latino Club and contribute my time & help whenever I can. The people at Argonne are like family and I have grown up with them over my 40 years of service. My job is stressful at times, but I enjoy the interaction with my co-workers and look forward to each day. The atmosphere, the benefits, and the people are one of a kind and I am very lucky to work here. I enjoy biking, walking, cooking/eating, and being with my family & friends.
