reating exciting opportunities for economic development and innovation. [Read about the nuclear renaissance and ORAU’s Nuclear Energy Academic Roadmap.] However, with this rapid expansion comes the critical need for a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the industry. This creates an incredible opportunity for workers and others throughout our community and region; and if you have a stake in any part of this industry, your input matters!
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, industry leaders, educators, trade unions, government representatives, and community partners will meet on ORAU’s main campus and the Pollard Center in Oak Ridge for the Pathway to Trades Summit, a collaborative event focused on building and sustaining the nuclear trades pipeline. This is your chance to be part of a high-impact group of stakeholders dedicated to crafting solutions and driving meaningful change.
This summit isn’t just another meeting—it’s a dynamic and collaborative workspace designed to tackle workforce development challenges head-on. Attendees will have the opportunity to:
Bridge communication gaps: Connect the dots between those who train workers, fund programs and hire employees. Interactive exercises, networking and information-sharing opportunities abound.
Influence curriculum and capacity: Share insights on certifications and skills that are currently in demand, helping education and training institutions align their programs with industry needs.
Leverage resources: Learn about available state, local and community resources for program development, deployment, and support services for students and others learning new skills.
Commit to solutions: Build lasting connections to contribute to actionable strategies for workforce development in the nuclear trades.
This summit is designed for a diverse group of stakeholders who play a vital role in workforce development, including:
Industry leaders and HR executives: Share workforce demand signals (such as customer traffic and job posting velocity), as well as educational, training and hiring needs.
Trade union leadership: Highlight capacity and training requirements to meet industry demands.
Education administrators: Collaborate on curriculum development and inspire interest in nuclear trades careers. We want all levels involved – K-12, Career and Technical Education (CTE), Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT), community colleges, universities, and those who are retraining and reskilling the workforce.
National, regional and local government representatives: Provide insights into available resources and support opportunities.
Non-profit and community partners: Offer wrap-around services and support for students and programs.
Why your input matters
The Pathway to Trades Summit is more than a discussion. It’s a call to action. Your expertise and insights are essential to shaping the future of Tennessee’s nuclear workforce. Together, we can ensure the seamless development of a skilled workforce pipeline that meets industry needs and drives economic growth.
Save the date
Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference! Join us and be part of the collaborative effort to build the nuclear trades pipeline. The Pathway to Trades Summit is your chance to contribute to a vital initiative that will shape the future of the nuclear trades in Tennessee. Whether you’re an industry leader, educator, government official or community partner, your voice matters. Let’s build the pipeline together!
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/programs/building-the-nuclear-trades-pipeline-together-join-us-at-the-pathway-to-trades-summit.html
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDTProgramstag:orau.org,2026-04-14:/blog/education/1776270339515Tick-tock! Time is running out for East Tennessee teachers to apply for ORAU’s 2026 education grantsAttention, East Tennessee STEM teachers in Anderson, Campbell, Morgan, Roane and Scott Counties! Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to bring your innovative ideas to life. ORAU’s annual Education Grants program is now open for applications, and the deadline to submit your proposals is 5 p.m. on Friday, April 24. Mark your calendar and plan accordingly!
ORAU is committed to advancing science, technology, engineering and math education by empowering teachers with the resources they need to inspire the next generation of innovators. Each year, we allocate thousands of dollars in funds to support teachers from our surrounding communities in paying for projects that foster creativity, educational enrichment and hands-on learning in STEM fields. Whether you’re dreaming of new robotics equipment, interactive STEM stations, or tools to enhance spatial reasoning, this grant program could make your vision a reality.
How it works
Teachers submit proposals for specific projects they aim to implement in the upcoming school year but lack the resources to execute. Our selection committee, comprised of former classroom educators, evaluates submissions based on proposal quality, educational enrichment, creativity and available funding from ORAU.
Success stories from last year
Last year, ORAU awarded grants to eight local teachers, enabling them to pursue exciting STEM projects. Here are just a few examples of how the funding made a difference:
Clark Ward, Glenwood and Woodland Elementary Schools:
Ward, the Innovation Coach at Glenwood and Woodland Elementary Schools, provided teachers at his schools with 3D pens and filament to help young learners explore engineering and design. “This project brings hands-on 3D design experiences to our youngest learners, sparking creativity and deepening spatial reasoning from an early age,” he explained.
