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ORISE announces winners of 2025 Future of Science Awards

Posted at 2:12 pm September 23, 2025
By Amy Schwinge Leave a Comment

ORISE announces winners of 2025 Future of Science Awards

Oak Ridge, Tenn.—The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Future of Science Awards.

The awardees were unveiled during a virtual ceremony held on Aug. 28, 2025, as part of the inaugural ORISE Symposium — a three-day event that celebrated scientific learning, innovation and collaboration.

Presented annually since 2022, the Future of Science Awards recognize excellence by ORISE program participants in the areas of scientific achievement, professional growth, project contributions and leadership. The awards also honor exceptional mentors who have played a pivotal role in guiding and inspiring ORISE participants.

Honorees are recognized in four categories: undergraduate student and post-baccalaureate, graduate student and post-master’s, postdoctoral, and mentor. Each participant winner receives a $1,000 prize, while all winners — including the mentor awardee — receive an award plaque and formal recognition from ORISE.

Undergraduate Student and Post-Baccalaureate Award Winner
Janou Milligan
Program: Oak Ridge National Laboratory Education Collaboration Program
Most Recent University: Georgia State University
Nominated by Fred Dolislager, mentor

Janou Milligan
Janou Milligan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from Georgia State University, gaining experience in software engineering, computer information systems, networking and cybersecurity, with a primary focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning. From August 2024 to December 2024, he participated in the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), followed by the Education Collaboration (ECO) program from December 2024 to August 2025. With the Environmental Risk and Energy Analysis group, Janou developed exposure models, utilized databases and programmed routines that support environmental risk assessment information systems sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. In parallel, he collaborated with ORNL’s Advanced Plant Phenotyping Laboratory (APPL) to design deep learning models for image, multivariate and time-series data analysis, enhancing APPL’s phenotyping capabilities in support of the Center for Bioenergy Innovation (CBI). His contributions have led to in-development publications, including a technical memorandum and a research paper, and he earned recognition through a 2025 Biosciences Division Distinguished Achievement Award. Going forward, Janou will begin his studies for a doctoral degree in data science and engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, under the Bredesen Center, continuing to work with APPL and CBI while exploring innovative applications of AI in plant science and other biosciences.

Graduate Student and Post-Master’s Award Winner
Margaret Costello
Program: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service
University: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Nominated by Jennifer McClure, Ph.D., mentor

Margaret Costello
Margaret Costello is pursuing a doctoral degree while participating as an ORISE graduate fellow with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Dairy Forage Research Center, mentored by Hilario Mantovani, Ph.D., and Jennifer McClure, Ph.D. Her doctoral research focuses on the dairy cow gastrointestinal microbiome, particularly the development of scalable, non-invasive sampling and processing techniques. She is optimizing methods, such as buccal swabs and DNA preservation approaches, to provide a cost-effective, less labor-intensive alternative to traditional rumen sampling. By advancing unbiased and safe DNA extraction protocols, her goal is to generate microbial data that can be more readily integrated into animal breeding and management strategies. Her research also incorporates long-read metagenomic sequencing to characterize the functional potential of microbial populations, with a special focus on traits connected to sustainability, including reducing methane emissions and improving feed efficiency. Through this interdisciplinary approach, Margaret seeks to bridge microbiome research with practical applications that benefit both producers and the environment. Outside of her research, Margaret enjoys spending time with her beagle and crocheting.

Postdoctoral Award Winner
Kerri Miazgowicz, Ph.D.
Program: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Most Recent University: University of Georgia
Nominated by Amanda Calvert, Ph.D., mentor

Kerri Miazgowicz
Kerri Miazgowicz, Ph.D., recently completed an ORISE fellowship with the Virology Team of the Arborial Disease Branch of the Division of Vector-borne Diseases, located within the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Her research is focused on developing novel diagnostic reagents and assays for the detection of arboviral infections. This includes the generation and implementation of the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) system in-house to produce chimeric viruses to develop safer and faster neutralization tests, which require the use of live infectious viruses. In parallel, her research also involves the generation of hybridoma cells and recombinant mammalian cells to produce novel antibodies used to detect emerging and reemerging arboviruses in diagnostic assays. Kerri will be starting a new fellowship opportunity with the Association of Public Health Laboratories hosted at the North Carolina State Public Health Lab.

