News Features

2023

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  Chris Copeland, Ph.D., looks to help others find their path in STEM

  ORISE Project Manager Chris Copeland, Ph.D., is passionate about helping others explore a future in STEM.

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  USDA-ARS fellow wins 2023 ORISE Ignite Off! competition

  Amanda Fanelli de Souza, an ORISE postdoctoral fellow in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Research Participation Program, has been named the winner of the 2023 Ignite Off! competition.

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  Jones promoted to ORISE Beryllium Lab manager

  Melissa Jones has been promoted to manager of the ORISE Beryllium Testing Laboratory. ORISE is a leader in beryllium studies and maintains a comprehensive beryllium exposure testing program for the U.S. Department of Energy that assesses the health effects to workers who have been exposed to airborne beryllium.

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  ORISE announces Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship applications are now open for 2024-25 cohort

  Applications are open now for the 2024-2025 cohort of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship (AEF) Program. The AEF Program provides unique opportunities for accomplished K-12 STEM educators to serve 11 months in a federal agency or U.S. Congressional office. AEF Fellows bring their extensive classroom knowledge and experiences to their host offices to inform federal education policy, programs, and initiatives.

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  Building the basics: KinderCoding teaches young learners how to code and problem-solve

  At KinderCoding, a STEM summer class hosted by ORISE, rising first through third graders got an introduction to coding in a way that was fun and accessible with Sphero Bolt robots. In KinderCoding, students used iPads to program commands, coaching the Spheros around the classroom.

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  ORISE beryllium laboratory recertified by College of American Pathologists for eighth consecutive time in 14 years

  The College of American Pathologists (CAP) has accredited the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Energy beryllium laboratory in Oak Ridge for the eighth time since the laboratory’s first accreditation in 2009.

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  Mini-Academy helps middle schoolers weigh the pros and cons of artificial intelligence

  Recently, twelve rising seventh to ninth graders attended an Artificial Intelligence Mini Academy sponsored by ORISE. The program was designed to help children and teachers get acclimated to the use of AI in the classroom, a tool becoming more commonplace in the modern world seemingly every day.

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  3D design helps teachers’ lesson plans pop off the page

  In June, ORISE gave teachers of all levels and subjects a chance to explore 3D design in a day-long mini academy. Teachers were instructed to come to the course with some of their own lesson plans in mind, in the hopes that they’d be able to turn those one-dimensional lectures into a three-dimensional learning experience.

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  Do you speak robot? ORISE Boe-Bots Academy can help

  ORISE offered opportunities for students to learn computer science this summer. The Boe-Bots Academy was a week-long day camp for rising seventh through ninth graders that served as an introduction to robotics.

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  Middle school students get into coding with ORISE Scratch Programming Mini-Academy

  Learn about the ORISE Scratch Programming Mini-Academy, including how the students used the Scratch program to create their own video game.

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  High school students find fun, new skills in ORISE-hosted Advanced Robotics Academy

  Learn more about the ORISE Advanced Robotics Academy, including the skills that the participants achieved in the quest to build and program their own robot.

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  ORISE Math Exploration Day is ‘sneaky learning’ for students

  ORISE Math Exploration Day is designed to help students sharpen skills, reinforce what they have already learned, and simply make mathematics fun. It’s what the instructor calls ‘sneaky learning.’

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  ORISE scholarship competition featuring Solarpunk art movement connects undergrads with DOE’s Solar Energy Technology Office

  Undergraduates applying for the spring scholarship competition were asked to create a Solarpunk art piece that communicates the potential of the technologies funded by SETO: photovoltaics, solar-thermal power, systems integration, manufacturing/competitiveness, soft costs, solar workforce development, and equitable access to solar energy.

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  A group of the nation’s most accomplished STEM teachers selected as Albert Einstein Educator Fellows

  Sixteen K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers from across the United States have been named 2023-2024 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows. Selected fellows will spend eleven months serving in a federal agency or U.S. Congressional office in Washington, DC, engaged in the national STEM education arena.

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  Going the extra mile to support the travel needs of ORISE participants

  As a 43-year veteran of the travel industry, Don Jenkins brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as project manager on the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Travel Central team.

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  Bringing imagination to life: CIA Mission Possible: Makerspace Nation contest awards three schools with $30,000 each

  Thanks to the CIA Mission Possible: Makerspace Nation contest, three classrooms in Illinois, Nebraska and Missouri now have $30,000 each to create Makerspace labs which will engage students with science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). The four teachers who won this contest submitted short videos creatively illustrating the need for and potential uses of Makerspace labs in their classroom.