Glenwood Elementary kindergarten teacher works with a student on fine motor skills.
Kimberly O’Dell, North and South Clinton Elementary Schools:
O’Dell purchased drones to teach students block coding and introduce them to accelerometers, gyroscopes and obstacle detection. “From coding to drone flight to computer science, these projects aren't just exciting—they're essential for building 21st-century skills that prepare students for the future,” she said.
South Clinton Elementary students are all smiles as they hold their new classroom drone.
Bobbie Clements, Rockwood High School:
Her journalism students received professional-grade TV technology, including a green wall, cameras, microphones, and lights. “This equipment will not only preserve the vital storytelling our students do—it will elevate it, giving them access to professional tools and helping us build a modern, innovative media environment,” Clements shared.
Rockwood High School students show off their new green screen and lights for their journalism class.
Dawn Huckeby, Robbins Elementary School:
Huckeby brought stop-motion animation tools and LEGO Education sets to her library to help her students connect with stories in new ways. “I think they will pay closer attention to details and become more involved with the story when they know they will be creating a project to animate,” Huckeby shared.
Librarian Dawn Huckeby displays new STEM tools she will use during story time.
Courtney Bass, Norwood Elementary School:
Bass used her ORAU grant to create sensory and STEM stations for kindergarteners, including a STEM wall and light table. “Students will be able to take their learning a step further through hands-on experiences,” she said.
Norwood Elementary student learns with new light table.
Why apply?
Since its inception, ORAU has awarded more than $580,000 in education grants to East Tennessee schools, helping teachers and students reach new heights in STEM education. Could your classroom be next? Imagine the possibilities for your students if your STEM dream is supported!
Submit your proposal today!
Don’t wait. This is your chance to make a lasting impact on your students and their futures. Learn more about our grant program and submit your application today. Together, we can inspire curiosity, innovation and a love for STEM in classrooms across East Tennessee.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/education/tick-tock-time-is-running-out-for-east-tennessee-teachers-to-apply-for-oraus-2026-education-grants.html
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDTEducationtag:orau.org,2026-03-18:/blog/people/1776270369297ORAU historical spotlight: The story of Clarence Lushbaugh, the experimental pathologist
Image of C.C. Lushbaugh in 1984 giving a presentation
Known professionally as C.C. Lushbaugh (March 15, 1916 – Oct. 13, 2000), Dr. Clarence Lushbaugh preferred friends to call him “Lush.” He practiced nuclear medicine during a time that’s now considered a golden era of radiation research—the time when radionuclides were discovered and tested for biological and medical properties. Leaning into this developing field, Lushbaugh excelled. His curiosity and intellect produced a robust resume of impressive experience. At the end of his illustrious career, Dr. Lushbaugh was an internationally recognized specialist in radiation injury.
Early life and inspiration
His journey into medicine was influenced by personal loss: his father died during the influenza epidemic of 1918, when Lushbaugh was a toddler. From that time, he was fascinated (and fearful) of death and decided early on that he wanted to become a doctor. He proudly carried his father’s name and credits his mother, who never remarried, for nurturing his dream and supporting his ambitions. Her unwavering backing was exemplified when she gifted him the $300 she had received and saved after his father’s death to celebrate his graduation from medical school 30 years later.
Lushbaugh attended college at the University of Cincinnati, just across the river from where he grew up in Kentucky. He followed a favorite teacher and transferred to the University of Chicago where he earned his bachelor’s degree in anatomy in 1938. Rather than going straight to medical school, Lushbaugh says he “diddled and daddled” and entered the Ph.D. program in pathology as that field had captured his attention while he was taking pre-clinical courses. This decision would shape his career trajectory.
After earning his Ph.D. in experimental pathology in 1942, Dr. Lushbaugh was appointed to the pathology faculty at the University of Chicago where he continued research and teaching. He was promoted to the rank of assistant professor and became the pathologist for the university’s toxicology laboratory.
