ORNL Review

Weinberg’s 'big science' worries and our interconnected future

coffmanke@ornl.gov — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 17:33:54 +0000

Weinberg’s 'big science' worries and our interconnected future

coffmanke@ornl.gov Mon, 04/14/2025 - 13:33

In 1961, ORNL’s storied former director Alvin Weinberg coined the term “big science” in a journal article published in Science. This story explores his meaning of “big science,” and how the concept relates to the future of interconnected science labs.

AI for pharmaceuticals

coffmanke@ornl.gov — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 20:05:16 +0000

AI for pharmaceuticals coffmanke@ornl.gov Mon, 12/23/2024 - 15:05

AI for national security

coffmanke@ornl.gov — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 20:39:01 +0000

AI for national security coffmanke@ornl.gov Mon, 12/23/2024 - 15:39

AI for the power grid

coffmanke@ornl.gov — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 20:11:17 +0000

AI for the power grid coffmanke@ornl.gov Mon, 12/23/2024 - 15:11

The future of AI runs through ORNL

cramerbn@ornl.gov — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:28:21 +0000

The future of AI runs through ORNL

cramerbn@ornl.gov Tue, 11/12/2024 - 19:28

AI for materials

coffmanke@ornl.gov — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:50:55 +0000

AI for materials coffmanke@ornl.gov Mon, 12/23/2024 - 14:50

AI for climate and weather forecasting

coffmanke@ornl.gov — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 20:32:37 +0000

AI for climate and weather forecasting coffmanke@ornl.gov Mon, 12/23/2024 - 15:32

ORNL’s journey to computing excellence had humble beginnings

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 19:40:08 +0000

ORNL’s journey to computing excellence had humble beginnings

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 12/18/2024 - 14:40

Why Science?

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:59:53 +0000

Why Science?

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 12/18/2024 - 10:59

East Tennessee may become a hub for nuclear medicine

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 16:11:24 +0000

East Tennessee may become a hub for nuclear medicine

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 12/17/2024 - 11:11

Nuclear industry gets a boost from Tennessee government

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 16:42:00 +0000

Nuclear industry gets a boost from Tennessee government

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 12/17/2024 - 11:42

Paving paths for a new nuclear workforce

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 16:54:09 +0000

Paving paths for a new nuclear workforce

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 12/17/2024 - 11:54

Still collaborating after all these years

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 12:50:58 +0000

Still collaborating after all these years

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 06/12/2024 - 08:50

The long partnership between the University of Tennessee and 91�� has led to scientific discoveries and impact that could not have been accomplished by either institution alone.

An institute to supercharge the UT-ORNL alliance

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 13:30:55 +0000

An institute to supercharge the UT-ORNL alliance

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 06/12/2024 - 09:30

The future of the UT-ORNL partnership lies with the UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute, or UT-ORII, which named David Sholl as its second director in April and launched two new “convergent research initiatives” this year that exemplify the institute’s purpose and promise.

Governor's Chairs program attracts scientific luminaries

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 16:50:47 +0000

Governor's Chairs program attracts scientific luminaries

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 06/12/2024 - 12:50

Of approximately 20,000 employees working at ORNL or in the UT System, 13 stand out most prominently. These are the Governor’s Chairs, a group of highly accomplished researchers and academics brought to Tennessee to advance fields that are important to the UT System and to ORNL.

Doctoral students look beyond academia

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 17:00:25 +0000

Doctoral students look beyond academia

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 06/12/2024 - 13:00

The integration of UT and ORNL may be best exemplified by the Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, a 13-year-old Ph.D. program that places students at both the university and the lab.

Producing biofuels for jets

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 15:16:09 +0000

Producing biofuels for jets

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 07/17/2024 - 11:16

To help the aviation sector reach a goal of zero carbon emissions by 2050, DOE’s Center for Bioenergy Innovation at ORNL is setting its expertise and capabilities in plant science, genomics, microbiology and chemistry to the task of creating new low-carbon fuels for airplanes.