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  Creating world changers: CIA Mission Possible: Operation Advance Technology contest awards five teachers $60,000 each

  With the CIA Mission Possible: Operation Advance Technology contest, those possibilities have become a reality. From New Jersey to Montana, five teachers across the United States have been awarded $60,000 in laptops and other advanced technology to engage their students with science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). To enter the contest, these teachers submitted short videos creatively illustrating the need and possible uses for advanced technology in their school.

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  ORISE offers free summer mini academies for students in June and July

  The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education will offer six free mini-academies for students of various ages in June and July. ORISE mini academies are designed to enrich STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and help students learn in a fun, engaging and unique way.

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  ORISE offers free professional development courses for educators throughout June

  The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education will offer a variety of professional development courses throughout the month of June to equip STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) educators with valuable new skills and experiences.

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  ORISE officially presented with renewed DOE VPP Star Site Status

  ORISE continued its status as a DOE Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star Site in 2023. Contractors whose programs meet the requirements for outstanding safety and health programs receive Star recognition, the highest level of achievement.

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  ORISE STEM Workforce Development and Health Studies programs collaborate on Institutional Review Board webinar

  The ORISE STEM Workforce Development and Health Studies programs partnered to create the Not-So-Formal IRB Survival Guide webinar that was hosted on March 16, 2023 by ORISE Epidemiologist Sara Howard and ORISE Administrator for the DOE Central and Oak Ridge Site IRBs Lindsay Motz.

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  High school teacher uses CEDR data to enhance students’ learning experience

  Carol Burns, a teacher at St. Ursula Academy in Ohio, educates ninth graders about radionuclides and radioactive decay as a part of the physical science curriculum. This year, Burns found new applications for the projects applying data from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Comprehensive Epidemiologic Data Resource (CEDR).

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  Margaret Scheiner, Ph.D., dedicated to supporting education and scientific research initiatives

  Margaret Scheiner, Ph.D., wears many hats in her role with ORISE—all to support education and scientific research initiatives. As an ORISE STEM Workforce Development senior project manager for U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory educational programs, she administers internships and fellowships, primarily with the National Energy Technology Laboratory. As a functional analyst for ORISE, she provides data analyses for STEM WD staff and leadership.

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  Collierville High School takes first place in 2023 Tennessee Science Bowl

  Collierville High School from Collierville, Tenn., placed first in the annual Tennessee Science Bowl competition and will now compete in the DOE National Science Bowl® in Washington, D.C., scheduled for April 27 – May 1, 2023.

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  Applications are open for CIA Mission Possible Operation Advance Technology

  Applications are now being accepted for CIA Mission Possible Operation Advance Technology. Five public school or private school K-8 educators from across the United States will win a $60,000 prize package that includes 30 laptops, a laptop charging cart, and a package of coding or 3-D printing equipment.

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  Occupational Radiation Exposure Report released

  ORISE prepared the 2021 DOE Occupational Radiation Exposure Report that was released to the public in January 2023. The document presents the results of analyses of occupational radiation exposures at DOE National Nuclear Security Administration facilities during 2021.

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  ORISE receives DOE silver award for GreenBuy program

  The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education was recognized recently as a silver-level recipient of the U.S. Department of Energy’s GreenBuy award for fiscal year 2022. The GreenBuy Award Program recognizes DOE sites for achieving stringent sustainable acquisition goals that go above and beyond the government’s “green” minimum compliance requirements.

2022

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  Erin Burr brings her own postdoctoral experience to ORISE

  In her current role on the ORISE Assessment and Evaluation team, Burr acts as a principal investigator on evaluations of STEM workforce development programs managed by ORISE. Administrators and sponsors use the evaluations from Burr and her team to assess their programs and see how they can be improved.

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  ORISE is accepting applications for Environmental Management Graduate Fellowship Program from students at Minority Serving Institutions

  ORISE is currently accepting applications for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) 2023 Environmental Management Graduate Fellowship Program. The program is designed to provide science and engineering students and graduates from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) an opportunity for training and mentorship in targeted technical areas of interest and needs of the DOE-EM workforce.

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  ORISE names Chad Becker director of new Office of Safety and Facilities

  The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education is pleased to announce that Chad Becker will serve as the director of the newly established Office of Safety and Facilities. Becker previously served as director of Facilities and Transportation, a role he has held for more than seven years.

• Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education announces winners of inaugural Future of Science Awards to celebrate its 30th anniversary

  To honor the 30th anniversary of the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, the organization announced the winners of its inaugural Future of Science Awards. These prestigious awards recognize excellence performed by ORISE participants in the areas of scientific achievement, professional growth, project contributions and leadership in three categories: undergraduate and post-baccalaureate, graduate student and post-master’s, and postdoctoral. Each winner will receive $1,000 cash and recognition from ORISE.

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  Stubbs presents at White House National HBCU Week Conference

  Desmond Stubbs, Ph.D., director of STEM diversity initiatives for ORISE, was an invited presenter at last month’s National HBCU Week Conference, sponsored by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

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  First all-ORISE Ignite Off Competition names ORNL intern as its winner

  Amish Mishra, an ORISE participant in the National Science Foundation's Mathematical Sciences Graduate Internship (NSF-MSGI) Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), won the 2022 Ignite Off! competition.

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  ORISE to host DOE Advanced Manufacturing Research Symposium

  ORISE, on behalf of the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) is hosting the Advanced Manufacturing Research Symposium to showcase the research and learning experiences of ORISE interns and fellows funded by AMO and highlight the diverse areas of advanced manufacturing.

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  Applications now open for 2023-24 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship

  Applications are open now for the 2023-2024 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship. The AEF program provides unique opportunities for accomplished K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) educators to serve 11 months in a federal agency or U.S. Congressional office.

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  ORISE provides logistical support for DOE’s 2022 National Science Bowl

  ORISE supported the DOE National Science Bowl by coordinating and managing all NSB pre-planning meetings, travel logistics, procurement of meeting spaces and business amenities, processing payments, and post competition awards for the NSB Finals events.

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  Nominations being accepted for inaugural ORISE Future of Science Awards

  To honor the 30th anniversary of the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, we are proud to announce the inaugural Future of Science Awards. This prestigious award recognizes excellence performed by ORISE participants in the areas of scientific achievement, professional growth, project contributions, and leadership.

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  High school teacher from Elkhart, Indiana, attends Joint Science and Technology Institute East

  Erica Conley Shannon of Elkhart, Indiana, attended the Joint Science and Technology Institute East, a professional development opportunity to expand her knowledge and experience in science, technology, engineering and math.

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  High school students travel west for Joint Science and Technology Institute

  ORISE hosted the Joint Science and Technology Institute (JSTI) at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. This two-week, fully-funded, residential STEM research experience allows current U.S. high school students to engage in research projects mentored by Department of Defense, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Sandia National Laboratory research scientists and other subject matter experts.

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  ORISE provides support for dual EERE Annual Merit Reviews

  ORISE recently provided support for two separate DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) events—the DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Program Annual Merit Review (AMR) June 6-8, 2022, and the DOE Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) AMR June 21-24, 2022. 

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  ORISE seeks submissions for STEM Moments video

  ORISE is seeking submissions from current and past program participants for an exciting new video about the STEM Moments of your ORISE experience! This is your chance to share, through a video or a photo, what your ORISE appointment means to you.

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  Paper co-authored by ORISE participant published in Nature Ecology & Evolution

  Society would benefit from fire management planning that draws from both fire science and archaeology. That is according to a research paper which was co-authored by ORISE postdoctoral researcher Grant Snitker and recently published in Nature Ecology & Evolution.

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  Planting the seeds: Manon Fleming is passionate about helping kids learn, grow

  Whether she’s planting seeds in the minds of the children she works with, or the children she’s raising at home, Manon Fleming is always keeping busy. Her job involves project managing several of the key student and teacher programs and events at ORISE, including the Tennessee Science Bowl and the Joint Science Technology Institute.

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  ORISE supports Nuclear Science Advisory Committee Meeting

  ORISE Peer Review coordinated and supported the 2022 Nuclear Science Advisory Committee (NSAC) meeting virtually via Zoom on April 28, 2022.

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  Research journal chronicles decades of Million Person Study activities

  The latest edition of the International Journal of Radiation Biology (Vol. 98, Issue 4, 2022) features a special issue on the “The Million Person Study of Low-Dose Health Effects.”

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  A selection of the nation’s most accomplished STEM teachers designated as Albert Einstein Educator Fellows

  Fifteen K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers from across the United States have been named 2022-2023 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows.