Mentor Award Winner
Shuang Cui, Ph.D.
Program: U.S. Department of Energy Innovation in Buildings (IBUILD) Program
Nominated by Bernadette Magalindan, IBUILD fellow

Shuang Cui
Shuang Cui, Ph.D., is an assistant professor and Eugene McDermott distinguished fellow in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas). She also holds a joint faculty appointment at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Cui received her doctoral degree in mechanical engineering from the University of California, San Diego. Her research focuses on developing advanced materials and systems for energy storage, water harvesting and thermoregulation. Cui has received multiple prestigious honors, including the Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in Research Award from UT Dallas, the President’s Award for Exceptional Performance from NREL, and Best Reviewer Award from American Society of Thermal and Fluids Engineers. She has been featured by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Women @Energy: STEM Rising and was an invited participant at the Asian Deans’ Forum – The Rising Stars Women in Engineering Workshop in Korea (2019) as well as the 2019 U.S. C3E Women in Clean Energy Symposium. She actively mentors students through the DOE Innovation in Buildings (IBUILD) Program, DOE Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) Program and DOE Jump into STEM competition.

Visit the ORISE Future of Science Awards webpage:
https://orise.orau.gov/news/archive/2025/orise-announces-winners-of-future-of-science-awards.html
for more information, including photos of each winner, a video of the event and videos with statements from the winners.

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

Connect with ORISE:

ORISE Facebook
ORISE X
ORISE LinkedIn
ORISE Instagram
ORISE website: https://orise.orau.gov

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Filed Under: Front Page News Tagged With: ORAU, ORISE

ORAU 2025 Pollard Scholarship recipients announced

Posted at 6:18 pm August 11, 2025
By Amy Schwinge Leave a Comment

Oak Ridge, Tenn. — ORAU awarded five William G. Pollard Scholarships of $2,500 each toward undergraduate studies for the 2025-26 academic year. The recipients of this year’s scholarships include Courtney Collins, Brandon Dake, Caroline Ferguson, Kira Palau and Laura Scott.

Annually, ORAU awards these scholarships to employees’ children who display exceptional achievements in their high school or undergraduate studies. To be considered, applicants must submit official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended, three references (at least two of which must be from teachers), and a 500-word essay describing their professional and personal interests.

Below are additional details on each of the 2025 winners:

Courtney Collins, daughter of Amy Collins, is a rising junior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is studying finance with a concentration in real estate to become a real estate agent directly after graduating. On campus, Courtney is involved in the sorority Tri Delta and a prayer group, called 18:20. She is graduating in three years and has been recognized on the dean’s list every semester.

Brandon Dake, son of Melanie Dake, will be a freshman student-athlete at Johnson University while working to earn his degree in nursing with a double major in Bible and theology. He plans to become a flight nurse after graduation, then go back to school to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist or nurse anesthetist. During high school, Brandon volunteered with Special Olympics, where he worked with participants in various sports.

Caroline Ferguson, daughter of Michelle Ferguson, is a rising freshman at Ohio State University. Graduating Summa Cum Laude from Turpin High School, Caroline achieved an unweighted 4.0 GPA. She was vice president of the National Honor Society and participated in varsity soccer and the Quiz Team. Caroline volunteered as a TOP (The Outreach Program) soccer coach for children with disabilities, served on the 1N5 Youth Council for Suicide Prevention, and she was a camp counselor at her church for disadvantaged youth. Caroline is majoring in biochemistry within the honors program at OSU. She aspires to go to medical school and become a radiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon.

Kira Palau, daughter of Angela Palau, is a rising senior at the University of Colorado Boulder, studying chemical and biological engineering with a minor in leadership and biomedical engineering. She graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 2022. Kira has worked in a variety of research fields focused largely on environmental conservation, and she recently branched out into the field of material science. She has worked with the Clinch River Environmental Studies Organization evaluating the ecological health of local woodlands and wetlands, participated in a self-directed research project at the University of Glasgow looking at the effects of increasing soil salinity on plant growth as well as conducting genetic research on cyanobacteria in a laboratory. This summer, Kira has begun research on polymerization in a material science/chemical engineering laboratory, where she will be working on her senior thesis. As she pursues her newfound interest in material science, she hopes to combine her passions—working to merge materials and conservation to advance the field of green energy.

