Oak Ridge Today

NASA Postdoctoral Program fellow’s research could yield insights into early life on Mars

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Oak Ridge, Tenn. —Even microorganisms depend on their community to grow, which can help them survive in harsh environments, such as in Hawaiian lava caves or on ancient Mars. That’s among the findings in a study conducted by Rebecca Prescott, Ph.D., a research fellow with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Postdoctoral Program (NPP), managed by ORAU.

“Volcanic systems in Hawai’i are geologically like those on ancient Mars, which had active volcanoes and fumaroles,” said Prescott. “With these geological similarities, Hawaiian volcanic environments can provide some insight into the possibility of life on Mars in its ancient past and how microbial communities could survive today on Mars in lava caves.”

Prescott and her team collected 70 samples over multiple years from lava caves and fumaroles across the island of Hawai‘i. Prescott, a microbial ecologist, studies quorum sensing, which is a complex communication system between microbes that uses chemicals to allow microbial communities to coordinate their activities. She has found that the amount of quorum sensing going on seems to be higher in lava caves than other extreme environments.

“I needed a better understanding of the community structure in lava caves,” Prescott said. “I was particularly interested in understanding who is hanging out with whom, and therefore who might be ‘talking’ to whom.”

Interestingly, the study found that interactions within microbial communities are more complex in the fumaroles, a much harsher environment, than in lava tubes. One possible explanation is that microbial communities rely on their neighbors and on cooperation more in harsh environments, according to Prescott.

“This research points to the importance of understanding how microbes interact as a group, rather than as a single species. In studies of the limits of life, in understanding how life could evolve in the ancient past on Mars, or even in planetary protection studies today, the response of groups of microbes is likely different than the response of a single species,” said Prescott.

NPP offers unique research opportunities for highly talented U.S. and non-U.S. scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects 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.

Read more in Frontiers in Microbiology.

Frontiers in Microbiology is a leading journal in its field, publishing rigorously peer-reviewed research across the entire spectrum of microbiology

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 major 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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Jennifer Hoff named deputy project manager of the ORAU Team Dose Reconstruction Project for NIOSH

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Oak Ridge, Tenn.—Jennifer Hoff, Ph.D, has been named the new deputy project manager of the ORAU Team Dose Reconstruction Project for National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Hoff has served as associate director on the NIOSH Dose Reconstruction Project since 2021 and has worked on this project in different capacities since 2003.

In her new position, Hoff will work with the project manager in both strategic and operational leadership of her team. She will also guide her team to exceed expectations in their duties of continuing the key missions of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. She will take over the role in October, when current Deputy Project Manager Matt McFee retires.

“We are thrilled that Jennifer will be taking on this role,” said Jeff Miller, Ph.D., senior vice president and director of ORAU Government Services. “She has been an important part of the NIOSH project for almost 20 years, and her experience and knowledge made her the best choice. We cannot wait to see what Jennifer will do as deputy project manager.”

Before starting her current role as an associate director, Hoff worked as a manager on the project for 12 years. Prior to that, she served as a health physicist.

Hoff earned a doctorate in nuclear engineering from the University of Tennessee — Knoxville in 2003. She also holds a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree from the same school, both in nuclear engineering with a concentration in radiological engineering.

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 152 major 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. To learn more, visit www.orau.org.

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ORAU launches new app with a variety of resources available, including hundreds of STEM internships, fellowships and research opportunities

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Oak Ridge, Tenn.—ORAU unveiled its all-new ORAU Pathfinder app, providing a wide range of resources on the go. This app offers college students, recent graduates and postdoctoral students a mobile tool to search and apply for hundreds of science, technology, engineering and math internships, fellowships and research opportunities at facilities across the U.S., such as NASA and the Army Research Laboratory.

The ORAU Pathfinder app also provides a platform to remain engaged, connected and informed during the ORAU experience—from application, to offer, through the appointment and even as an ORAU alum.

“We created the ORAU Pathfinder app with our current and future research participants in mind,” said ORAU Director of Research Programs J. Scott Miller, Ph.D. “We wanted to provide a platform for ORAU interns, fellows and others to connect and be able to stay connected to ORAU on their mobile devices.”

The ORAU Pathfinder mobile app helps those interested stay engaged, connected and informed during their experience at ORAU and beyond, and the app can be used to search and apply for opportunities, learn about exclusive ORAU events, manage applications, accept offers, access a variety of STEM career resources and more!

Visit ORAU Pathfinder app for more information and to download the app today!

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 152 major 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. To learn more, visit www.orau.org.

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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
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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 [email protected].

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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ORAU managing $129.7 million NASA postdoc contract

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ORAU assumed management of a $129.7 million contract for the NASA Postdoctoral Program on January 30.

