Novella Bridges

Novella Bridges is an African American chemical engineer, researcher, and an advocate for minorities in STEM. She earned a Ph.D. from Louisiana State University and began her career at the Pacific Northwestern National Laboratory (PNNL) specializing in radiochemistry. She attended Bethany Lutheran School and Lutheran High School East, where she developed a strong interest in science. Bridges' interest in science was sparked by her high school chemistry teacher (Keith Sprow), who encouraged her to pursue a career in the field.

Career Bridges began her career as a research scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in 2001. She specialized in radiochemistry and heavy metal separation techniques. Some of the specific projects which Bridges focused on were hydrogen storage, cancer treatment, and a chemical catalyst for diesel fuel emissions.