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

  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.

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  ORISE awards $30,000 to winning teachers in D.C., Baltimore and Richmond as part of CIA Mission Possible Makerspace Competition

  Three teachers, one each in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Md., and Richmond, Va., were winners of the CIA Mission Possible Makerspace Nation competition and a $30,000 grand prize with which they can purchase makerspace items for their classrooms.

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  ORISE supports DOE’s 2022 Basic Energy Science Advisory Committee meeting

  ORISE coordinated and supported the 2022 Basic Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (BESAC) meeting held virtually via Zoom on April 5, 2022.

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  REAC/TS receives NASA award for Mars 2020 support

  ORISE’s Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) team was selected for a NASA Silver Group Achievement Award for superior accomplishment in the Mars 2020 radiological contingency planning and deployment.

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  ORISE’s Rachel Hill, Ph.D., transitions from STEM research to program management

  When Rachel Hill isn’t helping administer ORISE research participation programs for a variety of federal agencies, she's active in various STEM outreach efforts, sharing her knowledge and passion for science with the community.

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  ORISE named Silver Award recipient of DOE’s GreenBuy Program for second consecutive year

  DOE recognized ORISE as a Silver Level recipient of its GreenBuy Award for FY 2021. The GreenBuy Award Program recognizes DOE sites for achieving stringent sustainable acquisition goals which extend beyond the government’s “green” minimum compliance requirements. Out of 49 DOE sites, ORISE is one of only 27 to accept the GreenBuy Award one or more times since FY 2011.

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  CIA Mission Possible Makerspace Nation offers D.C., Baltimore and Richmond educators a shot at a $30,000 Makerspace for their classroom

  The CIA sponsors CIA Mission Possible Classroom Transformations competition to promote learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) fields. ORISE manages the program, which will award one STEAM educator each in Baltimore, Md., Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Va., with a makerspace loaded with materials worth $30,000.

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  REAC/TS honored by Secretary of Energy for NASA Mars Perseverance Rover support

  U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm honored REAC/TS with the Secretary's Achievement Award during a virtual ceremony on January 12, 2022, for supporting NASA's Mars Perseverance Rover launch in July 2020.

• ORISE is accepting applications for the Summer 2022 DOE Omni Technology Alliance Internship Program

  ORISE is currently accepting applications for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) 2022 Omni Technology Alliance Internship Program. This 10-week paid summer program is for undergraduate or graduate students pursuing degrees in Cybersecurity, Information Technology and other related fields.

2021

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  ORISE's Rebecca Cavender shares passion for environment as 4-H volunteer instructor

  When Rebecca Cavender isn’t helping administer ORISE research participation programs for a variety of federal agencies, she enjoys sharing her passion for the environment with the next generation.

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  ORISE is accepting applications for the 2022 Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship Program from graduate and undergraduate students

  ORISE is currently accepting applications for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) 2022 Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship Program (MLEF). This 10-week summer program is for students pursuing degrees in STEM at the associates, bachelor’s or master’s level.

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  Sara Howard poster presentation wins Scholar-in-Training Presentation Award at Radiation Research Society annual meeting

  Sara Howard, MPH and Ph.D. student, has been awarded a Scholar-in-Training (SIT) Presentation Award for her virtual poster presented at the 67th Annual International Meeting of the Radiation Research Society.

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  Mosser recognized by DOE as 2020 Security Professional of the Year

  Dennis Mosser, physical security manager for the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, was recently recognized among all U.S. Department of Energy security professionals as the 2020 Security Professional of the Year.

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  REAC/TS staff participate in Silent Thunder crisis management exercise

  REAC/TS Director Dr. Carol Iddins, Health Physicist Jason Davis, and Nurse/Paramedic Angie Bowen participated in the Fort Thunder virtual exercise that was held Aug. 24-26, 2021.

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  Applications are open now for the 2022-2023 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program

  Each year, Einstein Fellows bring their expertise, practical insights, and real-world experiences as classroom teachers to Congress and to branches of Federal government to contribute to the educational outcomes of research, award, and instructional programs at their sponsoring agencies. AEF Program applications must be submitted by November 19, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, through the online application system.

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  ORISE awards $25,000 to Roland Park Elementary & Middle School teacher in CIA Mission Possible Classroom Transformation competition

  Jenna Porter, a visual arts and photography teacher at Roland Park Elementary and Middle School, was the winner of the inaugural CIA Mission Possible Classroom Transformation competition and a $25,000 grand prize with which she can purchase new technology for her classroom.