Why science?

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 14:27:58 +0000

Why science?

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Thu, 06/13/2024 - 10:27

Exascale impact

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 18:52:47 +0000

Exascale impact

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 11/08/2023 - 13:52

After debuting last year as ORNL’s fourth No. 1 supercomputer in a row and granting access to its first users in April, Frontier settled into regular operations this summer.

Facts about Frontier

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 18:24:13 +0000

Facts about Frontier

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 12/13/2023 - 13:24

The Frontier supercomputer includes some of the world’s most advanced technologies.

ORNL's methodical leap into the exascale era

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 18:42:45 +0000

ORNL's methodical leap into the exascale era

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 12/13/2023 - 13:42

How did the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility and its vendor partners AMD and HPE Cray overcome the daunting obstacles that stood between them and the world's first exascale supercomputer? It took a lot of organization, several false starts and some fortuitous advances in computing technology.

Exascale tools for developing new reactors

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 18:53:01 +0000

Exascale tools for developing new reactors

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 12/13/2023 - 13:53

As renewable sources of energy such as wind and sun power are increasingly added to the country’s electrical grid, old-fashioned nuclear energy is also being primed for a resurgence.

OLCF teams fine-tune Frontier for science

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 18:58:14 +0000

OLCF teams fine-tune Frontier for science

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 12/13/2023 - 13:58

Ensuring Frontier runs as advertised spanned two fronts: the hardware and software, handled mainly by the Operations Section, and the codes developed to run the various simulations, handled mainly by the Scientific Engagement Section.

Pioneering Frontier

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 14:04:16 +0000

Pioneering Frontier

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Thu, 12/14/2023 - 09:04

Here are a few of the many talented ORNL employees behind the construction and operation of Frontier.

Why science?

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:01:28 +0000

Why science?

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Thu, 12/14/2023 - 10:01

ORNL is proud of its role in fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Kay Way: The mother of nuclear data

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 14:57:03 +0000

Kay Way: The mother of nuclear data

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 06/24/2024 - 10:57

In 1942, Katharine (Kay) Way was teaching physics at the University of Tennessee when a former professor recruited her to join the top-secret Manhattan Project at the University of Chicago.

ORNL’s Early Career Research Program award winners

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 22 May 2023 18:53:42 +0000

ORNL’s Early Career Research Program award winners

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 05/22/2023 - 14:53

Since 2010, DOE’s Office of Science has helped to expand and invigorate the nation’s scientific workforce by supporting 785 young scientists at universities and national laboratories through its Early Career Research Program. This year, three ORNL scientists were among the 83 selected to receive ECRP awards.

Pushing fusion energy technology forward

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 22 May 2023 19:02:25 +0000

Pushing fusion energy technology forward

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 05/22/2023 - 15:02

Trey Gebhart traces his interest in fusion energy back to his experiences as an undergraduate engineering student at Virginia Tech.

Promoting healthy river deltas

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 22 May 2023 19:11:54 +0000

Promoting healthy river deltas

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 05/22/2023 - 15:11

Elizabeth Herndon has already worked in a variety of environments, focusing her research on how soil minerals affect the storage or release of organic matter and nutrients in various ecosystems.

Quantifying uncertainty in inverse problems

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 22 May 2023 19:21:24 +0000

Quantifying uncertainty in inverse problems

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 05/22/2023 - 15:21

"When I was an undergraduate, my major was mathematics,” Guannan Zhang said, “but when I went to graduate school, I got into programming and other aspects of computing, so it was very natural for me to pursue a Ph.D. in computational mathematics.”

Libby Johnson: On the frontier for nuclear safety

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 22 May 2023 19:30:51 +0000

Libby Johnson: On the frontier for nuclear safety

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 05/22/2023 - 15:30

ORNL physicist Libby Johnson, one of the world’s first nuclear reactor operators, standardized the field of criticality safety with peers from ORNL and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Why science?

