Oak Ridge Today

Zacharia retiring as ORNL director

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Thomas Zacharia has served as laboratory director since July 2017. (Photo credit: Carlos Jones/Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy)

Thomas Zacharia plans to retire as director of Oak Ridge National Laboratory at the end of 2022 after 35 years at the nation’s largest science and energy laboratory, a press release said.

Zacharia has served as laboratory director since July 2017, overseeing the lab’s extensive $2.5 billion research portfolio and staff of nearly 6, the press release said.

“An incredible leader, extraordinary collaborator, and powerhouse innovator, Thomas is leaving a profound impact on ORNL and the world,” said Randy Boyd, University of Tennessee system president and chairman of the UT-Battelle board of governors. UT-Battelle operates ORNL for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

In his tenure as lab director, Zacharia spearheaded significant growth in ORNL’s staff and portfolio, established new research initiatives, and guided the lab through the COVID-19 pandemic, the press release said.

Among milestones during Zacharia’s tenure as director, the press release said, the laboratory has:

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Repairs planned for gravel section of Tuskegee Road

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The Oak Ridge Public Works Department will conduct road repairs to the gravel section of Tuskegee Road from Tuesday, July 19 to Friday, July 22, weather permitting, a press release said.

The work will require sections of the road to be closed for the day beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m.

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Investigation under way in West Outer Drive house fire

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Three people are safe after a house fire on West Outer Drive on Friday morning, July 15, 2022. (Photo from City of Oak Ridge)

Three people are safe after a house fire on West Outer Drive on Friday morning.

Fire crews arrived on scene of the home, located at 687 West Outer Drive, within three minutes of the call, a press release said. They arrived at 10:06 a.m. to find the home on fire with heavy smoke coming from the roof.

One man suffered injuries that weren’t life-threatening after escaping through a window, the press release said. He was treated on scene and did not need to be taken to the hospital.

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Oak Ridge has July 4 concert, fireworks

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The annual July 4 concert and fireworks show is in Oak Ridge this evening.

The Independence Day fireworks display will be held in Alvin K. Bissell Park on Monday, July 4, and it is scheduled to begin at dark, around 9:45 p.m. In order to set up for the event, the walking trails in Bissell Park will be closed beginning at 8:30 a.m. the morning of the event, a press release said.

The Oak Ridge Community Band will perform before the fireworks. The concert is free, but donations are accepted by the band to help cover the cost of equipment and other expenses, the press release said. The music is expected to begin at 7:30 p.m.

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REAC/TS welcomes new team members: John Crapo, Josh Hayes and David Quillen

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OAK RIDGE, Tenn.— The Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) in Oak Ridge, Tenn., welcomes three new team members: John Crapo, Josh Hayes and David Quillin.

John Crapo joins the team as a part-time health physicist after retiring from the National Nuclear Security Administration, where he served as a program manager in the Office of Nuclear Incident Response. Prior to that, Crapo spent nine years with Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) working on its flagship contract, the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, serving as associate director for its national security programs. His experience also includes 26 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy, serving as a nuclear engineering technician and radiation specialist, retiring at the rank of lieutenant commander.

Crapo earned his bachelor’s degree in radiological health physics at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell; his master’s degree in health physics at Georgetown University; and a master’s degree in environmental health from the School of Public Health, Harvard University. Crapo is certified in the Comprehensive Practice of Health Physics by the American Board of Health Physics, serves as the president of Clarksburg Community Assistance Network and is the executive administrator at Cedarbrook Community Church, Clarksburg, Md.

Josh Hayes, Ph.D, joins the team as a health physicist. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a defense specialist and spent most of his enlistment stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where he was able to respond to the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. That experience led Josh to pursue goals in studying radiological sciences.

Hayes holds a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences, a master’s degree in health physics and a doctorate degree in radiological health from Colorado State University (CSU). While working at CSU, he had the opportunity to travel several times for extended stays to Fukushima, Japan, to work with wildlife biologists and veterinarians, studying the impacts the environmentally dispersed radiation from the Fukushima nuclear disaster was having on wildlife. Specifically, he studied the hematological system of wild boar and field mice, which lead him to ORAU in 2018 for a summer internship. Following completion of his doctorate degree in 2020, Hayes moved to Vienna, Austria, to work for the International Atomic Energy Agency as a radiobiologist and biodosimetrist. In his spare time, he enjoys running the trails at Frozen Head State Park.

