A Rich History

East Tennessee has deep roots in science, technology, engineering and math.  We want to celebrate the influence of women in building our community.

Girls Inc. of TN Valley is privileged to partner with numerous STEM affiliates in the region. Through these collaborations, we have seen the remarkable contributions of women in STEM fields. In recognition of their dedication and impact, we are proud to spotlight local female professionals who exemplify strength, intelligence, and boldness in their respective disciplines.

Clarice Phelps

Clarice began her career at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) in 2009 as a technician in the Non-Reactor Nuclear Facilities Division and transitioned to the Nuclear Security and Isotope Technology Division (NSITD) in 2010 as a research associate. She was part of the team that purified the isotope Bk-249, which confirmed the discovery of element 117, Tennessine (Ts). In 2019, Clarice was recognized as the first African American woman involved in element discovery at ORNL. She has contributed to NASA’s Plutonium-238 program and electrodepositions for Argonne National Lab. Currently, she is the project manager for Radiation Signature Training Devices in the Radioisotope Production and Development Group at ORNL. Clarice has received numerous awards for her service to the Knoxville community and dedication to STEM education for underserved students.

Damita Mason

Damita Mason-Parks is a seasoned leader with experience in the U.S. Navy, deactivation engineering, and project management. She currently supports Y-12 Mission Engineering as a Project Engineer, focusing on Nuclear Criticality Safety. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Damita has led numerous process improvement projects at Y-12, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Before Y-12, she was a Deactivation Engineer at K-25 and served as a Gas Turbine Mechanic in the Navy. Damita is active in the community, serving on the Girls Inc. Anderson County CIC, as Vice Chair of the NOBLE Affinity Group, and mentoring youth. She holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and an MBA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Katharine Page

Katharine Page is an Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Tennessee Knoxville and a Joint Faculty member with the Neutron Scattering Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Her work focuses on energy materials and the development of x-ray and neutron scattering techniques. Katharine earned her PhD from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has held key positions at Los Alamos and Oak Ridge National Laboratories.

She has published over 160 peer-reviewed articles and is deeply involved in STEM outreach, including coaching a Lego League team and serving as Board President for Oak Ridge Computer Science Girls. Katharine is a recipient of the DOE Early Career Award, NSF CAREER Award, and the 2019 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).

An accomplished athlete, she is a three-time collegiate national champion in Olympic-style weightlifting and competed in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials. She also competed in Division I varsity track at the University of Maine, where she served as team captain and held the women’s discus record.