Dr. C.C. Lushbaugh, internationally recognized specialist in radiation injury.
Frustrated he had trouble persuading doctors to take his suggestion seriously, Lushbaugh decided it was time to get his medical degree, so he’d be able to speak with doctors as peers. He re-enrolled in the University of Chicago’s medical school and finished his education with honors: an M.D. in pathology in 1948.
14 years in Los Alamos
The next year, Lushbaugh left Chicago to become the pathologist at the Los Alamos Medical Center in New Mexico and a staff member in the Biomedical Research Group of the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. Los Alamos was one of three secret cities that was established in the war effort to develop atomic weapons. It was a sequestered city invested in nuclear research when Lushbaugh arrived and was ripe with case studies for an experimental pathologist to learn how radiation affects the body.
It was here that Dr. Lushbaugh began investigating radiation accidents. One of the most well-known cases he handled was the autopsy of Cecil Kelley, a chemical operator at Los Alamos National Lab who died after a criticality accident exposed him to a lethal dose of radiation. In the postmortem analysis of Kelley’s case, Lushbaugh helped document the progression of radiation sickness and the specific ways in which high-dose radiation impacts various systems in the human body. In Los Alamos’ publication “The Cecil Kelley Criticality Accident” the investigation is documented and demonstrates that Lushbaugh’s contributions yielded valuable insights to the field of radiation pathology.
In another investigation, Dr. Lushbaugh studied “Cedar City Sue,” a sheep from Cedar City, Utah, which was sent to Los Alamos after it was believed its flock was exposed to fallout. During the 1950s, the government conducted aboveground nuclear tests in Southern Nevada. After one particular atomic shot in 1953, scientists believed drifting clouds were seeded and rained fallout downwind over Cedar City. Many sheep reportedly suffered from radiation sickness and lesions on their ears. Lushbaugh observed “Sue” and autopsied all the sheep that died. He concluded that while radiation may have affected the sheep, there was no evidence that the animals had ingested radiation. His studies were part of a broader effort to understand the impact of radiation on living organisms, inform safety protocols and mitigate risks associated with nuclear testing.
Dr. Lushbaugh is also remembered during his Los Alamos days for his extensive research into determining the lethal dose of radiation that kills 50% of exposed people within 30 days (known as LD50/30). He visited labs, hospitals and physicians who had irradiated people, looking into the data on as many as 3,000 patients. The LD50/30 is a critical measure used in radiation biology that provides a benchmark for evaluating the severity of exposure to radiation. When doctors know the LD50/30, they can estimate the risk of mortality and implement measures to mitigate the risks. Lushbaugh considers this project one of his major contributions to the field of pathology.
From one secret city to another
In 1963, Lushbaugh moved his family one more time. This job change took them to Oak Ridge, Tenn., where he joined the Oak Ridge Institute for Nuclear Studies (ORINS, later ORAU) as chief scientist in the medical division’s applied radiobiology department. Like Los Alamos, Oak Ridge played a significant role in the Manhattan Project and was a center for nuclear research. In fact, the federal government designated the ORINS Medical Division as one of three research hospitals in the country that was investigating the use of radioisotopes for cancer treatment. Lushbaugh was excited to become more involved in medical research.
These images demonstrate how a patient spent time in the LETBI facility at the ORINS Medical Division
During Dr. Lushbaugh’s tenure at the medical division, ORINS developed the Low Exposure Total Body Irradiator (LETBI). This revolutionary technology was designed to provide controlled, uniform radiation exposure for therapeutic purposes. The treatment rooms were basically small apartments where patients would live during the treatment. Radioactive sources were located throughout the room, so patients would receive the radiation while reading a book or watching television. Dr. Lushbaugh oversaw patient care and research at LETBI. He saw patients with illnesses such as lymphatic disease, leukemia and lymphoma, among other ailments. This facility was instrumental in pioneering the use of radiation technology for cancer treatment and other applications, and LETBI in particular was a key innovation that contributed to advancements in total body irradiation techniques, which improved outcomes.