David Quillin comes to REAC/TS as a nurse. Most recently Quillin worked as an occupational health nurse at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Prior to that, he worked as a critical care nurse at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center while also working with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office as a reserve patrol officer. In addition to nursing, Quillin brings with him many years of law enforcement experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Kentucky.

About REAC/TS
REAC/TS is an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education facility managed by ORAU for the U.S. Department of Energy with the mission to strengthen the medical response to radiological and nuclear incidents. REAC/TS provides 24/7 medical support and deployment to provide emergency medical consultation for incidents involving radioactive materials and ionizing radiation worldwide. REAC/TS also conducts ongoing research into the biological effects of radiation and provides continuing medical education for healthcare providers, other professionals and students. For more information, visit https://orise.orau.gov/reacts/

About ORISE
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education is a U.S. Department of Energy asset that is dedicated to enabling critical scientific, research, and health initiatives of the department and its laboratory system by providing world-class expertise in STEM workforce development, scientific and technical reviews, and the evaluation of radiation exposure and environmental contamination. ORISE is managed by ORAU, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and federal contractor, for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit https://energy.gov/science
Like us on Facebook: ORISE Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: ORISE Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn: ORISE LinkedIn
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oriseconnect/

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NASA Postdoctoral Program seeks early career and senior scientists for prestigious fellowships at its locations across the U.S.

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Oak Ridge, Tenn.— NASA invites both early-career and senior scientists to explore fellowship opportunities in its postdoctoral program and share in NASA’s mission to develop advancements in science, technology, aeronautics and space exploration. The deadline to apply for this cycle of fellowships is July 1, 2022. Learn more or apply for fellowships in the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP). ORAU manages the NPP for NASA.

“The NPP includes diverse scientific and technological fellowships offered at NASA and one-of-a-kind educational experiences that prepare future leaders for NASA and the academic community,” said ORAU NPP Program Director J. Scott Miller, Ph.D. “ORAU supports NASA’s goal to build an inclusive, collaborative, open, and innovative work environment that enhances work-life balance and encourages career development for postdoctoral fellows.”

This program offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented U.S. and non-U.S. scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects with top scientists at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems and astrobiology.

Deadlines and Eligibility
Annual NPP application deadlines are March 1, July 1, and Nov. 1. Scientists within five years of having received their degrees are eligible to apply as a postdoctoral fellow; scientists who have received their doctorates more than five years previously may apply as a senior fellow. After the first year as a postdoctoral fellow, scientists interested in management may apply to the postdoctoral management program at NASA Headquarters.

Benefits
Stipend rates for these NASA postdoctoral fellows currently start at $63,000 per year. Supplements are provided for higher cost-of-living areas and certain academic specialties. The stipend amount for a senior postdoctoral fellow is based on the location of the appointment, experience (number of years beyond the doctoral degree) and career achievement, including academic rank and professional title. Available benefits include health insurance supplements, professional development resources, a research allowance up to $10,000 per year and relocation reimbursement.

Learn More and Apply
Beginning with this current application cycle ending on July 1, NASA has re-opened eligibility to foreign nationals who are eligible for the Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status. See eligibility and requirements for more details.

Learn more about the NPP, including how to apply, eligibility and requirements, additional benefits and what to expect during the application process at https://npp.orau.org. For additional information, email npp@orau.org.

ORAU provides innovative scientific and technical solutions to advance national priorities in science, education, security and health. Through specialized teams of experts, unique laboratory capabilities and access to a consortium of more than 100 major Ph.D.-granting institutions, ORAU works with federal, state, local and commercial customers to advance national priorities and serve the public interest. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and federal contractor, ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education for the U.S. Department of Energy. Visit https://www.orau.org for more information.

