Skip to content

Undergraduate Research Profile:
Kelley, Lucas and Jason Ramey

Triplets are three for three on research


Luke Roberts

Through hands-on research, Kelley Ramey (center) is part of a team that is improving the methods of fabricating glass for radiation detection at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Higher Education Research Experience program, along with her brother, Lucas (right). While Kelley and Lucas are at work in one laboratory, their other sibling, Jason (left)—the third member in the set of Ramey triplets—analyzes computer data that could lead to safer and more efficient reactors for power and hydrogen production worked in another laboratory as part of the same program.

Three and a half years ago, the Ramey triplets—Kelley, Jason and Lucas—were freshmen in college and seeking direction for their studies. Thanks to the Higher Education Research Experience (HERE) program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, they now have not only direction but also three summers of hands-on research experience.

HERE is a research program for any student who is currently involved in a bachelor’s or associate’s degree program. Administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, the program allows students to experience the thrill of cutting-edge research, while working with world-class scientists and engineers.

The summer of 2010 was the third consecutive summer that the siblings have participated in the program, citing the value of hands-on research, collaboration with experts and new experiences. They share many similar interests and are often together, even in the lab.

Kelley and Lucas spent their most recent summer helping develop ceramics and glass that could be used in radiation detection alongside Dr. Lynn Boatner at ORNL. Ceramic and glass radiation detection devices are not only less time-consuming to produce but are also less expensive. This may be used in homeland security applications to monitor the movement of radioactive materials.

Improving the methods of fabricating glass for radiation detection involves a lengthy process each day for the interns, including heating and pouring glass at temperatures of 1300 degrees Celsius. “It was exciting and scary to pour material at that temperature, but I consider it a great accomplishment,” Kelley said.

Not only have the summers been a time to take part in ground-breaking research, but “it is a great opportunity to work with some of the most brilliant people in the world,” Lucas said.

Most days, the triplets would meet for lunch, sometimes discussing experiences from the lab. Kelley said that although they never worked on similar projects, “it was always interesting to see what research Jason was doing in his division.”

Jason, who applied to the program to what types of research take place at ORNL, worked in ORNL’s nuclear fuel materials group. There, he assisted in the characterization of specially coated uranium oxide kernels, a potential fuel source for next-generation nuclear reactors. He also helped in the development of fabrication techniques to produce fuel compacts containing these coated kernels. These technologies will provide safer and more efficient reactors for power and hydrogen production.

Jason enjoyed learning about contamination zones, as well as getting to do research inside those off-limits areas. He also realized the importance of collecting and recording data that could lead to a possible breakthrough in research, which he had hoped to see directly during his internship.

“I have not been a part of any breakthroughs, myself. It is difficult since we are only here for a short time of the summer, but it is just a matter of continuing experimentation,” he said.

All of them agree that the internship program was an unforgettable one with many valuable lessons. And as they enter their senior year at Tennessee Technological University, they each have plans to pursue advanced degrees in science-related fields.

To sum up how these three summers will affect her future, Kelley said, “The experience has taught me the value of hard work and how I have to keep continuing my education and expanding my knowledge base.”