Laura Scott, daughter of Kimberly Scott, is a second-year student at Tennessee Tech University, majoring in education with a concentration in middle school math (grades 6–10). She is on track to graduate in May 2027. Laura is committed to her academic success and passionate about her future teaching career. She currently works part time for Oak Ridge Schools, where she has developed an even greater appreciation for public education.

The William G. Pollard Scholarship Awards are presented in honor of ORAU’s founder in recognition of his dedication to science and education. A University of Tennessee physics professor, Pollard founded the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies—which later became ORAU—to link the valuable scientific resources developed in Oak Ridge as part of the Manhattan Project with regional universities.

ORAU integrates academia, government and industry to advance the nation’s learning, health and scientific knowledge to build a better world. Through our specialized teams of subject matter experts, decades of experience, and collaborations with our consortium of more than 160 major Ph.D.-granting institutions, ORAU is a recognized leader when the priorities of our federal, state, local, and commercial customers require innovative solutions. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). ORAU is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and government contractor. For more information, visit https://www.orau.org/.

SEE EMAIL TO JOHN FOR PHOTOS OF FIVE RECIPIENTS

Filed Under: Front Page News Tagged With: ORAU, Pollard Scholarships

Keri Cagle named new ORAU senior vice president and ORISE director

Posted at 10:06 am March 20, 2025
By Amy Schwinge Leave a Comment

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. ORAU announced Keri Cagle, Ed.D., PMP, as the new ORAU senior vice president and director of the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), effective immediately. In her new role, Cagle will leverage her vast experience and strategic insight to enhance ORISEs work in critical scientific research and health initiatives for the U.S. Department of Energy and its laboratory system.

Before her promotion, Cagle demonstrated exceptional leadership as the senior director of Scientific Peer Review for ORISE, where she directed the strategic operations of its multi-million-dollar scientific peer review program. Under her guidance, the program skillfully adapted to shifting landscapes, resulting in notable business expansion and enhanced performance.

With an impressive 19-year tenure supporting the ORISE contract, Keri steps into her new role with an extensive background in program management, strategic planning and leadership within the scientific and educational sectors, said Andy Page, president and CEO of ORAU. “Keris profound leadership abilities, coupled with her extensive experience in government contracting and strategic operations, make her an ideal fit for this position. Her visionary approach and dedication to fostering collaborative relationships have consistently propelled our programs to new heights. We are excited to see her lead ORISE into a promising future.”

Cagle holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership & Learning from Vanderbilt University, a Master of Science in Organization Leadership from Regis University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Tusculum College. Her professional certifications include Project Management Professional and Certified Agile Leader, highlighting her commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

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 Energys Office of Science.

The U.S. Department of Energys 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

Connect with ORISE:

ORISE Facebook
ORISE X
ORISE LinkedIn
ORISE Instagram
ORISE website: https://orise.orau.gov

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Filed Under: Front Page News Tagged With: DOE, Keri Cagle, ORAU, ORISE

Jim Sears joins ORAU as senior vice president

Posted at 9:50 pm August 27, 2024
By Amy Schwinge Leave a Comment

Ridge, Tenn. After an extensive military career, James (Jim) Sears joins ORAU as senior vice president. He will lead ORAU Government Services to integrate academia, government and industry in advancing the nations learning, health and scientific priorities. Sears will oversee a diverse portfolio of programs focused on public health, environmental science and emergency preparedness, guiding a large team to deliver innovative solutions that benefit the public.

Sears brings a distinguished 33-year career from the United States Air Force, where he served as a five-time commander and combat pilot. Among his notable commands, he led the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing in Afghanistan and the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center. Nearly half of his career was dedicated to developing airmen as he served as an instructor pilot, commander and senior executive. Sears retired from the U.S. Air Force as the principal architect of a modernized approach to personnel education and training, incorporating learning engineering, modern technology and enhanced instructor development to better equip airmen throughout their careers. His dedication to service and innovative leadership have earned him numerous accolades and recognition for his contributions to national defense and security.

Jim’s impressive leadership and strategic experience will ensure ORAU Government Services remains at the forefront of addressing critical national challenges with excellence, innovation, collaboration and integrity, driving the group’s success in meeting complex challenges with effective, evidence-based strategies, said ORAU President and CEO Andy Page.