According to NASA, it is America’s civil space program and the global leader in space exploration. The agency has a diverse workforce of just under 18,000 civil servants, and works with many more U.S. contractors, academia, and international and commercial partners to explore, discover, and expand knowledge for the benefit of humanity. With an annual budget of $23.2 billion in Fiscal Year 2021, which is less than 0.5% of the overall U.S. federal budget, NASA supports more than 312,000 jobs across the United States, generating more than $64.3 billion in total economic output (Fiscal Year 2019). Learn more at https://www.nasa.gov/about

ORAU names Brandon Criswell associate general counsel

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Oak Ridge, Tenn. — Brandon Criswell has recently joined ORAU as associate general counsel.
In his role, Criswell will assist ORAU’s programs and internal business clients with counsel concerning legal rights, contractual obligations, compliance and risk.

“We are excited that Brandon will be joining our team,” said Rachel Lokitz, vice president and general counsel. “Brandon brings experience in counseling clients in multiple areas of civil and business law. He has developed a broad set of skills as an attorney that will translate well to the ORAU General Counsel’s office.”
Criswell has spent the last three years as an associate attorney for Owings, Wilson and Coleman in Knoxville, Tenn., where he advised businesses and professional organizations, consulted for nonprofits and assisted clients in navigating the legal system. Criswell’s experience has mainly been as legal counsel to businesses, LLCs and nonprofits, which has given him the opportunity to advise on a wide range of corporate administrative dealings.

Criswell graduated cum laude from Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law in 2018, where he received the top grade in Property I, Administrative Law. He received a bachelor of arts in history from the University of Tennessee in 2015.

ORAU provides innovative scientific and technical solutions to advance national priorities in science, education, security and health. Through specialized teams of experts, unique laboratory capabilities and access to a consortium of more than 150 colleges and universities, ORAU works with federal, state, local and commercial customers to advance national priorities and serve the public interest. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and federal contractor, ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education for the U.S. Department of Energy. To learn more, visit www.orau.org.

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Update on downtown Oak Ridge Tuesday

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Wayne Blasius

A city official will give an update on the proposed development of downtown Oak Ridge during a lunchtime meeting Tuesday.

The presentation will be led by Wayne Blasius, director of the Oak Ridge Planning and Development Department. The online Lunch with the League meeting has been organized by the League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge, and it is scheduled from 12 to 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 15.

“Because of its unique development as a community to support the Manhattan Project (during World War II), the City of Oak Ridge lacked a central downtown,” a press release said. “In the fall of 2019, the city prepared a vision for a new city center, which included zoning changes, property acquisition, and soliciting development. With zoning changes and property acquisition in place, on August 6, 2021, the Oak Ridge Land Bank held its ‘Toast the Town’ event to hear the formal announcement of the call for development. Two excellent proposals were received in response to the (request for proposals) and will be considered for approval by the Land Bank Board at their business meeting, March 15, 5:30 pm (location to be announced). Interested community members are encouraged to attend.”

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TVA has virtual open house for Clinch River Nuclear Site

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Clinch-River-Site-Bear-Creek-Road-Entrance-March-27-2016
The small nuclear reactors that could be built along the Clinch River could provide enough electricity to power several cities the size of Oak Ridge. The Bear Creek Road entrance to the Clinch River Site, where the reactors could be built by the Tennessee Valley Authority, is pictured above on Sunday, March 27, 2016. (File photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

The Tennessee Valley Authority will have a virtual open house for the Clinch River Nuclear Site in west Oak Ridge this evening (Thursday, March 10).

The open house follows the release of a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the 935-acre site in the Roane County portion of Oak Ridge, south of Heritage Center (the former K-25 site) near the Clinch River.

The draft EIS assesses the potential environmental effects associated with possibly having nuclear reactors at the site, a press release said.

“The proposed facility aligns with TVA’s 2050 target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions and drive to a carbon-free future,” the press release said.

