Director Adam Schwartz announces his intention to step down
On Feb. 22, Director Adam Schwartz announced to employees his intention to step down as the director of Ames National Laboratory. A public announcement followed on Feb. 23.
Schwartz, who took leadership of the laboratory in 2014, will continue as director until a successor is named, and then transition into a part-time role helping to support business development for critical materials research at the
Lab and with its partners.
Communications sat down with Schwartz for a brief interview to reflect on his tenure as director, and what the future holds for Ames National Laboratory.
You were at the helm of Ames National Laboratory for almost a decade. What are the milestones that stand out to you? What are the ones that give you the most sense of satisfaction or pride, looking back?
Let me start by stating that none of the credit goes to me. Everything that has been accomplished over the past nine years has been accomplished by Ames Lab individuals or teams with extraordinary expertise and dedication. With that stated, the success of the Basic Energy Sciences projects, the Critical Materials Institute, and the work across operations and Laboratory Performance Management to begin modernizing our facilities and business practices stands out. What gives me the most sense of pride? The people. The commitment to the Laboratory, the work ethic, and most importantly, the caring that the staff demonstrates to the Lab’s mission and to each other fills me with pride.
Over the last ten years, the Lab has experienced a great deal of growth in its research footprint, with the Critical Materials Institute, two Energy Frontier Research Centers, and leadership roles in other partnerships, such as the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS) at Fermilab. How do you foresee the direction of the Lab’s research from where we stand now?
Laboratory leadership has been working closely with DOE, our scientific advisory committee, and our operations review committee to hone our strategy, and that strategy is absolutely on the right trajectory. Rare earths, critical materials, catalysts, quantum materials, magnets, synthesis, and characterization are several of the areas that DOE views Ames Lab as a national and international leader. The formation and success of the Critical Materials Institute, the formation of the Center for the Advancement of Topological Semimetals, the Institute for the Cooperative Upcycling of Plastics, the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems National Quantum Information Sciences Research Center, and others are all natural outcomes of the Lab’s leadership. Clearly, we are increasing our impact through larger, more collaborative proposals. Of course, formulating ideas, writing compelling proposals, and executing on those projects are essential. And we’re doing that. There are tremendous opportunities right now with critical materials, Energy Earthshots, and other very large programs within DOE. Looking forward, the Lab will continue to build upon the great foundations in these, and adjacent areas, and expand partnerships with other National Laboratories, universities, and industries for future growth.
You first came to Ames Lab as a focus area leader for the Critical Materials Institute, before becoming director here. Now, you’re planning on returning to critical materials after you depart the leadership position. What attracts you to this work, and why is it important to you?
That’s right. I was the focus area leader for Developing Substitutes for the first year of the Critical Materials Institute and came to Ames Lab because of its focus on materials for energy. Critical materials aren’t going away any time soon. In fact, supply chain issues and geopolitical instabilities may heighten critical materials challenges. I still have great interest and passion in critical materials and all things materials for energy. Critical materials research programs in the United States are expanding and I plan to continue working at Ames Lab to do what I can to coordinate with other Labs, universities, industrial partners, DOE, and other U.S. Government agencies to accelerate progress.
Transitions in leadership can be a challenge for organizations. What’s your advice to employees on how to approach it?
Look at this transition as just another step in the evolution of Ames National Laboratory. For nearly 76 years, the Laboratory has delivered impactful science and technology in service to the nation through multiple directors, multiple administrations, and a dramatically changing nation. The Nation and the world will look much different 10, 20, and 30 years from now, and Ames Lab will continue to deliver science that matters. The work that we do is important, and it is recognized. My advice is to keep focus on how we can bring our expertise, and bring in others that complement us, to address these big challenges.
Iowa State University Senior Vice President and Provost Jonathan Wickert stated Schwartz would remain in the director’s position until his replacement was found, or until July 2024. The Provost’s office will lead a national search to identify Schwartz’s successor. Further updates on the search for a new Ames National Laboratory director will be shared in future publications of Insider.
Science Bowl returned to campus in January and February
Ames National Laboratory hosted the Iowa Regional High School Science Bowl Jan. 28, and the Middle School Science Bowl Feb. 18, both on the Iowa State University campus after being remote during the pandemic. Cedar Falls High School and South Middle School (Waukee) will represent Iowa in the National Science Bowl, being held April 27-May 1 in Washington DC. To read the full story, go HERE for the high school competition, and HERE for the middle school competition. Many, many thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the events happen!
Ames Lab welcomes Nicole Howe to Procurement
Nicole Howe was recently hired as a procurement assistant. She is currently pursuing a Bach
elor of Liberal Studies degree at Iowa State University with a planned graduation in December 2023.
Prior to joining the Laboratory, Nicole worked as a human resource manager for the Iowa Air National Guard. She also worked as a recruitment specialist for a nonprofit organization for Youth and Shelter Services and as a Grants Assistant II for the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration at Iowa State.
Nicole lives in Ames with her husband Gunder. Her hobbies include reading, following Iowa State athletics events, and traveling to Puerto Rico as much as possible. Nicole is interested in finding ways that she can continue to grow and succeed in her career. She hopes to continue to use her skills to better herself and her team. She is excited for all of the opportunities ahead in this new position and to move forward into a future career path. Welcome, Nicole!
Culture and climate survey coming in April
Preparations are moving forward for the next culture and climate survey at Ames National Laboratory
Each employee of Ames National Laboratory has an important role to contribute to the Laboratory’s mission and to
make it a unique and vibrant organization. The Laboratory is committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment that values diverse perspectives and offers equitable tools and opportunities for success.
One of the tools the Lab uses to assess employee’s opinions and feelings about the workplace environment is through a periodic culture and climate survey. The initial inclusion and climate survey provided a baseline of data for the Laboratory in March 2020, and the next survey will be administered in April 2023.
The survey will be completed again in partnership with Iowa State University's Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology (CSSM). They will receive all completed surveys and analyze aggregate findings to ensure anonymity. The survey participants will include Ames Laboratory faculty, professional and scientific (P&S), merit, postdoctoral research associates, and joint Iowa State employees. The Laboratory’s Diversity and Inclusion Council and Executive Council work together by reviewing summarized results and using the results to establish measurable goals based on survey results.
The Lab’s leadership wishes to emphasize the importance of survey participation. The last survey the Laboratory completed took place in March 2020 and concluded with an overall response rate of 54.3%. Feedback from this survey resulted in the D&I Council taking a number of actions, including but not limited to: a wellness resource panel discussion, employee connection and professional development opportunities, university collaborations, science leveling guides and title review, supervisory training review, and a quarterly debriefing to executive leadership. The D&I Council highly values feedback from the Ames Lab community, and has set a goal for a 65% response rate.
Questions leading up to the survey can be directed to humanresources@ameslab.gov.
Monitor blood pressure for better health
Did you know nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, and many don’t even know they have it? What is high blood pressure you ask? High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is when your blood pressure (the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels) is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers: the first number (systolic) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and the second number (diastolic) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats.
Risk factors for high blood pressure include: unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, obesity, too much alcohol, tobacco use, genetics and family history, age, race, and sex. You can reduce your risk for high blood pressure by eating a well-balanced diet that’s low in salt, limit alcohol, do regular physical activity, manage stress, and maintain a healthy weight.
High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer”. Many times, there are no symptoms to indicate that something is wrong. Untreated high blood pressure can cause a stroke which can cause serious disabilities in speech, movement, and other basic activities. Having high blood pressure, especially in midlife, can lead to having lower cognitive function and dementia later in life.
It is important to check your blood pressure whether you monitor it at home or have it checked in a doctor’s office. You may also stop by Occupational Medicine for a blood pressure check during business hours! If you want more information you can visit https://www.heart.org/.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EU air freight reporting changes take effect March 1
On March 1, the European Union (EU) implemented phase 2 of its new Import Control System to collect information about all goods going in, or transitioning through any of its 27 member countries -- before it arrives. Air carriers and freight forwarders must submit information to EU Customs, where it is reviewed for possible security threats. Phase 2 specifically deals with cargo arriving by air.
To assist in this effort, Ames Lab employees sending international shipments will need to provide the EORI number as outlined below. With the exception of document shipments, all shipments, regardless of value, going to or transiting through the EU -- as well as Northern Ireland, Norway and Switzerland -- must have:
the Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number for the business or person you're sending the shipment to. Please request your shipment recipient to provide this number to you, and then include this number on the Shipping Order when submitting the Shipping Order for shipment preparation.
Early Bird Golf Tournament returns April 14
Ames National Laboratory will host the 45th Early Bird Golf Tournament on Friday, April 14.
This year there is a new twist. In addition to the traditional golf tournament, there will be a mini-golf (putt putt) event for those who want to participate but don't play golf.
Here are the details:
Early Bird Golf Tournament
Indian Creek Country Club
63012 260th St., Nevada
12 p.m. shotgun start
Green Fees: $38 (with cart); $23 (no cart)
Entry Fee: $5
Mini-Golf Tournament
Perfect Games
1320 Dickinson Avenue, Ames
1 p.m. shotgun start
Green Fees: $5
All Ames Lab staff, family and friends are invited to participate. Please sign up today (but no later than April 10) at: Ames Lab Early Bird Golf Outing.
FY23 Special Edition 1 Counterintelligence Bulletin now available
The Argonne Regional Field Office (ARFO) of Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence (CI) publishes an unclassified quarterly CI Awareness Bulletin for distribution at the three Laboratories under its responsibility — Ames National Laboratory, Argonne, and Fermilab. The current issue is a special edition covering "Transnational Repression" and includes details about 13 individuals charged, how to identify transnational repression, and what to do when facing a threat. An archive of the bulletin is kept in ServiceNow. Read HERE.
Director’s Excellence Award nominations are open for 2023
Nominations for the newly expanded Director's Excellence Awards are open now through April 17, 2023. All Laboratory employees – regardless of role – are eligible for this award. Please consider nominating a fellow employee who has brought positive change and improvement to Ames Laboratory through their demonstration of our core values. See the Director's Excellence Award 2023 knowledge article for more information on criteria and the nomination process.