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  REAC/TS staff present at Health Physics Society Annual Meeting

  REAC/TS staff members were closely involved with the Health Physics Society’s (HPS) 66th Annual Meeting that took place during the month of July.

• ORISE awards $25,000 to Mary Munford Elementary School teacher in CIA Mission Possible Classroom Transformation competition

  Crystal Clark, a teacher at Mary Munford Elementary School, was the winner of the inaugural CIA Mission Possible Classroom Transformation competition and a $25,000 grand prize for new technology for her classroom.

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  ORISE awards $25,000 to Kramer Middle School teacher in CIA Mission Possible Classroom Transformation competition

  Kourtney Purham, a teacher at Kramer Middle School, won the inaugural CIA Mission Possible Classroom Transformation competition and a $25,000 grand prize for new technology for her classroom.

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  REAC/TS hosts NNSA’s Ann Heinrich and Kirk Czap for site visit

  The Radiation Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) hosted National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Director for the Office of Nuclear Incident Policy and Cooperation Ann Heinrich (right) and Emergency Management Specialist Kirk Czap (middle) for a site visit.

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  Teachers visit REAC/TS’ Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Lab virtually

  Teachers from the Appalachian Regional Commission/Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ARC/ORNL) Summer STEM Program spent time in a virtual format at REAC/TS’ Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Lab (CBL) from June 21 to July 2, 2021.

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  REAC/TS co-hosts virtual Agents of Opportunity course

  The American College of Medical Toxicology and the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS), in partnership with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and County of San Diego Hazardous Incident Response Team, recently offered a virtual Agents of Opportunity course.

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  REAC/TS staff continues support of the emergency preparedness community throughout COVID-19 pandemic

  Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, REAC/TS staff have continued to support the emergency preparedness community by providing their expertise not only for the medical management of radiation incidents, but also live-saving techniques for use in trauma situations.

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  CIA Mission Possible – Classroom Transformation offers Baltimore/D.C./Richmond teachers $25,000 in classroom technology upgrades

  The CIA Mission Possible-Classroom Transformation competition will award one STEAM teacher each in Baltimore, Md., Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Va., with $25,000 in new equipment to update their classroom with the latest technology. Runners-up in each city will receive $5,000 in new equipment.

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  ORISE showcases online meeting capabilities during virtual road show

  ORISE’s Peer Review group leaned on virtual meeting capabilities to keep the mission moving forward after the coronavirus pandemic caused the cancellation of all in-person meetings. Out of necessity, the team built upon and expanded in-house capabilities for hosting reviews in a virtual environment.

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  STEM recruiting: The show must still go on

  During the past quarter, ORISE participated in several online outreach events, helping to raise ORISE’s profile within the internship community. ORISE was ranked number nine on Handshake’s list of 500 in-demand companies for internships and the number one organization for research.

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  REAC/TS hosts participants from around the world for Micro-Radiation Emergency Medicine Course

  REAC/TS hosted an abbreviated, online version of its Radiation Emergency Medicine (REM) course. The MicroREM course lasted a total of 12 hours and included 84 participants from around the world, representing a variety of medical disciplines, health physics personnel, emergency managers/planners and researchers from a variety of organizations.

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  ORISE participates in DOE STEM Rising webinar honoring women in climate-based careers

  ORISE STEM Workforce Development Group Manager Igrid Gregory participated and shared information about Zintellect, the ORISE GO mobile app, the ORISE website and ORISE social media during DOE's STEM Rising Women in Climate Action Careers webinar.

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  ORISE to offer no-cost virtual educator professional development courses in June

  ORISE is offering 15 virtual teacher professional development courses at no cost to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) educators across the country.

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  ORISE Virtual Career Fair attracts record number of attendees

  ORISE recently hosted the Experience ORISE Virtual Career Fair, an online recruiting event that spotlighted more than 700 internships, fellowships and research opportunities.

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  Accomplished class of STEM teachers selected as Albert Einstein Educator Fellows

  Eighteen K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers from across the United States have been named 2021-2022 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows.

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  REAC/TS staff present virtually at global ConRad 2021 conference on radiation topics

  Two members of the REAC/TS team presented as invited speakers at ConRad 2021: The Global Conference on Radiation Topics that was held May 10-12, 2021.

