In 1990 Campbell began a postdoctoral fellowship in the material sciences department of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Washington. In 1992 she joined their staff as a research scientist. She applied techniques for growing thin films on surfaces to the development of bioactive coatings. Campbell's bioceramics promote the growth of a calcium phosphate layer over implant surfaces for artificial hip and knee implants, dental implants, and pins supporting broken bones, to prevent wear and prolong implant usability.[5][6] Campbell holds several patents for this new technology.[7] The coating also kills bacteria, reducing post-surgical infections. The process was licensed to Bacterin in 2004. Campbell's work was recognized with several awards.[8]
In 2000, Campbell became associate director of the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) at PNNL, followed by interim director in 2004 and director in 2005.[7] As a scientific user facility, EMSL's facilities are used by hundreds of scientists from around the world each year. Under Campbell's directorship, EMSL Campbell substantially expanded EMSL's resources, adding 32 scientific instruments at a cost of $60 million, expanding computing and office space, and opening a $7 million "Quiet Wing" and a Radiochemistry Annex.[9]
Campbell advocates for federal support of science and chemistry research and education.[12] On September 10, 2009, she testified to the United States House Committee on Science, Space and Technology's Subcommittee on Energy & Environment, as part of a Witness Panel discussion on Biological Research for Energy and Medical Applications at the Department of Energy Office of Science.[13] She is a member of the Chemical Sciences Roundtable of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.[14] As the 2017 president of the American Chemical Society (ACS) she has said she will work to educate both politicians and the public on the importance of the sciences as "potent forces for good in our world".[3][4][12]
Science has become politicized to an unprecedented degree in the U.S. ACS has a central role to play in educating policy-makers and the public on the real contributions that chemistry makes every moment of every day to our high quality of life.
2002, 12 Women at the Forefront of Chemistry, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the ACS Women Chemist Committee[5] (profiled in Chemical & Engineering News)[1]
Campbell represented the U.S. as an equestrienne in the Junior World Championships in 1987. She was also a contender for the U.S. Olympic equestrian team in 1988.[1][5] Campbell has also advocated for greater LGBTQIA+ inclusion and support within STEM.
Personal life
Campbell lives in Washington state with her wife, Julie.[18] She is an avid cyclist and fly-fishing enthusiast.[18]
References
^ abcdeMacDermott, Kevin (February 25, 2002). "Women in Chemistry: Leading by Example". Chemical & Engineering News. 80 (8): 31. doi:10.1021/cen-v080n008.p031.