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 21:21:15 +0000

Why science?

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Thu, 12/14/2023 - 16:21

ORNL is proud of its role in fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Researchers use seismology, radiation detection to bolster nonproliferation efforts

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 22 May 2023 18:29:28 +0000

Researchers use seismology, radiation detection to bolster nonproliferation efforts

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 05/22/2023 - 14:29

An ORNL team has tackled the challenge of detecting nuclear materials in vehicles by combining radiation detection with seismology, typically used to study earthquakes.

Computational tools promote children's mental health

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 15:58:44 +0000

Computational tools promote children's mental health

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 04/19/2023 - 11:58

Computational researchers from ORNL are working with a Cincinnati children’s hospital to better predict and address mental health disorders in children.

National security science tackles a new generation of threats

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 16:05:35 +0000

National security science tackles a new generation of threats

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 11/22/2022 - 11:05

As the world has grown more technologically advanced and interconnected, the physical limitations of adversarial engagements have diminished.

High-performance computing boosts uranium research

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 16:28:34 +0000

High-performance computing boosts uranium research

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 11/22/2022 - 11:28

The creation of physics-based gas centrifuge simulations to better understand centrifuge design for uranium enrichment is the primary purpose of a program called the Advance Simulation Initiatives for Nonproliferation Applications, or ASINA.

ORNL tools help ensure energy supply

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 18:12:14 +0000

ORNL tools help ensure energy supply

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 11/22/2022 - 13:12

ORNL’s Geospatial Science and Human Security Division combines expertise in high-performance computing and geospatial science to provide decision-makers with timely information for rapid emergency response, disaster recovery and power restoration.

Strengthening cybersecurity in the energy sector

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 18:49:54 +0000

Strengthening cybersecurity in the energy sector

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 11/22/2022 - 13:49

Energy infrastructure is so interconnected that cascading failures can have wide-reaching effects on access to safe food, winter heating and life-sustaining medical devices.

Why science?

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 19:24:10 +0000

Why science?

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Fri, 12/15/2023 - 14:24

ORNL is proud of its role in fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Engineers and scientists support nonproliferation efforts

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 19:01:59 +0000

Engineers and scientists support nonproliferation efforts

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 11/22/2022 - 14:01

A lesser-known mission of the Manhattan Project during the last two years of World War II saw American engineers traveling around Europe to understand the state of the Nazi nuclear program.

Oak Ridge's last 19th-century building

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 20:29:42 +0000

Oak Ridge's last 19th-century building

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 11/22/2022 - 15:29

About a mile from the laboratory’s boundary, Freels Bend Cabin sits atop a rise overlooking Melton Hill Lake.

User facilities

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 17:32:28 +0000

User facilities

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 08/16/2022 - 13:32

ORNL user facilities advance research in a wide range of science and technology, from explorations of the nature of the universe and its origins to the development of advanced manufacturing technologies that keep the United States competitive.

Getting down to basic

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 18:18:53 +0000

Getting down to basic

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 08/16/2022 - 14:18

A reality in science today is that in order to study the smallest, most fundamental elements of nature, scientists need access to some of the world’s largest and most powerful research centers — with facilities often costing billions of dollars.

OLCF

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 18:29:44 +0000

OLCF

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 08/16/2022 - 14:29

While ORNL's Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility often makes headlines for hosting the world's fastest supercomputers, its ultimate achievement is more complex: helping researchers solve some of the world’s most challenging scientific problems.

National user facilities use applied science to accelerate industry growth

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 18:37:26 +0000

National user facilities use applied science to accelerate industry growth

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 08/16/2022 - 14:37

When U.S. industries need to research, test, troubleshoot and perfect an innovation before it reaches the marketplace, many turn to DOE’s applied science user facilities at ORNL.