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  ORISE contributes to BESAC international benchmarking study

  ORISE supported the BESAC International Benchmarking Subcommittee by developing an information science methodology for searching/analyzing the scientific literature in five areas.

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  REAC/TS personnel present during World Health Organization virtual meeting

  REAC/TS Director Carol Iddins and Health Physicist Jason Davis were invited speakers at the 16th Coordination Meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) Radiation Emergency Medical Preparedness and Assistance Network (REMPAN) held virtually.

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  Balajee selected to Cytogenetic and Genome Research Journal editorial board

  ORISE Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Laboratory Director Adayabalam Balajee has been selected as an editorial board member for the Cytogenetic and Genome Research Journal.

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  Hagemeyer to contribute to United Nations Committee publication

  Derek Hagemeyer was nominated and accepted by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) to serve on the expert group developing a report titled, “Evaluation of Public Exposure to Ionizing Radiation from Natural and Man-made Sources.”

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  The show must go on as ORISE manages science bowl virtually

  The 2021 Tennessee Science Bowl proved to be very different from how the event looked over the previous 30 years. The 31st annual event was held virtually for the first time ever and required a completely different level of preparation than years past.

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  ORISE provides peer review and meeting support for multiple DOE virtual meetings

  As the coronavirus pandemic spread across the globe, the need to create virtual alternatives for scientific peer review and various other meetings became a priority for ORISE and its U.S. Department of Energy customers. To date, ORISE has supported several online events—each of which sought to recreate the interpersonal communication that is so critical for independently reviewing and evaluating federally funded scientific research.

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  ORISE receives DOE silver award for GreenBuy program

  ORISE was recognized recently as a silver-level recipient of DOE's GreenBuy award for FY 2020. The GreenBuy Award Program recognizes DOE sites for achieving stringent sustainable acquisition goals which extend beyond the government’s “green” minimum compliance requirements.

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  REAC/TS receives U.S. Secretary of Energy’s Achievement Award

  Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) team members, who provided consultation during a breached radioactive source event at the University of Washington’s Harborview Research and Training Facility in 2019, received the U.S. Secretary of Energy’s Achievement Award for their contribution.

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  ORISE-administered Albert Einstein Fellowship plays prominent role in supporting the federal government’s strategic plan for STEM Education

  The federal government published its five-year strategic plan for STEM education called Chartering a Course for Success: America’s Strategy for STEM Education in 2018. The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship (AEF) Program—administered by ORISE on behalf of DOE’s Office of Science—plays a prominent role in supporting the development and execution of the federal strategy for STEM education.

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  REAC/TS—An international thought leader in radiation emergency medicine

  In addition to being on-call 24/7 for radiological and nuclear incidents, REAC/TS subject matter experts also contribute to the emergency medical response community by publishing research findings related to radiation exposure, sharing technical expertise at conferences across the globe and educating first responders and first receivers on the management and treatment of those with radiation illnesses or injuries.

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  3, 2, 1, liftoff: REAC/TS goes to NASA for Perseverance Rover launch

  Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) Director Dr. Carol Iddins and Health Physicist Mark Jenkins, PhD provided essential radiation emergency response support and consultation during the Perseverance Rover launch.

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  ORISE report shows overall number of nuclear engineering degrees increases to highest level since 2016

  The number of nuclear engineering degrees awarded in 2019 were at the highest level since 2016 according to a study conducted by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education.

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  Balajee published in Journal of Nature Communications

  REAC/TS Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Laboratory Director Adayabalam Balajee co-authored a manuscript, titled “Radiation-induced DNA damage and repair effects on 3D genome organization,” for the Journal of Nature Communications describing how the authors used genetic, molecular and computational approaches to explore how the human 3D genome responds to ionizing radiation exposure.

2020

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  Preparing Morocco: REAC/TS provides radiation emergency medicine education in northwest Africa

  REAC/TS Director Carol Iddins, M.D., Health Physicist Jason Davis, Ph.D., C.H.P. and Nurse/Paramedic Angie Bowen traveled to Rabat, Morocco, in 2019 to teach an International Medical Management of Radiation Injuries course to 25 health care professionals. This was the first time REAC/TS provided education in Morocco.

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  Beth White to chair STEM Special Interest Group for International Higher Education Group

  ORISE STEM Workforce Development Education Project Manager Beth White has been selected to chair the STEM Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Professional and Organizational Development in Higher Education Network. Known as the POD Network for short, the organization is devoted to improving teaching and learning in higher education.