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Science and supercomputers at ORNL topic of Mar. 8 talk

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Bronson Messer, director of science at the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, will speak virtually to Friends of ORNL on Tuesday, Mar. 8, at 12 noon on “Computational Science at the Dawn of the Exascale Era.”
He will describe important scientific findings that resulted from modeling and simulations at the Summit supercomputer at ORNL, including work relevant to combating the COVID-19 disease.
He will also mention research projects planned for the Frontier supercomputer under construction at ORNL. This “exascale” machine will be capable of a quintillion (billion times a billion) calculations per second, which is 50 times faster than the most powerful supercomputers in use today and 1,000 times faster than the supercomputers that came online 14 years ago.
The talk is open to the public. To view the virtual lecture, click on the talk title on the homepage of the www.fornl.org website and click on the Zoom link near the top of the page describing the lecture. Here is Messer’s summary of what he will talk about.
“Regardless of our increasing reliance on and familiarity with computing power in our everyday lives, modern supercomputers are unique scientific instruments, more akin to the Large Hadron Collider or the James Webb Space Telescope than to our laptop computers and cellphones. Unlike those large devices, however, supercomputers are also among the most versatile of scientific instruments, as they push back frontiers in physics, biology, climate and many other fields.
“I will describe how the Summit supercomputer is used in modern scientific research and mention some recent discoveries, including work on the COVID-19 pandemic. I will also provide a glance ahead to the first science we hope will be accomplished with the under-construction Frontier machine, which is planned to be the nation’s first exascale supercomputer – that is, a machine capable of one quintillion floating-point operations per second.”
A computational astrophysicist, Messer is also a Distinguished Scientist and joint faculty associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Tennessee. Prior to joining ORNL, he was a research associate in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Chicago, where he was deputy group leader for astrophysics in the ASC Center for Astrophysical Thermonuclear Flashes.
He is a member of the American Astronomical Society and recently served on the American Physical Society’s Committee on Informing the Public (2018-2020). In 2020, he was awarded the Department of Energy Secretary’s Honor Award for his part in enabling the COVID-19 High Performance Computing Consortium. Messer holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Tennessee, where he earned his Ph.D. in physics in 2000.
His primary research interests are related to the explosion mechanisms and phenomenology of supernovae, especially neutrino transport and signatures, dense matter physics and the details of turbulent nuclear combustion. He also has worked on the application of machine learning algorithms to the analysis of galaxy merger simulations and on performance modeling and prediction for high-performance computing architectures.

CUTLINES
Bronson Messer

The Summit supercomputer at ORNL

First Presbyterian offers free meals & groceries on Mar. 10

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First Presbyterian Church will provide a free meal and bag of groceries to guests who drive by the church between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 10.
The church’s monthly “Welcome Table” community meal program plans to supply each guest with a meal consisting of a soup, chips, fruit and brownies. In addition, a bag of groceries will be delivered to each car.
Guests should drive through the church parking lot to the sanctuary building (1051 Oak Ridge Turnpike) at the intersection of the Turnpike and Lafayette Drive to collect the foods donated by church members or paid for by the congregation’s hunger fund. Church volunteers wearing masks will deliver the hot meal and groceries to guests in their cars.

ORHS Masquers presents ‘Into the Woods’

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The production of ‘Into the Woods’ by Oak Ridge High School Masquers features Emmaline Estep as “Rapunzel,” Anna Younger as “Cinderella,” Norah Younger as “the Witch,” Max Mischler as “Jack,” Emily Salko as “Little Red Riding Hood,” and Jack Lloyd as “the Narrator.” (Photo submitted by ORHS Masquers)

Oak Ridge High School Masquers, the school’s extracurricular drama program, is presenting “Into the Woods,” the Stephen Sondheim musical based on the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales, in four performances this weekend.

The performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, March 4; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 5; and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 6, at the Oak Ridge Performing Arts Center at Oak Ridge High School.

“Into the Woods” blends the story of Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, the Baker, his Wife, and the Witch into a single interwoven tale of adventure and loss, a press release said. Backed by the brilliant music and lyrics of Sondheim, the songs explore choices the characters must make and how they process the experiences they are having. The first act brings every character their dreamed successes and is very family friendly, the press release said.

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