Infographic: Predicting the planet's future

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 18:40:06 +0000

Infographic: Predicting the planet's future

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 08/17/2022 - 14:40

ORNL is deeply involved in the race to mitigate climate change. With a staff of world-class experts in fields ranging from ecology to chemistry to computer science and the nation’s most powerful supercomputer, the lab helps us understand the problems that lie ahead and evaluate potential solutions.

Mothers (and fathers) of invention

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 18:22:38 +0000

Mothers (and fathers) of invention

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 08/17/2022 - 14:22

ORNL scientists clearly invent technologies and processes, and the laboratory wants to make them available to U.S. companies with the goal of improving the national economy.

Why science?

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 18:41:02 +0000

Why science?

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 12/18/2023 - 13:41

ORNL is proud of its role in fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Decarbonization: Q&A with David Sholl

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 18:34:36 +0000

Decarbonization: Q&A with David Sholl

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 08/17/2022 - 14:34

David Sholl leads the Transformational Decarbonization Initiative. Image credit: Genevieve Martin, ORNL

Why science? Joni Hall

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 19:43:39 +0000

Why science? Joni Hall

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 08/17/2022 - 15:43

"There are many things I find interesting, and what they have in common is they provide opportunities to find solutions."

Why science? Vasudevan Iyer

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 19:48:21 +0000

Why science? Vasudevan Iyer

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 08/17/2022 - 15:48

"I used to ask my mother what I could invent that would make her proud."

Why science? Omy Tonia Ogbughalu

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 19:56:08 +0000

Why science? Omy Tonia Ogbughalu

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 08/17/2022 - 15:56

"I believe that microbes hold the blueprint to our survival."

Why science? Kevin De Angeli

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 19:39:15 +0000

Why science? Kevin De Angeli

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 08/17/2022 - 15:39

"I have always enjoyed mathematics and computer science."

Why science? Yessica Alejandra Nelson

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 19:49:53 +0000

Why science? Yessica Alejandra Nelson

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 08/17/2022 - 15:49

"As a scientist, I want to advance chemistry through an interdisciplinary and multicultural approach to solving critical energy and environmental problems."

Why science? Darren Driscoll

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 19:52:35 +0000

Why science? Darren Driscoll

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 08/17/2022 - 15:52

"I like to think the career chooses the person."

Keeping materials out of landfills

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 16:34:04 +0000

Keeping materials out of landfills

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 03/07/2022 - 11:34

ORNL researchers are deeply involved in applying the principles of a circular economy.

Ensuring our water future

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 18:43:55 +0000

Ensuring our water future

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 03/07/2022 - 13:43

The United States — and indeed the world — is in the midst of a water crisis.

Lithium recovery: A critical challenge for battery tech

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 19:03:41 +0000

Lithium recovery: A critical challenge for battery tech

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 03/07/2022 - 14:03

Taking advantage of the impending increase in demand for lithium will be particularly challenging for the United States, which currently produces very little of the critically important mineral.

Infographic: Interrupting COVID-19

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 21:27:06 +0000

Infographic: Interrupting COVID-19

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 03/07/2022 - 16:27

A collaborative research team from ORNL and other national laboratories is using artificial intelligence and computational screening techniques — in combination with experimental validation — to identify and design drug therapies to target the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Here are five promising approaches.

DOE scientists deploy creativity, speed to disrupt COVID-19

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 21:06:22 +0000

DOE scientists deploy creativity, speed to disrupt COVID-19

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 03/07/2022 - 16:06

In early 2020, before the novel coronavirus had been named a pandemic, ORNL computational chemist Marti Head abruptly switched her focus — as did many scientists and researchers around the globe — to fight COVID-19.

A tremendous achievement in a tumultuous year

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 19:12:34 +0000

A tremendous achievement in a tumultuous year

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 03/07/2022 - 14:12

Five ORNL scientists have been tapped by DOE’s Office of Science to receive significant research funding as part of the Early Career Research Program.

