Company
U.T. Battelle, LLC Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Location
Oak Ridge, TN
Syreeta Vaughn is a seasoned senior nuclear facility safety analyst and senior staff member with over 20 years of experience driving safety, operational excellence, and innovation across the nation’s most critical nuclear environments. Based in East Tennessee, she currently leads special projects within the Nuclear Facility Safety Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), where she plays a key role in advancing mission-critical safety initiatives and complex program execution. Her career spans impactful work at premier institutions, including the Y-12 National Nuclear Security Complex, Pantex Plant, and Savannah River Site, where she has consistently contributed to strengthening safety standards and operational performance.
Mrs. Vaughn holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Florida State University and dual Master of Science degrees in Geology and Industrial & Systems Engineering from the University of Tennessee. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Safety and Health at West Virginia University’s Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, further strengthening her expertise at the intersection of engineering, safety, and organizational performance. Beyond her technical leadership, she is deeply committed to professional and community engagement, serving in leadership roles within the American Nuclear Society, ORNL’s Employee Resource Groups, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. She notably led fundraising efforts that generated over $1 million for ORNL Gives in 2025 and is a graduate of Leadership Knoxville. Recognized for her impact and leadership, she was named a finalist for the 2026 East Tennessee Remarkable Women award and has earned multiple 40 Under 40 honors. With extensive expertise in nuclear safety, systems engineering, and leadership, Mrs. Vaughn is dedicated to advancing industry standards, championing inclusive excellence, and empowering the next generation of STEM leaders.