Larson and his six teammates received this award for their role in the Argonne African American Employee Resource Group (AAA-ERG).

The AAA-ERG team, all of whom are volunteers, seeks to encourage the development of African Americans in science, technology, and operations. The group hosts both networking events, aimed at building professional relationships across the laboratory, and cultural awareness events, aimed at promoting a better understanding of African American cultures and celebrating diversity across the lab.

Larson is a co-chair for the Argonne ACT-SO High School Research Program, a 9-month collaboration between the AAR-ERG and the DuPage County ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological & Scientific Olympics).

“It is inspiring to interact with these young students,” Larson said. ​“Everyone benefits – the students being introduced to STEM research opportunities, the Argonne volunteers helping mentor this next generation, and the Argonne community in having a more diverse applicant pool for the future.”

The award will be presented at the UChicago Argonne Board of Governors Awards ceremony held virtually on Nov. 16.

For more information about the AAA-ERG or the Argonne ACT-SO Research Program, see https://​blogs​.anl​.gov/​a​a​a​-erg/ and https://​www​.anl​.gov/​h​r​/​a​r​g​o​n​n​e​-​a​c​t​s​o​-​h​i​g​h​-​s​c​h​o​o​l​-​r​e​s​e​a​r​c​h​-​p​r​ogram.

For a full list of awardees, see the announcement at https://​my​.anl​.gov/​a​r​t​i​c​l​e​/​2​0​2​1​-​u​c​h​i​c​a​g​o​-​a​r​g​o​n​n​e​-​b​o​a​r​d​-​o​f​-​g​o​v​e​r​n​o​r​s-awa….