Laura Pence

Laura Pence is an accomplished Research Scientist with a joint appointment at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, focusing on decontamination and decommissioning projects, and serving as a Technical Editor for bioassurance initiatives. As a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Hartford, Laura has managed and trained numerous learners while developing and delivering substantial educational content. Laura has held various leadership roles, including Project Manager for university accreditation, Department Chair overseeing faculty and course offerings, and multiple committee chair positions within the American Chemical Society, where strategic policy development on STEM education and environmental issues was a primary focus. Laura's early career included significant federal legislative work as a Congressional Science Policy Fellow, and extensive postdoctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Laura Pence earned a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Michigan State University and a B.S. in Chemistry from Lebanon Valley College.