Embracing a problem to unlock fusion’s future

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 19:40:14 +0000

Embracing a problem to unlock fusion’s future

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 03/07/2022 - 14:40

Matthew Beidler, a physicist in the Fusion Energy Division, started on a research path at a very young age.

Harnessing microbes to boost biofuels

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 19:44:01 +0000

Harnessing microbes to boost biofuels

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 03/07/2022 - 14:44

A diverse group of fungi lives in symbiosis with poplar trees, sharing water and nutrients in a complex and mutually beneficial system. Understanding these interactions provides an opportunity to engineer ecosystems — maximizing soil health, mitigating adverse impacts on climate and producing resilient plants.

Developing state- of-the-art tools to ‘see more, imagine more’

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 19:51:50 +0000

Developing state- of-the-art tools to ‘see more, imagine more’

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 03/07/2022 - 14:51

It’s Fankang Li’s job to dream up new ways to see into the dynamics at play on the subatomic level. As a neutron method development scientist in the Neutron Technologies Division, Li creates new techniques and instruments.

Fighting beam loss in six dimensions

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 20:17:28 +0000

Fighting beam loss in six dimensions

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 03/07/2022 - 15:17

Beam halo — particles ejected far outside a particle accelerator’s core beam — limits the performance of high-intensity accelerators.

Fueling the future of fusion

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 20:21:58 +0000

Fueling the future of fusion

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 03/07/2022 - 15:21

Researchers preparing for sustained fusion devices must shift from technologies that feed fuel to a fusion plasma’s edge to ones, such as cryogenic pellets, that deliver fuel to the plasma’s core.

Eugene Wigner Distinguished Lecturer

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:40:04 +0000

Eugene Wigner Distinguished Lecturer

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 03/08/2022 - 09:40

Samuel Ting shared the 1976 Nobel Prize in physics for the discovery of the J/psi meson, which consists of a charm quark and a charm antiquark. More recently, he has led international collaborations in experimental physics onboard the Space Shuttle Discovery and the International Space Station, as well as at accelerators in the United States, Germany and Switzerland. He delivered the Eugene P. Wigner Distinguished Lecture on June 17, 2021, sharing an update on the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer Experiment, which is being conducted on the ISS.

Why science? Luc L. Dessieux

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:55:26 +0000

Why science? Luc L. Dessieux

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 03/08/2022 - 09:55

"I enjoy gaining a deeper understanding of nature and enjoy problem solving."

Why science? Aaleyah Lewis

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 16:59:49 +0000

Why science? Aaleyah Lewis

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 03/08/2022 - 11:59

"Since my dad bought me my first toolbox at a young age, I have been fascinated with STEM."

Why science? Phil Lotshaw

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 17:03:29 +0000

Why science? Phil Lotshaw

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 03/08/2022 - 12:03

"I chose a career in science because it gives new perspectives on how to think about the world."

Why science? Peter Joseph Queturas Santiago

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 17:12:01 +0000

Why science? Peter Joseph Queturas Santiago

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 03/08/2022 - 12:12

"Many topics interest me, and collaborative research presents me opportunities to develop interdisciplinary solutions to global issues."

Why science? Emily Costa

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 17:17:53 +0000

Why science? Emily Costa

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 03/08/2022 - 12:17

"I have always been amazed by the level of scientific progress and resources driven by ORNL."

Why science? Xingang Zhao

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 17:21:43 +0000

Why science? Xingang Zhao

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 03/08/2022 - 12:21

"Growing up in China, I was passionate about how science and technology could revolutionize the world."

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have Oak Ridge roots

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 17:33:04 +0000

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have Oak Ridge roots

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 03/08/2022 - 12:33

Studies on the structure of RNA were done at ORNL in the early 1950s by biologist Elliot “Ken” Volkin and biochemist Waldo Cohn. They used radioisotope and chromatography techniques that were originally developed for plutonium production at the laboratory’s Graphite Reactor during World War II.

