Pivovaroff announced as first finalist in U.S. Department of Energy Ames National Laboratory director search
Michael Pivovaroff, associate deputy director for science and technology at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), is the first finalist in the search for the next director of the U.S. Department of Energy Ames National Laboratory. He will visit campus October 2-3.
Pivovaroff will meet with laboratory scientists and staff, and university leaders, during his visit. He will also hold an open forum Monday, October 2, at 1:30 p.m., in 301 Spedding Hall.
Pivovaroff holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He served in various roles at LLNL, including program leader for space science and security, and was associate laboratory director for the technology innovation directorate at the SLAC Accelerator National Laboratory before being appointed to his current position in 2022.
- Michael Pivovaroff's Curriculum Vitae
- Visit Itinerary
- Open Forum: Monday October 2, 1:30 p.m., 301 Spedding Hall
- Candidate Feedback: https://www.provost.iastate.
edu/faculty-success/faculty- hiring/administrative- searches/feedback-form-ames- lab
More information on the search is available at: https://www.ameslab.gov/ames-national-laboratory-director-s-search
CMI name change as DOE announces new framework for critical materials
The U.S. Department of Energy announced a new framework for critical materials at the federal level that includes the Energy Innovation Hub led by Ames National Laboratory. Going forward, the Critical Materials Institute will be known as the Critical Materials Innovation Hub. The CMI has a refreshed mission to accelerate the development of critical material technologies and enhance the innovation pipeline for U.S. supply chains by accelerating research, educating a diverse workforce, and creating de-risked, commercial-ready technologies in partnership with American industry. The CMI will establish a new project portfolio around four research focus areas: Enhancing and Diversifying Supply; Developing Substitutes; Building a Circular Economy; and Crosscutting Research. By serving as an innovation engine and convener for shared ideas and best practices, CMI will have a key role in the newly announced Critical Materials Collaborative (CMC). DOE also announced the intent to fund up to $10 million to establish a Critical Materials Accelerator Program. This is in addition to the announcement earlier this month of a Critical Materials funding opportunity announcement through Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM). Read EERE’s announcements HERE and HERE.
Feasts and Farewells
Ames Lab hosted its annual family picnic Sept. 21. The event had nice weather and was catered by Whatcha Smokin’ from Luther, Iowa
Facilities and Engineering Services hosted a retirement open house for Terry Herrman and Richard Malmquist on Sept. 22. Herrman (below in the left-hand photo, with wife Elin), Assistant Manager of Facilities and Engineering Services, is retiring on Oct. 2 after 35 years of service at Ames National Laboratory and Iowa State University. Richard Malmquist (below in the right-hand photo), facilities mechanic, has worked for Ames National Laboratory in the Facilities and Engineering Services Department for over 29 years, but has worked for Iowa State University for over 38 years. He is retiring Oct. 2.
Postdoc Connections (and Mixer!)
Are you new to Ames Lab? Would you like an opportunity to meet new friends and get to know fellow postdocs and early career folks new to the area? Are you looking for a (free) snack? If you answered yes to any of these (and even if you didn’t!), please join us for an informal mixer!
The experience of a postdoctoral scholar may be a brief, intense, and pivotal career step. While the Iowa State Postdoctoral Scholar Office provides the postdoc community with support, opportunities, and tools to develop a successful career path, Ames National Laboratory is creating additional opportunities for professional development and social connection for our postdoctoral scholars, and we need your help to shape this activity and improve the quality of life for you and future new members of our community.
We plan to offer multiple casual opportunities this year for networking, making friends, and career development for postdocs and early career scientists. Part of our focus will be on creating stronger support systems for those who are new to the lab and new to life in Ames. Our goal is to make the experience of joining Ames Lab less burdensome and more enjoyable and rewarding, particularly for those who may be joining from different cultural backgrounds.
The first Postdoc Connections meet-up will be held Friday, Oct. 13, 3 - 5 p.m. There is space reserved at the Student Innovation Center, which is on campus at 606 Bissell Road. Appetizers and beverages will be served. Postdocs, we hope you will stop by to visit with your colleagues, enjoy some refreshments, and learn more about upcoming opportunities for Postdoc Connections!
Ames Lab welcome new head procurement agent
Hunter Hall was recently hired as Head Procurement Agent and will be providing procurement support for
research subcontracts. He received a B.S. in Supply Chain Management from Iowa State University.
