Inside this issue:
Topological materials outperform through quantum periodic motion
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory have discovered that applying vibrational motion in a periodic manner may be the key to preventing dissipations of the desired electron states that would make advanced quantum computing and spintronics possible.
Some topological materials are insulators in their bulk form, but possess electron-conducting behavior on their surfaces. While the differences in the behavior of these surface electrons is what makes these materials so promising for technological applications, it also presents a challenge: uncontrolled interactions between surface electrons and the bulk material states can cause electrons to scatter out of order, leading to so-called “topological breakdown”. They are not protected by any “spontaneous” symmetry. READ MORE
Congressional Delegation visits Ames Laboratory
Ames wins Middle School Science Bowl
Ames Middle School needed a second match, but defeated Indian Hills Middle School of Clive 80-20 to capture the 2020 Ames Laboratory Regional Middle School Science Bowl on Feb. 22. Ames topped a field of 32 teams in the day-long, quiz-bowl format competition and will represent the Iowa Region at the U.S. Department of Energy National Science Bowl (NSB)® April 30-May 4, 2020 in Washington, DC.
Indian Hills lost to Ames 98-26 in the quarter final match, but then defeated Stilwell of West Des Moines 72-48 in the semifinal round to earn a rematch with Ames. In the first championship match, Indian Hills outlasted Ames 68-52, setting up a third and final match in the double-elimination tournament. Result can be found HERE.
Wellness Note: Workable Workspaces
Have you recently relocated your office space? Most of us spend about a third of our time at the office, so let’s chat about some simple strategies to optimize your wellness within your workspace!
1. Create a Workspace that Works for YOU
You want your workspace to reflect who you are. Begin by asking yourself what works best for you: Quiet? Quality lighting? Desk space to write on? Temperature control?
Then incorporate personal touches; family pictures, artwork, mementos, or anything that makes you happy.
Take 5 minutes at the end of the day to tidy and declutter your workspace. Major clutter can be distracting and create stress. Never underestimate the power of starting each day with a clean slate.
The simple step of intentionally setting up your workspace can increase your focus/productivity and can significantly reduce your workplace stress.
2. Prioritize Proper Ergonomics in Your Set-Up
Poorly designed workspaces can and will wreak havoc on your body over time.
Set up your desk, chair, monitor and keyboard in ergonomically correct positions.
Not sure what this means or where to start? Check out some of the Ergonomic resources on Service Now or Learn@ISU online courses on Ergonomics.
Still overwhelmed by your space? You can request an in house ergonomic evaluation from Ames Laboratory ESH! For more information contact them at 294-2153.
3. Stand Up From Your Desk Regularly
When you’re busy, focused, and rushing to meet deadlines, it’s tough to pry yourself away. But for the sake of your health, prioritize movement and incorporate frequent breaks. This might be difficult for some, or it may break focus and productivity, so figure out what works best for you.
Start by setting a timer to take micro-breaks every 30-60 minutes. If you can’t take a short walk around your office, stand up and stretch! Utilize your stand up desk, or get a whiteboard for brainstorming– it’s hard to write on one while sitting down.
With spring approaching, get outside during the day for a quick walk. Not only does this help boost energy and creativity (especially in the afternoon), but it’s good for your health to take in some Vitamin D and fresh air.
If a leisurely stroll doesn’t work for you or your schedule, suggest a walking meeting with your team, walk on your lunch break, or take a phone call outside.
4. 20/20/20 Rule
Ever heard of this eye ergonomic tip? Staring at your computer, smartphone, or other digital devices for long periods won’t cause permanent eye damage, but your eyes may feel dry and tired. You may develop blurry vision, fatigue, or eye strain.
Take regular breaks using the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
5. Bring in Nature, Add an Office Plant
This one might not be for everyone, and you obviously don’t need to create a full-blown garden in your office. But, here are a few reasons to give plants a try;
- Certain plants are great air purifiers.
- Exposure to plants has been shown to reduce anxiety, fatigue, boost creativity and productivity, and even make you happier.
Check out some of these low maintenance plants; snake plants, ivy, spider plant, philodendron, or an air plant.
You don’t always have control over where your office is located or it’s set up, but workplace wellness starts with your environment. We are most successful when our office environment supports positive working conditions that help us stay inspired, focused, and productive.
Try incorporating one of these tips today!
If you have questions or are interested in other wellness/health-related topics, send an email to om@ameslab.gov and they may be featured in an upcoming article!
IT Report Request form in ServiceNow
The Information Technology office has released a new ServiceNow request called "Report Request" that is located under the category of "IT Requests" (see screen capture).
It is used when requesting IT to create a new report, or update an existing report. In addition to telling IT staff where the existing report resides (or where a new report should reside), the request form includes fields for providing detailed description of what you need the revised/new report to do and what information it will provide.
IT systems analyst Terry Reints used a recent request by Materials Handling and Property Services manager Stephanie Goodman as an example of what the request form is designed to address.
“Stephanie needed an update to a Cognos report so she submitted a request with the description, "Revise Cognos Report To Add Four Additional Fields," Reints said.
Goodman specifically named the report to updated:
Cognos > Team Content > Purchasing and Property Services > Fixed Assets > FA - Scrap Report
and asked that the report include four additional fields from the Fixed Asset Database. Those four fields were: 1. Manufacturer Name, 2. Model Number, 3. Serial Number, and 4. Acquisition Date. To further help clarify things, she attached a copy of the existing report.
“Stephanie knows her data very well and her request was exceptionally detailed,” Reints said. “It gave us the information we needed to begin fulfilling her request. We think this new Report Request form can help IT provide everyone access to the data they need."
Green Dot Training March 26
A Green Dot Overview Presentation and Training is being offered to all at Ames Laboratory on Thursday, March 26 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM in 301 Spedding. Green Dot is the power-based violence prevention program and strategy at Iowa State University.
Green Dot’s mission is to decrease power-based personal violence on campus by utilizing education, outreach, and development as mechanisms for increasing awareness and competency around bystander intervention skills. This will be an interactive presentation and designed to prepare participants with the connection, knowledge, and skill to increase proactive and reactive bystander behavior.
Looking Back 25 Years: Cyclone Power, Acting Director
The February 1995 issue of Insider had a cover story on Ames Lab night with the Cyclones as 150 Lab employees attended the ISU men's basketball game against St. Louis University. The issue also had a "welcome" message from new Acting Director Jim Corones, who was appointed to replace outgoing director Tom Barton.
Elsewhere in the issue was a wrap-up of Ames Lab's response to a DOE environmental audit, a story on a partnership with General Motors, information sessions on retirement investments and healthy lifestyles and personal profiles on Rebecca Shivvers and Dave Torgeson. To read the entire issue, click on the cover.
Severe Weather Awareness Week
Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 23 - 27. The Laboratory will conduct its annual severe weather shelter exercise on Wednesday, March 25th at 10:00 in conjunction with the state-wide tornado drill. Look for weather messages that week to help you prepare at work and at home.
Retirement workshops offered
Employees age 55 and older, considering retirement in 2020 - 2021 or those approaching Medicare eligibility can find out more at a “Retirement/Insurance/
March 2 -- 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
March 20 - 9:00 to 11 a.m.
April 14 - 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
If the sessions fill up, more will be added for May, June or July. There are not sessions in the fall.
Storeroom closing for inventory
The Ames Laboratory Storeroom will be closed for physical inventory on Thursday 3/19/2020. Please plan ahead so you have the necessary supplies on hand.
Start training! DOE Mile Run is May 5
The 2020 DOE Mile Run has been set for May 5 so you've got a good two months to hit the streets and log some training miles. Watch future Insiders for more details. Last year, Ames placed 10th among the Labs in the men's and women's running events but finished second for women's walkers and fourth for men's walkers.
Brown Bag with Adam March 19
The monthly brown bag lunch with Director Adam Schwartz for February is scheduled for Thursday, March 19 at noon in 301 Spedding. Any Lab employees may attend and are welcome to bring their own lunch.
These lunches are an opportunity for staff to chat with Adam in an informal, small group setting to learn more about, and provide input on, a wide variety of issues including priorities, challenges, and the overall state of the Lab.
The goal of these open lunches is to provide a forum for cross-cutting, candid discussions with Lab leadership and your colleagues about whatever issues are on your mind. If you prefer to submit an anonymous question in advance, use this link or place it in Melinda Schlosser’s inbox located in 311 TASF prior to the lunchtime meeting.