Search launches for Ames National Laboratory director
Iowa State University has launched the search for the director of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Ames National Laboratory. The successful candidate will succeed Adam Schwartz, who announced last month he will step down from the role.
Ames National Laboratory, one of 10 laboratories under the DOE's Office of Science, is administered by Iowa State University under contract from the DOE. The laboratory is a global leader in materials science, including critical materials, next-generation refrigeration, and recycling of plastics and rare earth metals. Many of its scientists also hold academic appointments, most notably in physics, chemistry, and engineering disciplines.
"Serving as director of the Ames National Laboratory is an excellent opportunity for top scientists and research leaders," said provost Jonathan Wickert. "I am confident we will find a director who will build upon the momentum created by Adam Schwartz and the laboratory's team."
The search is co-chaired by Peter Dorhout, vice president for research and member of the Ames National Laboratory Oversight Board; and James Morris, the laboratory's chief research officer.
Other members of the committee are:
- Chelsey Aisenbrey, director of laboratory planning and performance, Ames National Laboratory
- Nicolas Argibay, scientist, Ames National Laboratory
- Kelly Bergman, education and outreach program specialist, Ames National Laboratory
- Chris Cornelius, professor and chair, materials science and engineering
- Rebecca Flint, associate professor, physics and astronomy
- Jennifer Lohrbach, senior manager, Ames National Laboratory information technology systems
- Robert McQueeney, professor, physics and astronomy; and scientist, Ames National Laboratory
- Ikenna Nlebedim, scientist, Ames National Laboratory; and adjunct assistant professor, electrical and computer engineering
- Aaron Rossini, faculty scientist, Ames National Laboratory; and associate professor, chemistry
- Beate Schmittmann, dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Emily Smith, division director, chemical and biological sciences, Ames National Laboratory; and professor, chemistry
- Sean Whalen, director, safety and security, Ames National Laboratory
- Lin Zhou, associate professor, materials science and engineering
Russell Reynolds Associates is supporting the committee's efforts to cast a wide net in searching for the director. A website for the search will go live in the coming weeks.
Mallapragada named to key DOE advisory committee
On April 21, 2023, Iowa State University Associate Vice President for Research, Surya Mallapragada, was sworn in as a
member of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Basic Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (BESAC) for a term that runs through December 31, 2025.
The committee, established in 1986, provides advice and recommendations on scientific, technical and programmatic issues relating to the Basic Energy Sciences (BES) Program.
As a committee member, Mallapragada will play an important role in advising the Department on the national basic energy sciences program, focusing particularly on the fields of condensed matter and materials physics. Read more HERE.
Poster session features LDRD, SULI science
The Laboratory hosted a poster session April 27 to highlight work on currently funded Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) projects, and the accomplishments of this semester’s cohort of Science Undergraduate Laboratory Interns (SULI). Photo, left to right: Lun An (postdoctoral researcher, Long Qi group), Kanika Lalit (graduate student researcher, Wenyu Huang group), Long Qi (scientist), Agata Czernuszewicz (scientist).
Weather was grand for Early Bird Golf Tournament & mini golf
Ames Laboratory hosted its 45th annual Early Bird Golf Tournament Friday, April 14, at Indian Creek Country Club. A new addition this year was a mini golf tournament held at Perfect Games in Ames.
April IDEAs: Earth Month and Energy Justice, World Autism Awareness Day
April was Earth Month. Did you know that the Department of Energy works to make access to clean and affordable
energy equitable? The Office of Energy Justice Policy and Analysis conducts policy analysis, research and evaluation, technical assistance, and Federal energy policy and programs to advance equity for racial and ethnic minorities and other disadvantaged communities and individuals. You can learn more HERE.
The United Nations’ World Autism Awareness Day was April 2. Growing ranks of researchers on the spectrum are overcoming barriers — from neurotypical bias to sensory sensitivities — to shape autism science. Read more HERE.
Email Retention Changes — Open House Q & A
After three months of hearing and reading about the upcoming changes to our email retention policy, do you still have lingering questions? Are you unsure about what, if anything, you need to do? If that is the case, don’t despair, help is available. We have scheduled an open house style event on Tuesday, May 16 from 2:30 – 4:30 pm in the 140 TASF Conference Room. Staff from IT, Legal, Performance Management, and Records Management will be on hand to address your individual questions and provide guidance and solutions. We look forward to seeing you!
Did you know you can check the status of your Purchase Requisition?
The Procurement Department’s Order Status Dashboard is available for researchers and requesters to view and track the progress of submitted Purchase Requisitions. An automated email is sent via Smartsheet to the submitter/requester alerting them a Procurement Agent (PA) is assigned to the request.
For current information on your purchase requisition, please visit the Order Status Dashboard. Please direct inquiries to the appropriate PA once the order is assigned; providing the requisition and/or purchase order number.
Questions regarding the dashboard can be directed to procurement@ameslab.gov.
Active for Life launches May 8
Ames National Laboratory Active for Life is a laboratory-wide team challenge that will take place over eight weeks in
May and June, and is designed to encourage people to become more physically active. Participants set goals for themselves at an activity level and duration they are comfortable with. Goals that are challenging yet attainable are the best bet for success!
The team competition format is designed to foster interaction with your coworkers and make it fun. The team with the most activity minutes and participation in challenges wins!
Important Dates
Now through May 8: Find a team, nominate a captain and get signed up
May 8: Challenge Begins
May 10: DOE Mile challenge
June 24: Challenge Ends
June 30: Last day to record activity minutes
July 12 (tentative): Winner’s Announced/Celebration
How to sign up:
1. Get a team together (8 people or less)
2. Create a fun team name
3. Name a team captain
4. Set a weekly goal
5. Get active!!
Email activeforlife@ameslab.gov with your team captain, members and name! When it is time for the competition to begin you will be added to a google sheet to log your active minutes and other points.
Having trouble finding a team? Email activeforlife@ameslab.gov or stop by Occupational Medicine for more information! Stay tuned for more updates and announcements.
New virtual meeting backgrounds available from Communications
Updated virtual meeting backgrounds with the new Ames National Laboratory logo are available in ServiceNow, with multiple options for color, design, and platform format. Visit the Logos and Templates Knowledge Base article HERE to download (Albert Einstein not included).
Announcements
Live United Food Drive is going on now
The 2023 LIVE UNITED Food Drive is now! The food drive will run from until May 4. As you are shopping, please consider grabbing an extra item or two to donate. Their wish list of items can be found here. Ames Laboratory will have a drop off site in G40. In 2022, Ames National Laboratory raised $1,530 and collected 157 pounds of food! Let’s make 2023 another remarkable year!
2023 DOE Mile is May 10
The DOE Mile, a friendly one-mile run/walk competition between DOE National Labs, is moving back to May. It has only been a few months since the 2022 DOE Mile, but the participating teams have decided to move the challenge back to its original month. Mark your calendars for 11 a.m., May 10 and see more details HERE.
Save the date: May 16 is State of the Lab address and picnic
The annual State of the Laboratory address and picnic event is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 16. Please stay tuned for additional information.
Registration is open for Midwest Retreat for Diversity in Chemistry
The annual Midwest Retreat for Diversity in Chemistry will be held June 23-25 in Parkville, Mo. The goal of the Midwest Retreat for Diversity in Chemistry is the retention of underrepresented groups in chemistry careers and their advancement into leadership roles. Registration is required and runs through June 1. Register HERE.