Better living through electricity

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 16:27:46 +0000

Better living through electricity

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 11/23/2021 - 11:27

Electricity powers our lives, and ORNL researchers are deeply involved in every aspect of the electricity ecosystem.

Ensuring the supply of critical materials

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 19:41:53 +0000

Ensuring the supply of critical materials

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 11/23/2021 - 14:41

Our society’s ability to transition to clean energy technologies depends, to a great extent, on having adequate supplies of the materials needed to manufacture components that will be ubiquitous in a clean energy economy — particularly batteries and electric motors.

Going wireless for better vehicle charging

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 19:52:31 +0000

Going wireless for better vehicle charging

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 11/23/2021 - 14:52

To make electric vehicle charging even easier than filling up a car with gas, ORNL researchers have demonstrated a range of wireless charging solutions for stationary vehicles and are nearing completion of a new system to charge EVs while they’re in motion.

New center houses ORNL electricity research

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 20:02:54 +0000

New center houses ORNL electricity research

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Tue, 11/23/2021 - 15:02

The Grid Research Integration and Deployment Center, located in Hardin Valley, about eight miles from ORNL’s main campus, pulls together ORNL’s work in electricity.

ORNL welcomes world-class scientific leaders

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 16:06:24 +0000

ORNL welcomes world-class scientific leaders

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 11/24/2021 - 11:06

We hope you enjoy the following introductions to the scientific leaders who will be guiding ORNL into the future.

Ken Andersen: Solving complicated problems

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 16:24:05 +0000

Ken Andersen: Solving complicated problems

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 11/24/2021 - 11:24

From Denmark to Japan, the UK, France and Sweden, Ken Andersen has worked at neutron sources around the world.

Cynthia Jenks: Beyond the surface

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 16:27:38 +0000

Cynthia Jenks: Beyond the surface

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 11/24/2021 - 11:27

Cynthia Jenks leads ORNL’s Physical Sciences Directorate with a research portfolio spanning basic and applied initiatives across materials sciences, chemistry, nanoscience and physics.

Kathy McCarthy: Science in the sweet spot

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 16:31:24 +0000

Kathy McCarthy: Science in the sweet spot

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 11/24/2021 - 11:31

As the world grapples with climate change, there’s never been a more exciting, urgent time to be working in nuclear energy.

Jeff Nichols: Keeping ORNL on top of the computing world

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 16:35:24 +0000

Jeff Nichols: Keeping ORNL on top of the computing world

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 11/24/2021 - 11:35

Nichols is ensuring ORNL remains a global leader by growing programs in quantum computing and networking and evolving the lab’s computational portfolio to accommodate the coming data revolution.

Xin Sun: Leading clean energy transitions through innovation

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 16:41:21 +0000

Xin Sun: Leading clean energy transitions through innovation

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 11/24/2021 - 11:41

Decarbonization is just one of many initiatives Sun is focused on in her role leading ORNL’s largest applied science directorate.

Balendra Sutharshan: Building an organization of impact

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 16:46:00 +0000

Balendra Sutharshan: Building an organization of impact

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 11/24/2021 - 11:46

Leading a complex directorate requires expertise and vision. Sutharshan first began developing those qualities not in a radiological lab or at a nuclear reactor, but under the Golden Arches.

Stan Wullschleger: Solving societal challenges through science

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 16:49:57 +0000

Stan Wullschleger: Solving societal challenges through science

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 11/24/2021 - 11:49

As head of the Biological and Environmental Systems Science Directorate, Wullschleger leads a diverse and inclusive organization focused on advancing understanding of the natural world and developing innovations that benefit the environment and grow the nation’s bioeconomy.

Why science? Bryan P. Maldonado Puente

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 18:55:53 +0000

Why science? Bryan P. Maldonado Puente

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 11/24/2021 - 13:55

"As a scientist, I enjoy learning and contributing to the understanding of our natural world."