Sears is a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate. He holds masters degrees in human resource development from Webster University and in strategy and campaign planning from the National Defense University.

ORAU, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, provides science, health and workforce solutions that address national priorities and serve the public interest. Through our specialized teams of experts and access to a consortium of more than 150 major Ph.D.-granting institutions, ORAU works with federal, state, local and commercial customers to provide innovative scientific and technical solutions and help advance their missions. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Learn more about ORAU at www.orau.org.

Connect with us:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakRidgeAssociatedUniversities
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orautogether
X: https://x.com/orau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orau

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Filed Under: Front Page News Tagged With: Jim Sears, ORAU

ORAU announces Jenni Hoff as new acting director for NIOSH project along with Chris Tornes as acting deputy director

Posted at 10:26 am June 24, 2024
By Amy Schwinge Leave a Comment

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. Jenni Hoff, Ph.D., assumed the duties of acting project director for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). Hoff replaced Kate Kimpan, who retired after 18 years as project director, effective June 8.

Since 2002, ORAU has served as the prime contractor to NIOSH on the EEOICPA. This Act, passed by the US Congress in 2000, created a compensation program based on radiation exposure dose reconstruction, for workers in the U.S. nuclear weapons complex who were diagnosed with cancer.
The ORAU Team (ORAU in tandem with their teaming partners MJW Technical Services and NV5/Dade Moeller) has spent the past 22 years working for NIOSH and their Division of Compensation Analysis and Support to process claims for ill workers and their survivors.

ORAU has named Hoff, currently deputy project director, as the acting project director.

ORAU is excited for Jenni Hoff to take on this new position since she has been on the NIOSH project since May 2003 in various leadership roles with increasing responsibility, and she is incredibly knowledgeable about every aspect of the program, said ORAU President and CEO Andy Page.

Hoff received her undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees in nuclear engineering from the University of Tennessee.

Taking over the vacated deputy director position in an acting capacity will be Chris Tornes, who brings more than 20 years of experience serving on the project. Tornes received his undergraduate degree in nuclear engineering and masters degree in health physics from the University of Cincinnati.

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. Learn more about ORAU at www.orau.org.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakRidgeAssociatedUniversities
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/orau
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orau
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orautogether/?hl=en

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Filed Under: Front Page News Tagged With: Andy Page, Jenni Hoff, Kate Kimpan, NIOSH, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, ORAU

ORAU Education Grants applications now open for 2024

Posted at 1:14 am February 13, 2024
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Rebekah Bozeman, STEM teacher at Lake City Elementary School, used her 2023 ORAU Education Grant to purchase building blocks, fort boards, interactive gloves, Spirographs, mazes, and iPad minis to use in a variety of ways to teach kindergarten through sixth grade students. (Photo courtesy ORAU)

Proposals now being accepted from educators in five East Tennessee counties; deadline is April 19

ORAU is accepting applications for itsEducation Grantsprogram for 2024, offering $30,000 in grant funding for teachers in five East Tennessee counties.

Educators in Anderson, Campbell, Morgan, Roane, and Scott county public schools are invited to submit proposals to fund programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), a press release said.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Education, Front Page News, K-12, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, U.S. Department of Energy Tagged With: education grants, ORAU, Pam Bonee, STEM

ORAU Annual Giving Campaign exceeds $100,000 goal; More than $1 million raised in past 10 years benefits United Way and Community Shares

Posted at 12:13 pm December 21, 2023
By Amy Schwinge Leave a Comment

Oak Ridge, Tenn. ORAU exceeded its goal of raising $100,000 in donations as part of its internal annual giving campaign that benefits the United Way and Community Shares nonprofit organizations.
ORAU has raised more than $1 million over the past 10 years through this campaign.

A total of $121,030 was pledged during the 2023 ORAU Annual Giving Campaign. Employees donate via payroll deduction and could earmark their donation for United Way, Community Shares or both.

ORAU has remained a strong pillar in the community for more than 75 years, and we encourage our employees to consider participating in our annual giving campaign each year to help our less fortunate neighbors in need, said ORAU President and CEO Andy Page. Each one of our employees has the power to positively impact the lives of those who need help in the communities where we do business across the country and demonstrate the ORAU way taking care of each other.