Prior to joining the Laboratory, Hunter worked as a Procurement Specialist for Mid-State Distributing. He also worked as a Supply Management Specialist at John Deere.
Hunter lives in Ankeny with his wife Jamie and son Wesley.
His hobbies include raising his young son, recreational sports, board games & poker, brewing his own beer, and making his own hot sauces.
“I would like Ames Lab to be a place I can be for a long time, and somewhere I feel what I do has a positive and tangible benefit," Hall said.
C&EN: The tricky ethics of AI in the lab
This is an excerpt from an article published Sept. 18, 2023 in C&EN.
This year may well go down as the year of ChatGPT. The generative artificial intelligence program, and others like it, made news as the public dived into using AI platforms with no more than common, conversational language. People created mash-up images, passable sonnets, and term papers that might just fly with the professor. The barometer tilted from fear of doom to enthusiasm for AI. The science research community is known for its enthusiastic engagement with breakthrough technologies. It also has a history of confronting ethical concerns posed by these technologies well after they are in common use. This history is repeating itself this year after the rise of generative AI models that people without coding expertise can use. Some scientists are calling for a pause in activity to weigh risks and establish guidelines. Others, however, are resisting not only the pause in deployment but also any restrictions on the use of a fast-morphing tool that they say will benefit from unimpeded experimentation. Read MORE
Fall vaccines: What you need to know
Now that it is officially fall, experts are predicting that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and influenza (the flu) are likely to send thousands to the hospital this year, but when and how severely is still unknown. It is more important than ever to get recommended immunizations to help combat another “tripledemic” of respiratory illnesses similar to what health officials saw last winter.
So which vaccines should you get? Let’s break it down.
RSV
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is common winter virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. But for certain groups, like infants, young children, older adults and immunocompromised they are at higher risk of developing severe illness.
Who: Adults over the age of 60
What: GSK or Pfizer RSV Vaccine
When: NOW
Where: Vaccines are available at local pharmacies and doctors’ offices. Depending on your health insurance, there may be a cost for treatment.
COVID-19
According to the CDC, COVID vaccines are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, hospitalization, and death. As with other vaccine preventable diseases, you are best protected when you stay up to date with recommended vaccinations.
Who: Anyone six months and older
What: Updated vaccine formula targeting new Omicron subvariant; XBB
Options: Moderna and Pfizer (mRNA) are available now. Novavax (protein) will be available soon.
When: ANYTIME, as a new wave of COVID may be on the rise. Recently infected? Wait at least 3-4 months. Still not sure? Talk with your healthcare provider for more information.
Where: COVID vaccines are available at local pharmacies, doctor’s office or public health departments. Depending on your health insurance, there may be a cost for treatment. Also, free COVID-19 tests are back! Households can now receive four free rapid tests through the mail. Tests can be ordered at COVIDtests.gov.
If you test positive, please follow current Centers for Disease Control guidance and isolate from others for at least 5 days.
Influenza
Flu vaccination can reduce illness, visits to the doctor, and missed work and school, as well as reduce severe symptoms and flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Great news from the Southern Hemisphere is that vaccines are currently matching circulating strains well!
Who: Anyone six months and older
What: A vaccine that targets four strains of seasonal flu. For adults over the age of 65, the high dose influenza vaccines are recommended.
When: OCTOBER (before Halloween)
Where: FREE influenza vaccines are available beginning Oct. 9 at State Gym. More information can be found here: https://www.wellbeing.iastate.edu/flu-vaccine-clinic. High Dose Vaccines are available at local pharmacies and medical clinics. Depending on your health insurance, there may be a cost for treatment.
What about mixing vaccines?
If you do not want to or are unable to make more than one trip, research has shown that the COVID and Flu vaccine are safe to receive together. We suggest getting them in different arms. Since the RSV vaccine is new, there is little information on how it might interact with other vaccines. Current recommendations advise on waiting 2 weeks before receiving other vaccines. If possible, it may be best to time your vaccines to provide the maximum protection.
Vaccines help; so do basic health precautions
In addition to getting recommended vaccinations, common sense daily health habits will also play a critical role in staying healthy this cold and flu season. Don’t forget to:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
- Clean and disinfect high traffic surfaces.
- Practice other good health habits; get plenty of sleep, stay active, manage stress, stay hydrated, and eat nutritious food.
September IDEAs: Accessibility Summit
DOE’s Accessibility Summit: Building Bridges Towards Inclusion
The inaugural DOE Accessibility Summit will be held the month of October, coinciding with National Disability
Employment Awareness Month. This event is a collaborative effort among the Office of Human Capital (HC), Office of Economic Impact and Diversity (ED), and the Employee Resource Group (ERG) SOAR- Persons with Disabilities. The theme is “Building Bridges Towards Inclusion”, with a focus on equity, equal opportunity, and equal access for people with disabilities in the workplace.
Virtual Events: There will be 11 virtual one-hour events offered throughout October that will discuss various aspects of accessibility for people with disabilities. Topics include, but are not limited to: services and supports for employees who are deaf or hard of hearing, ergonomic supports at home and in the workplace, mental health, and wellbeing in the workplace.
Registration: DOE Accessibility Summit 2023 Registration - Smartsheet.com (smartsheetgov.com).
Reasonable Accommodation: For accommodations to participate please contact ReasonableAccommodation@hq.doe.gov seven (7) business days prior to each event. Any request after seven (7) business days the RA team will do their best to accommodate but cannot guarantee an accommodation.
University announces CY24 benefits changes, awaiting Regents approval
Iowa State University senior leaders have accepted recommendations from the Employee Benefits Advisory Committee to implement targeted changes to certain health care plan features and premiums beginning January 1, 2024. These changes are pending Iowa Board of Regents review and approval during their September 27-28 meeting.
The monthly premiums collected from the university and employees in recent years have not been enough to cover claim costs. Changes are needed to ensure the gap is closed as healthcare costs continue to rise. Monthly premium changes are going to modestly increase along with the introduction of deductibles, co-insurance, and out of pocket maximums. The university will continue to pay a majority of the expense, nearly 88%. Overall healthcare coverage will not change.
We recognize that the new plan elements of the HMO medical insurance plan is a significant change and terms associated with the change may be unfamiliar to many employees. Two educational tools have been developed by Iowa State to help support employees as they navigate these changes. The Medical Insurance Glossary and Understanding Your Medical Coverage Costs video were created to help explain plan elements such as a deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum, as well as how these elements interact and apply to care received. Additional resources will be released on Monday, October 2 on the University Human Resources (UHR) Benefits website.
Laboratory leadership encourages participation in the virtual Benefits Town Hall for all faculty and staff on Wednesday, October 4 at 9 a.m., or viewing the recording of the Town Hall at a later date. The presentation will introduce the plan changes in more detail and share the variety of resources available to employees as they navigate the personal impact of these changes. Related communication and the virtual meeting link will be forthcoming from Iowa State.
Individual benefit consultations can also be scheduled with UHR Benefits by emailing benefits@iastate.edu or calling 515-294-4800.
* Supervisors are encouraged to allow employees to review this information in advance of the 2024 Benefits Open Enrollment period (November 1-17, 2023), when possible. Time spent considering this benefits information is considered work time and should be allowed.
Important Contacts and Resources
Open Enrollment Information: ISU Open Enrollment website
Medical: Wellmark website or 800-494-4478
Dental: Delta Dental of Iowa website or 800-544-0718
Pharmacy: Express Scripts website or 800-987-5248
Healthcare Flex Savings and Dependent Care: ASIFLEX website or 877-879-9038
ANNOUNCEMENTS
AV upgrades coming to Spedding Conference Room
Spedding 301 audio-visual equipment will be upgraded October 12 – October 20. During this time the room will not be available for meetings.
Salaried Effort Certification in Workday coming soon
The effort certification process for the period of January 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023 will be sent out in Workday for your review and approval beginning September 29th, 2023.
The effort certification process, owned by Sponsored Programs Accounting (SPA) at the university-level, helps maintain compliance with federal regulations that stipulate institutions must have a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that salary charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated to federal awards.
The salaried effort certification for the period of January 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023 will be performed in Workday. Individuals paid by Ames Laboratory will receive an effort certification action in Workday which asks you to verify that your effort and pay were charged appropriately to the Ames Laboratory or other Federally funded sources from which you may have been paid. Please review this Workday action and reach out to Jake Irving (irving@ameslab.gov) if you have any questions.
A job aid for salaried effort certification is available. For more information about effort reporting, please consult the Handbook for Effort Reporting.