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  ORISE hosts virtual career fair to showcase Department of Defense programs

  ORISE recently hosted the 2020 Department of Defense (DoD) Belcamp Participation Program Virtual Recruitment Fair. The event allowed students the opportunity to chat with DoD scientists, subject matter experts, recruiters, and other staff about what it is like to participate in an ORISE internship.

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  Are nurses ready for a large-scale radiological or nuclear incident?

  The nursing profession plays a critical role in the effectiveness of the medical response to any disaster or public health emergency. This holds true if there is a large-scale release of radioactive materials into the environment. Nurses comprise the largest component of the U.S. healthcare workforce with more than 2.9 million active registered nurses.

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  ORISE Academy: An incubator for ORISE ambassadors

  A year-long leadership program, the ORISE Academy immerses ORAU employees in the intricacies of managing the ORISE contract and ultimately seeks to create knowledgeable ambassadors for ORISE.

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  ORISE-NETL Participant named winner of 2020 Ignite Off Competition

  Kristyn Johnson, an ORISE participant at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), has been named the overall winner of the 2020 Ignite Off competition.

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  ORISE Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Laboratory “gamifies” radiation dose estimation

  ORISE cytogenetic researchers have developed an online training tool to create a pool of efficient scorers who, in times of need, could assist the ORISE Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Laboratory (CBL) by scoring samples to assess absorbed radiation dose in exposed individuals.

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  REAC/TS launches new app for a variety of resources on the go

  REAC/TS launched its new RadMed app, providing a wide range of resources on the medical management of radiation incidents that can be downloaded free on mobile devices and utilized while on the go.

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  ORISE K-12 competition inspires student to build an aquaponic garden

  Earlier this year, 11-year-old Catherine Manley decided to participate in the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education’s (ORISE) Earth Day student competition. She and dozens of other contestants submitted presentations encouraging others to save the planet from environmental threats like pollution, deforestation and resource depletion.

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  Oak Ridge Robotics Academy prioritizes STEM outreach and student safety

  Held each year in July, the Robotics Academy offers upcoming 7th, 8th and 9th grade students an introduction to engineering, coding and robotics. The week-long experience concludes with a competition of the students’ robots, which is always highly anticipated. Faced with the new challenges of COVID-19, this year’s Robotics Academy would have to be re-thought and re-planned if held at all.

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  ORISE supports DOE Office of Science with first-ever Virtual National Science Bowl® finals competition

  DOE Office of Science's Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists created the National Science Bowl® in 1991 and ORISE has assisted with coordinating and executing the competition on DOE’s behalf since 1998. This year the two organizations had to work closely together to monitor current events and continuously adjust in response to the unfolding global pandemic.

• ORISE to host virtual career fair for U.S. Department of Defense STEM internships, fellowships and research associate opportunities

  The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education will host a virtual career fair on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, from noon to 3 p.m. ET, to highlight the paid internships, fellowships and research associate programs available to college students and recent graduates at U.S. Department of Defense facilities across the country.

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  ORISE virtual internships fulfill research program needs during coronavirus pandemic

  In these days of physical and social distancing, ORISE program managers worked with customers to be innovative and deliver to students the quality experiences they need to strengthen their scientific knowledge and ultimately become productive members of the nation’s scientific workforce.

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  Siblings use iPads won from ORISE student competition to invent “Beat the Heat Car Seat”

  Lydia Denton, co-winner of the “I’m the Teacher Now” ORISE student competition, recently won the $20,000 grand prize in the Citgo Discovery Education competition with the “Beat the Heat” car seat. Lydia's invention aims to prevent hot car deaths by measuring the car's temperature and alerting parents and emergency officials when the temperature inside the car reaches 102 degrees.

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  3D printing a solution

  ORISE K-12 team members set out to help health care workers suffering from the discomforts of N95 masks. Using a template found on the internet, the team used 3D printers to produce ear guards to prevent the elastic bands on masks from rubbing health care workers’ ears raw.

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  ORISE launches new app and redesigned website

  ORISE launches new app and redesigned website with a variety of resources available, including hundreds of STEM internships, fellowships and research opportunities.

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  Some of the nation’s most accomplished STEM teachers selected as Albert Einstein Educator Fellows

  Fifteen accomplished K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers from across the United States have been named 2020-2021 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows.