ORAU, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, provides science, health and workforce solutions that address national priorities and serve the public interest. Through our specialized teams of experts and access to a consortium of more than 150 major Ph.D.-granting institutions, ORAU works with federal, state, local and commercial customers to provide innovative scientific and technical solutions and help advance their missions. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Learn more about ORAU at www.orau.org.
Learn more about ORAU at www.orau.org.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakRidgeAssociatedUniversities
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/orau
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orau

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Filed Under: Front Page News Tagged With: ORAU

ORAU launches STEM Accelerator to address challenges in STEM education, training, research and innovation

Posted at 10:42 am December 15, 2023
By Amy Schwinge Leave a Comment

Oak Ridge, Tenn. Americas nuclear energy industry faces a critical problem that ORAUs newly launched STEM Accelerator hopes to solve.

The drive toward a carbon neutral clean energy future is anticipated to spur the growth of advanced nuclear reactors that are smaller, simpler to construct, more cost-effective to operate than existing facilities and offer high-quality career opportunities. However, there is a critical shortage of the skilled professionals needed to oversee manufacturing, construction and operation of these facilities.

The ORAU STEM Accelerator (OSA) was created to help bridge this gap by convening a diverse network of two- and four-year academic institutions, industry, non-profit, professional organizations, labor unions and government partners with the aim of addressing the toughest challenges in STEM education, training, research and innovation.

OSA will focus its work in three sectors: nuclear science and technology, space manufacturing and critical national infrastructure, Olivia Blackmon, OSA director said. Were focusing on nuclear science and technology first, because the current need is so great, with a piloted program in nuclear energy.
The U.S. nuclear energy industry faces significant challenges in attracting and retaining qualified talent.

Retirements, retention issues, inflation, shifting demographics, etc. This is all documented from the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), and projections are suggesting worsening labor market conditions over the next decade extending into 2060, Blackmon said, adding that something needs to be done and quickly to reverse this trend.

To that end, OSA is already plugged into some major national efforts in collaboration with the NEI and other partners to help solve these critical challenges, including:
– Establishing a Nuclear Energy Coalition
– Analyzing data for decision-making
– Implementing strategic talent planning
– Strengthening career awareness and retention
– Establishing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility best practices
– Emphasizing training and certification
– Building a sustainable pipeline

Our goal is to drive research and development, advocate for innovative training and education solutions, shape policy, and deliver tangible outcomes to strengthen the United States STEM workforce, Blackmon said.

To learn more about OSA, visit https://orau.org/partnerships/stem-accelerator.
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Filed Under: Front Page News Tagged With: ORAU, ORAU STEM Accelerator, OSA, STEM Acclerator

ORAU employees donate more than 300 pounds of toys and household items to Holiday Bureau

Posted at 10:26 am May 22, 2023
By Amy Schwinge Leave a Comment

ORAU donation to Holiday Bureau (Submitted photo)

ORAU employees recently dropped off 337 pounds of toys, holiday decorations, and household items that were donated during their annual recycling event to the Holiday Bureau.

The ORAU recycling event is held over two days and gives employees an opportunity to recycle their technotrash, batteries, medication, and other household items. An additional aspect of the event is the chance for employees to donate gently used items, diverting these items from the landfill, and giving them to local families in need, a press release said. Employees collected more than 10,000 pounds of recyclables and donations at the event, and 337 of those went to the Holiday Bureau. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Front Page News Tagged With: Holiday Bureau, ORAU

Ken Tarcza joins ORAU as chief of staff

Posted at 10:09 am April 16, 2023
By Amy Schwinge Leave a Comment

Ken Tarcza

Ken Tarcza has joined Oak Ridge Associated Universities as chief of staff.

Tarcza comes to ORAU after an impressive military and federal career, a press release said.

A graduate of West Point, Tarcza spent his military career serving in numerous roles, including assistant professor of mechanical engineering at West Point; commander of the Defense Contract Management Agency’s Southern Europe office in Wiesbaden, Germany; and chief of staff for the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

After retiring from the military in 2015, he went on to be a supervisory physical scientist for the U.S. Army Research Laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Ground before being named manager for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Office and Office of Science Integrated Support Center/Consolidated Service Center in 2016. There, Tarcza and his organization helped enable more than $10 billion of annual program activity, the press release said. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Front Page News, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Top Stories, U.S. Department of Energy Tagged With: Andy Page, DOE, Ken Tarcza, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, ORAU

Olivia Blackmon joins ORAU

Posted at 10:18 am February 15, 2023
By Amy Schwinge Leave a Comment

Oak Ridge, Tenn. — Olivia Blackmon, Ph.D., has joined ORAU’s Research and University Partnerships Office as a senior research advisor.

