Meet Kerianne Pruett, neurodiverse spacecraft systems engineer at LLNL

California native Kerianne Pruett started at LLNL in 2019 as an intern, and now works as a spacecraft systems engineer, matrixed to the Physics Division. At the Laboratory, Pruett utilizes data science, machine learning, and high-performance computing to answer questions about dark matter, dark energy, and space domain awareness. Pruett leads a Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project that focuses on developing simulations to determine optimal sensor architectures for detecting and tracking space objects.

Pruett was always interested in space but found it difficult to pick between the science and engineering disciplines, which is what ultimately drew her to LLNL. “I enjoy being able to work on multiple projects across multiple disciplines,” said Pruett. “Projects come and go, and everything is always shifting. The dynamic environment can be challenging at times, but it keeps me interested in my work while allowing me to explore new fields that I have always had interest in. There is never a boring day!”

“Being matrixed to the Physics Division, I am the only staff member on my team with just a bachelor’s degree,” said Pruett. “All of my team members have a PhD and at least one Postdoc.” Pruett has a bachelor’s in Astrophysics from UC Davis, recently earned a master’s Certificate in Data Analytics from the Air Force Institute of Technology and is currently working toward a master’s in Space Systems Operations at the Naval Postgraduate School. “I go to school in addition to working fulltime because I always strive to learn more,” says Pruett, whose educational journey is impressive considering she never received a high school diploma, after becoming pregnant with her daughter at age 16.

Diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) are very important to Pruett and she appreciates that the Lab’s values align with hers. “DEI is important because every person has something unique to contribute to a project,” said Pruett. “Some peoples brains think and work differently, meaning they can contribute in ways others may not be able to, or contribute solutions others hadn't thought about. Even our upbringing and struggles we have overcome can shape the way we view a problem at work.”

This is true for Pruett who has struggled in various regards. “I struggle daily with anxiety and panic disorder, which I have been battling since childhood,” Pruett said. “I wasn’t diagnosed with Asperger’s until I was an adult, which meant I spent years being hard on myself about why I was different, and why I couldn’t function the same way as everyone else. I must constantly learn things in different ways than my coworkers, and often need accommodations that others don’t understand.”

“Neurodiversity awareness means educating others that not everyone learns, works, or functions the same way that they do,” Pruett said. “Neurodivergence manifests itself in such a wide spectrum of ways. It can mean learning more gradually than others because you can’t process information in the same way, but it can also mean not being able to transform thoughts into words the same way others can. In addition to ‘invisible’ effects, there are physical sensory effects too. Sometimes all it takes is hearing a sound or becoming aware of a certain feeling to spiral into a panic attack during a meeting. These experiences can lead to needing special accommodations in the workplace, or to taking non-traditional approaches to be an effective member of a team, and that's okay!”

As time allows, Pruett hopes to become more involved in DEI matters at LLNL and with the Laboratory’s Abilities Champions employee resource group that raises neurodiversity awareness at LLNL and in the community.?

Pruett’s role models were mostly teachers who motivated her to get to where she is. “I always enjoyed learning new things, but I got into trouble often in my youth. I had a few teachers along the way who saw something in me, and told me to never give up,” said Pruett. “Having others believe in me, despite my difficult adolescence, really helped give me that extra push to keep going.”

Outside of work, Pruett has many interests that keep her occupied. “I enjoy playing video games, doing puzzles, and reading, but what I enjoy most is being up in the mountains. I go hiking and camping often with my husband and daughter,” Pruett said. “I also have an intense love for animals and enjoy spending time with each of my pets (2 cats and 6 rats) and doing any activity that allows me to interact with animals.”

By Carrie Martin