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  ORISE K-12 grant allows middle school science teacher to inspire students with wildlife specimens

  Science teacher Iris Mudd used the $1,500 prize she won in an ORISE Lesson Plan Competition to purchase specimens of living and extinct wildlife, transforming her classroom into what her students called "the museum."

• ORISE to host virtual career fair for Oak Ridge National Laboratory internships, fellowships and research associate opportunities

  The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education will host a virtual career fair on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, from noon to 3 p.m. ET, to highlight the paid internships, fellowships and research associate programs available to college students and recent graduates at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

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  REAC/TS retains PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre designation

  The Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) recently received its redesignation as a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Collaborating Centre. Collaborating Centres serve as key institutions throughout the world providing relevant expertise and functioning as an extension of the international public health agency’s mission to improve health outcomes for all people. REAC/TS has been a PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for radiation emergency assistance since 1980.

2019

• ORISE stay rate data featured at conference for linked data sources

  ORISE Economists Leigh Ann Pennington and Mike Finn are lead authors for a biennial study examining how well the United States attracts and retains foreign-born science and engineering (S&E) doctorate holders. The work, which ORISE performs through an interagency agreement for the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), a division of the National Science Foundation (NSF), was one of only eight selected as a poster and “lightning talk” presentation at the 2019 Data Linkage Day.

• Bright lights, big science

  Janie Kimble and Melissa Jones, who teach math and science at Carlin Combined Schools in Carlin, NV, have transformed STEM education at their school thanks to their experience in the Joint Science and Technology Institute in Aberdeen, MD.

• How to build a better peer reviewer: An exploratory study

  In 2018, ORISE researchers conducted an exploratory study examining how the use of technology in panel reviews for research-funding agencies affects the development and improvement of skills needed by effective reviewers.

• REAC/TS shares unique radiation emergency medicine expertise with the world

  The Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, provides 24/7 emergency response to radiological/nuclear incidents around the globe. REAC/TS also educates health care personnel, first responders and others with the most advanced techniques for medical management of radiation incidents. In 2018, REAC/TS conducted courses in its own backyard and traveled internationally to present education tailored to meet diverse needs of a wide range of emergency and health professionals.

• Bringing cytogenetic biodosimetry to the world

  The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is creating a reference biodosimetry/radiobiology laboratory, which will provide assistance with estimating absorbed radiation dose for exposed people in developing or third-world countries who do not have adequate resources. Adayabalam Balajee, Ph.D., director of the REAC/TS Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Laboratory (CBL), shared his experience in establishing robotic platforms for automated processing of a large number of samples for rapid individualized biodosimetry at the CBL he manages in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

• Preparing to Launch: REAC/TS supports NASA in Mars 2020 Mission

  REAC/TS, an asset of the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration, is providing training and consultation for medical responders and emergency planners near Kennedy Space Center this year in preparation for NASA's Mars 2020 rover launch.

• DOE presents ORISE its 14th Star of Excellence Award for safety and health

  For the 14th year in a row, the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education has met the exceptional health and safety standards set by the Department of Energy, which recently presented ORISE with the Star of Excellence Award during DOE’s annual Voluntary Protection Program Participants’ Association national conference.

• Some of the nation’s most accomplished STEM teachers selected as Albert Einstein Educator Fellows

  Fourteen accomplished K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers from across the United States have been named 2018-2019 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows.

• Number of undergraduate health physics degrees dropped in 2018 to lowest level in nearly two decades

  The number of undergraduate students who graduated in 2016 with bachelor's degrees in health physics increased over 2015, as did the number of doctorate degrees, while the number of master's degrees decreased according to an annual survey conducted by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education.

• ORISE report shows number of nuclear engineering doctoral degrees spike to highest level in 52 years

  The number of nuclear engineering doctorate degrees awarded in 2018 reached the highest level recorded since 1966 according to the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education which surveyed 35 U.S. universities with Ph.D. nuclear engineering programs.

2018

• Seventy percent of foreign-born, noncitizen recipients of U.S. science and engineering doctorates remain in the U.S. after graduation

  Every two years, ORISE scientific workforce specialists publish a report titled Stay Rates of Foreign Doctorate Recipients from U.S. universities that shows how frequently scientists and engineers from other countries stay in the United States after earning their PhDs.

• Teachers representing 10 states will apply classroom experience to federal, congressional and executive branch offices

  Fourteen accomplished K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers from across the United States have been named 2018-2019 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows.