Bevin Luna: Safety, Science and Stewardship in the Arctic

In the polar region, where temperatures plunge, daylight can vanish for months, and the environment challenges both body and technology, science continues to push forward. In Greenland, Alaska and other Arctic research zones, Bevin Luna, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Manager for Battelle Arctic Research Operations (ARO), behind the scenes work ensures that scientific exploration thrives in the most unforgiving climates on Earth.

Grounded in Science, Driven by Purpose

Bevin’s career didn’t begin in the Arctic, it started with a passion for biology and chemistry at Appalachian State University. Early work at National Jewish Hospital in Denver, a research hospital deeply embedded in occupational health, gave her an appreciation for the long-term risks workers face from environmental exposure. There, she supported NIOSH and Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance-funded programs like the Black Lung Clinic, helping coal miners better understand and manage their health risks. “It was eye-opening,” Luna says. “I realized I wanted to make a tangible difference in people’s lives every day.”

That clarity led her to a decade of work with the U.S. Department of Labor, where she deepened her technical expertise in risk assessment, mishap investigations, and health and safety program design. She also joined the American Industrial Hygiene Association Rocky Mountain Section, eventually serving as director of the International Committee, where her connection to the Arctic program began.

A Natural Fit for an Unnatural Environment

From 2017 to 2022, Bevin supported the Arctic Research Operations and Logistics Services (ARSLS) contract with technical expertise in permit required confined spaces, noise monitoring, and industrial hygiene assessments. So when the former Battelle ARO HSE manager transitioned to the National Science Foundation, Bevin stepped into the role with a deep understanding of the work, and an even deeper commitment to the people doing it.

Now leading health, safety and environment intiatives for NSF-funded research sites across the Arctic, Bevin brings more than expertise, she brings intention. “Every day, my focus is on helping our teams complete groundbreaking work safely,” she says. “That means not just managing hazards but building a culture of safety from the inside out.”

Empowering Teams, Elevating Culture

In Arctic operations, safety isn’t a checklist, it’s a shared mindset. Bevin sees herself as a facilitator, convening experts from construction, medical and field operations to plan proactively, assess risks and continuously improve processes. One of her strongest tools? Team knowledge.

“Our people have years, sometimes decades, of polar experience. They’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what can go wrong. Listening to them isn’t just smart, it’s essential,” Luna explains. She encourages open dialogue, feedback and an “open door” policy to surface concerns early and often.

Bevin is also a connector, strengthening relationships with subcontractors and clients. “It’s not just about compliance,” she says. “It’s about collaboration, earning trust, respecting expertise and creating a shared responsibility for safety.”

Leading Through Language and Learning

One of the more unexpected challenges of Arctic leadership? Learning new “languages.” Luna juggles the terminology of military protocols, aviation logistics, scientific fieldwork and project management, all while navigating remote environments where clarity can be a matter of survival. “Understanding how each team thinks and communicates helps me connect the dots,” she says. “It’s how we reduce risk and increase performance.”

Whether planning the replacement of a 120-pound circuit breaker or managing logistics for complex research sites, Bevin’s risk assessments are always grounded in rigorous planning and collaborative review. Her approach emphasizes prevention, preparation and constant vigilance.

Focus on Modern Leadership

Under Bevin’s leadership, Battelle’s Arctic program continues to set a high bar for operational excellence in extreme conditions. Her strategic priorities reflect not only technical rigor, but cultural transformation:

• Elevating safety culture at every level of the organization
• Empowering all personnel with the authority and knowledge to act safely
• Respecting natural and cultural environments while advancing science
• Maintaining clear, compassionate communication with clients, partners, and teams
• Responding decisively to emergencies with preparedness and poise

Bevin’s work shows that leadership in today’s complex world isn’t just about managing tasks, it’s about empowering people. By fostering trust, valuing experience and staying laser-focused on mission and impact, she’s helping Arctic science thrive in ways that are human-centered.

To learn more about the Battelle Arctic Research Operations Bevin supports, visit our  Polar Research Operations page and discover how dedicated professionals are advancing science safely and responsibly.