Simona Hunyadi Murph is a principal scientist at Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). She holds a Ph.D. in chemistry/nanotechnology from the University of South Carolina, an Education Specialist/Educational Leadership (Ed.S.) from Augusta University (AU), and an M.S. and B.S. in chemistry/physics with an education minor from Babes-Bolyai University in Romania. Murph is the founder of SRNL’s Group for Innovation and Advancements in Nano-Technology Sciences (GIANTS) program, which assists and encourages young minority and underrepresented scientists (postdoctoral researchers, graduate, and undergraduate students) from different universities to grow their knowledge and skills in nanoscience fields. The remarkable advances made by Murph and her team in these fields have led to numerous publications, grants, awards, and recognitions. Murph is the outreach program coordinator for SRNL’s Aspiring Mid-Career Professionals, she is an ACS Chemistry Ambassador, and an ACS Science Coach. As a former educator at the university and secondary education levels, Murph has also taught numerous courses and mentored hundreds of students. These leadership roles allow her to promote STEM initiatives with local schools and communities to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders. Recently, Murph was recognized as an Inspirational Woman in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field by the U.S. Department of Energy. She is also the recipient of the 2016 AU, College of Education Distinguished Alumna and Presidential Alumna Award for outstanding contributions to one’s professional career and exemplary dedication to the advancement of the community. This is the highest honor bestowed by AU.