Blackmon boasts an impressive background with more than 20 years of professional experience in partnership and business operations. Before coming to ORAU, she directed a $30 million United States Agency of International Development (USAID) program for DAI, Inc., to enable the digital transformation of the Western Balkans, Black Sea Region, and South Caucasus. Through her work with organizations such as MITRE, George Mason University, George Washington University, DevTech and Thurgood Marshall College Fund, she built and managed more than $130 million in programs with multiple federal agencies such as the Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, USAID, Health and Human Services, Department of Health Services and National Institute of Standards and Technology.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled that Olivia has joined our team,” said Ken Tobin, Chief Research and University Partnerships Officer. “Her educational and professional background is exemplary, and her experience will be a major asset to the RUPO team and ORAU.”

Blackmon speaks five languages and earned a doctoral degree from George Mason University in Sociology with a concentration in Education Policy, Applied Statistics and Mixed Methods in 2015. She has served as both a Fulbright Scholar and a Fellow at Harvard University in Education. In her new position at ORAU, she will establish, execute, and lead a strategic partnerships business plan, and will lead a new center focused on promoting and strengthening regional ecosystems for next generation talent.

ORAU, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, provides science, health and workforce solutions that address national priorities and serve the public interest. Through our specialized teams of experts and access to a consortium of more than 150 major Ph.D.-granting institutions, ORAU works with federal, state, local and commercial customers to provide innovative scientific and technical solutions and help advance their missions. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Learn more about ORAU at www.orau.org.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakRidgeAssociatedUniversities
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/orau
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orau

# # #

Filed Under: Front Page News Tagged With: MITRE, Olivia Blackmon, ORAU

Extreme Classroom Makeover applications due Jan. 31

Posted at 11:00 am January 24, 2023
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

The deadline to submit a video application is about one week away (it’s Jan. 31, 2023) in a contest that awards $25,000 to improve STEM education in public schools in the Oak Ridge region. (Photo by ORAU)

The deadline to submit a video application is about one week away in a contest that awards $25,000 to improve STEM education in public schools in the region.

ORAU’s Extreme Classroom Makeover is open to third-grade to 10th-grade math and science teachers in public schools within 50 miles of Oak Ridge. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The $25,000 can be used for new equipment to update classrooms with new technology, ORAU said.

A runner-up will receive $5,000 in new equipment.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Education, Education, Front Page News, K-12, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Slider, U.S. Department of Energy Tagged With: Extreme Classroom Makeover, ORAU, STEM, STEM education

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  • ORAU Annual Giving Campaign exceeds $100,000 goal+ORAU Annual Giving Campaign exceeds $100,000 goal More than $1 million raised in past 10 years benefits United Way and Community Shares Oak Ridge, Tenn. ORAU exceeded its goal of raising $100,000 in donations as part of its internal annual giving campaign that benefits the United Way and Community Shares nonprofit organizations. ORAU has raised more than $1 million over the past 10 years through this campaign. A total of $126,839 was pledged during the 2024 ORAU Annual Giving Campaign. Employees donate via payroll deduction and could earmark their donation for United Way, Community Shares or both. ORAU has remained a strong pillar in the community for more than 75 years, and we encourage our employees to consider participating in our annual giving campaign each year to help our less fortunate neighbors in need, said ORAU President and CEO Andy Page. Each one of our employees has the power to positively impact the lives of those who need help in the communities where we do business across the country and demonstrate the ORAU way taking care of each other. ORAU, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, provides science, health and workforce solutions that address national priorities and serve the public interest. Through our specialized teams of experts and access to a consortium of more than 150 major Ph.D.-granting institutions, ORAU works with federal, state, local and commercial customers to provide innovative scientific and technical solutions and help advance their missions. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Learn more about ORAU at www.orau.org. Learn more about ORAU at www.orau.org. Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakRidgeAssociatedUniversities Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/orau Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orau ###

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