The Office of Research Services (ORS) is comprised of a diverse portfolio of services that support the NIH mission. In this section - I AM ORS, we showcase the exceptional employees behind these vital programs.
Linora DeWalt, Budget Analyst
Linora DeWalt is a budget analyst for the Office of Budget and Finance (OBF). Linora is responsible for various activities supporting the Office of Research Services (ORS) budget administration and management. She manages the ORS gift fund, performs year-end financial reviews, and supports all staff within the Program and Employee Services (PES) cluster and the Medical Arts Branch. Linora previously served as assistant to Dr. Judith Cooper, Deputy Director of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) for 17 years. Linora has worked at the NIH for 33 years.
Ever since graduating from high school, she was encouraged by family to establish a career in the Federal Government. Linora credits her late grandmother for teaching her important values that shape both her work ethic and great drive in life. Linora says she enjoys work and puts forth great effort to get things done. “The efforts and the rewards come hand and hand” is her life motto.
Linora is from Washington, D.C. In her spare time, she loves to shop, spend time with grandchildren, and tend to her “green” garden.
Dustin Gibbs, Senior Health Physicist
Dustin Gibbs is a Senior Health Physicist for the Division of Radiation Safety (DRS) at the Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick (IRF-Frederick), part of the NIAID's Division of Clinical Research (DCR). Dustin works with NIH researchers to ensure they are working safely with radioactive materials and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Dustin says health physicists may appear as "regulators" of the lab, but their goal is to help NIH researchers work within a complex regulatory framework, not to hinder research, which they often emphasize in their training with scientists. Dustin was promoted to a Senior Health Physicist just three years after joining DRS. He is proud to have accomplished his goal of becoming a health physicist within the federal government. Dustin received education in health physics and preventive medicine through the Army and continued his education after his time in service finishing Bachelor of Science degrees in Environmental Management and Radiation Protection and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Safety and Health. He is happy to be a part of the ORS saying, "[The ORS] offers a lot of unique opportunities that you couldn't get anywhere else."
Dustin has many hobbies, including running, backpacking and woodworking. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and two children.
Tina Farmer, Program Specialist
Tina Farmer is a Program Specialist in the Business Services Branch (BSB). Tina is responsible for developing and implementing plans and strategies for the internal and external integration of day-to-day and long-term acquisition projects and activities for the Office of Research Services (ORS). She is also the BSB procurement committee chair, delegating tasks for various acquisition activities or projects. Tina says she enjoys being part of a team that supports scientific research that helps so many around the world. Specifically, her work supports the Division of Scientific Equipment and Instrumentation Services, and both branches of Medical Arts and Events Management.
Tina has worked at the NIH for 21 years. She received an Associate degree in Business Administration from Strayer University, then continued to earn a Bachelor’s degree from the same university. Prior to joining the NIH, Tina served in the United States Navy.
During the pandemic, Tina discovered she enjoys crocheting. She also loves volunteering with her church, where she is an assistant liturgical youth dance instructor.