There is a new website for fellowships available through the program. Both early-career and senior scientists are invited to explore the opportunities and “share in NASA’s mission to develop advancements in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration,” a press release said. The first round of upcoming application deadlines for these fellowships is March 1.

“ORAU is thrilled to officially take over the management of this prestigious NASA contract that 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 NASA Postdoctoral Program Director J. Scott Miller. “In our management efforts, ORAU will support 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.” [Read more…]

Hartung named section manager at REAC/TS

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Charles ‘Chuck’ Hartung

 

Charles “Chuck” Hartung has been named section manager and education coordinator at the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site in Oak Ridge.

Hartung retired in 2021 as director of the White House Medical Unit after completing a 37-year career in the U.S. Navy. He spent his first eight years in the Navy operating nuclear reactors on board aircraft carriers and teaching at the Naval Nuclear Power School before transitioning into nursing, a press release said. During his nursing career, he has held a wide variety of clinical and leadership roles in both inpatient and outpatient healthcare settings. These include various roles at the White House during the last four presidential administrations.

In his new position at REAC/TS, Hartung will provide management, nursing leadership, and education coordination for courses REAC/TS offers. [Read more…]

Extreme Classroom Makeover applications due Jan. 14

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Part of the ORAU campus in central Oak Ridge is pictured above on May 29, 2017. (File photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

ORAU has re-launched its Extreme Classroom Makeover competition, which will award a math or science teacher $25,000 for new classroom equipment, and video applications are due Friday, January 14.

“The mission of Extreme Classroom Makeover is to improve science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in public schools,” a press release said.

The competition will award one 3rd through 10th grade math or science teacher at a public school within a 50-mile radius of Oak Ridge with $25,000 in new equipment to update their classroom with the latest technology, the press release said. One runner-up will receive $5,000 in new equipment. There will also be a $2,500 viewers’ choice award selected by the general public from among all entries received.

Teachers interested in an ORAU Extreme Classroom Makeover need to complete a video application by Friday, January 14, the press release said. Winners will be notified before Spring Break, and the technology will be purchased and installed in their classrooms for the start of the 2022-23 school year.

“The pandemic has taught us that technology is vital for every teacher in every classroom in every school,” said Pam Bonee, director of communications and marketing for ORAU. “Still, some schools do not have the budgets to keep pace with changing technology. Having $25,000 worth of interactive technology would give a boost to any student trying to learn STEM in today’s world!”

[Read more…]

Jamie Stalker joins ORAU as physician and co-lead for NSSP

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Jamie Stalker, M.D., has joined ORAU as physician and co-principal investigator for the National Supplemental Screening Program. She will be located in ORAU’s Arvada, Colorado, office and work with John McInerney, M.D., who currently leads the program and is beginning his transition to retirement, a press release said.

“Dr. Stalker brings extensive experience in the Department of Energy occupational medicine arena, including a deep familiarity with the DOE Former Worker Programs as a former NSSP Advisory Committee member,” said Andy Page, ORAU President and chief executive officer. “We are excited to welcome her to our team and have her lead this outstanding group.”

ORAU has managed the program since its inception in 2005, and McInerney has led this program since 2006. It provides free medical screening, nationwide, for former energy workers who may have been exposed to hazardous substances at work. The screenings are designed to identify occupational diseases such as chronic respiratory illnesses, hearing loss, kidney or liver disease, and some forms of cancer. More than 22,000 enrollees have signed up for free health screening. [Read more…]

ORAU awards five Pollard Scholarships

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Part of the ORAU campus in central Oak Ridge is pictured above on May 29, 2017. (File photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

ORAU has awarded five William G. Pollard Scholarships of $2,500 each toward undergraduate studies for the 2021-2022 academic year. The recipients of this year’s scholarships include Semilore (Semmy) Abiodun-Adeniyi, Olivia Campbell, Olivia Hudson, Sara Malicoat, and Trisha Prater.

Each year, ORAU awards these scholarships to employees’ children or stepchildren who display exceptional achievements in their high school or undergraduate studies. 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 professional and personal interests, a press release said.

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.

Here is more information about this year’s winners: [Read more…]

NASA selects ORAU for postdoc program

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Part of the ORAU campus in central Oak Ridge is pictured above on May 29, 2017. (File photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

NASA has selected Oak Ridge Associated Universities to provide the agency with administrative support and coordination of research opportunities between NASA’s mission directorates and centers across the agency.

The NASA Postdoctoral Program 2 (NPP-2) contract is a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract with a maximum potential value of approximately $129.7 million. The one-year base performance period begins September 9, 2021, and it is followed by four one-year options, which would end September 8, 2026, NASA said in a press release.

[Read more…]