Why science? Yiling Yu

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 19:04:39 +0000

Why science? Yiling Yu

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 11/24/2021 - 14:04

"I am always curious about the underlying mechanisms of how things work and why things appear in their current forms in nature."

Why science? Jian Peng

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 19:06:51 +0000

Why science? Jian Peng

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 11/24/2021 - 14:06

"Becoming a scientist was the dream of my childhood."

Why science? Faye Koenigsmark

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 19:14:22 +0000

Why science? Faye Koenigsmark

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 11/24/2021 - 14:14

"Through my research on mercury fate and transport, I’ve become aware of the inequitable impact of environmental exposures on communities of color and low-income communities."

Why science? Jason Hirschey

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 19:17:26 +0000

Why science? Jason Hirschey

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 11/24/2021 - 14:17

"I believe data-driven and empirical decision-making is crucial for bettering the world."

Why science? Gabriela Schröder

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 19:20:54 +0000

Why science? Gabriela Schröder

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 11/24/2021 - 14:20

"Proteins are fascinating machines whose potential can be harnessed for unique chemistry."

A piece of aviation history hidden in the woods

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 19:48:39 +0000

A piece of aviation history hidden in the woods

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Wed, 11/24/2021 - 14:48

Early U.S. airmail pilots, particularly those flying at night or in bad weather, faced serious navigational challenges until the Post Office commissioned the Transcontinental Air Mail Route, a network of airway beacons designed to guide pilots across the largely featureless nighttime landscape.

The barn that wasn’t a barn

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 17:29:00 +0000

The barn that wasn’t a barn

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 06/21/2021 - 13:29

In 1948, the government erected a funny-looking building in the woods between ORNL and the Y-12 Plant (now the Y-12 National Security Complex). Named Installation Dog, it was a concrete bunker built into the side of a hill, with a vault that would do a bank proud.

Celebrating the next generation of great scientists

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 16:01:03 +0000

Celebrating the next generation of great scientists williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 06/21/2021 - 12:01

This year, three ORNL scientists will receive grants for $500,000 per year for five years through the Early Career Research Program of DOE's Office of Science to cover salary and research expenses.

Benjamin Sulman: Shifting from physics to ecology

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 16:33:13 +0000

Benjamin Sulman: Shifting from physics to ecology

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 06/21/2021 - 12:33

Benjamin Sulman, a scientist in ORNL’s Environmental Sciences Division, seeks to fully assess estuarine wetlands by simulating the environment using the Energy Exascale Earth System Model, a DOE leading-edge modeling, simulation and prediction project involving eight national labs, including ORNL.

Peter Jiang: Getting more out of a neutron beam

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 16:20:36 +0000

Peter Jiang: Getting more out of a neutron beam

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 06/21/2021 - 12:20

Peter Jiang has been captivated by physics since his childhood in China.

Elijah Martin: An unanswered question launches a career quest

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 16:28:27 +0000

Elijah Martin: An unanswered question launches a career quest

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Mon, 06/21/2021 - 12:28

Elijah Martin vividly remembers the first time he heard the word “plasma.”

Understanding the complexities of climate change

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 17:33:11 +0000

Understanding the complexities of climate change

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Fri, 06/18/2021 - 13:33

As a leader in climate science, clean energy innovations and national security, ORNL is in a unique position to harness extensive expertise and big science tools like the nation’s most powerful

Energy efficiency research supports grid-interactive townhome development

williamsjl2@ornl.gov — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 18:41:55 +0000

Energy efficiency research supports grid-interactive townhome development

williamsjl2@ornl.gov Fri, 06/18/2021 - 14:41

Under a collaborative research and development agreement with Southern Company, ORNL researchers have developed a home energy optimization platform for 46 townhomes in Atlanta’s first Smart Neighborhood. The platform optimizes each home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and water heating systems, in coordination with rooftop solar and batteries, to minimize costs and maintain comfort.