As medical radiation research expanded across the country and transitioned to other institutions, ORAU closed its medical division in 1974, having fulfilled its mission as a research hospital. Dr. Lushbaugh took all that he had learned through the medical division and leveraged that to establish the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center Training Site (REAC/TS) in 1976. REAC/TS was created to provide specialized expertise in radiation emergency medicine, including training and medical management of radiation exposure and contamination incidents. It is a 24/7 deployable asset for the Department of Energy. Lushbaugh was the first director of the organization, and REAC/TS remains a critical resource in radiation emergency medicine today.
Image from a 1975 REAC/TS training event.
During this time, Lushbaugh was named the chairman of the medical and health sciences division of ORAU in 1975, after a reorganization of the programs emphasized the study of occupational and industrial diseases related to energy production. In 1979, Lushbaugh’s leadership and experience was needed again as he was tapped to serve as the acting director of ORAU’s Center for Epidemiological Research. He filled this role until 1982.
While the epidemiological work the team did is very important (such as ORAU’s involvement in studies focused on workers in the nuclear industry, assessing the long-term health effects of radiation exposure), one of the most endearing legacies Lushbaugh is remembered for around ORAU is the hobby he shared with his wife: making stained glass. One of their most elaborate projects was a double window featured in the lobby of the Center for Epidemiologic Research. Each window is a quarter circle with a seven-foot radius, which is a total of almost 80 square feet. The medallions represent each of ORAU’s member universities at the time.
Dr. C.C. Lushbaugh with his wife Dorothy when their stained-glass windows were installed in ORAU’s Center for Epidemiologic Research in 1982.
Modern-day picture of the same windows.
Respected advisor
Because Dr. Lushbaugh was internationally recognized, he served as a consultant on behalf of the World Health Organization in radiation accidents including the infamous incident in Chernobyl, Ukraine. He also responded to incidents in Juarez, Mexico; Goiania, Brazil; and San Salvador, El Salvador, providing insights and guidance in radiation emergency response.
Domestically, his contributions were far-reaching. In addition to general radiation research, he also worked with the Food and Drug Administration, leading ORAU’s study of DTPA, an agent used to remove radionuclides from the body after accidental internal contamination. His work contributed to advancements in radiation safety and treatment protocols.
Recognition and legacy
Beyond titles and leadership, Clarence Lushbaugh’s career was decorated with awards. In 1984, he was the recipient of the Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award presented by the Health Physics Society. Borrowing from the storyline of The Wizard of Oz the presenter said, “History has shown that Clarence C. Lushbaugh has courage, a heart, brains, and much experience, but never in Dr. Lushbaugh’s long, distinguished career has he been content with simply getting back to Kansas.”
The next year, he was named the Landauer award winner by the American Association of Physicists. This award is an honor that recognizes outstanding contributions in medical physics, particularly in the areas of radiation dosimetry and associated technologies.
Even local media members were Lushbaugh fans. In the Oct. 31, 2000, edition of The Oak Ridger, the founding editor of the paper, Richard D. Smyser, wrote a memorial article stating that Lushbaugh, “continued as a valued senior staff member [at ORAU] for decades, during which he played not only a major medical but also a major public information role. He was readily available to explain the intricacies of radiation exposure to the press, an essential function in which is still a time of often gross misinterpretation of such accidents.”
Dr. Lushbaugh giving an interview.
In his nearly 50-year career, he authored more than 150 scientific articles, book chapters and books, mostly on chemical and radiation pathology and human radiation biology.
He retired in 1990 as ORAU’s chief of radiation medicine.
After a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, Clarence Lushbaugh died in the year 2000.
His longtime friend John Storer, who met him when he was a medical student and Dr. Lushbaugh was an instructor, memorialized him this way: “He was always somewhat of a nonconformist and early on decided that he would always observe Friday the thirteenth as a personal holiday. He called it “Pogo Day” after the cartoon character of Walt Kelly. It is perhaps appropriate that Lush died on Pogo Day, Friday, Oct. 13,” Storer wrote.
Dr. Lushbaugh using a microscope
Dr. Clarence Lushbaugh left an indelible mark on the fields of pathology, radiation medicine and nuclear research. His groundbreaking work, leadership and dedication to advancing science and medicine have inspired generations of researchers and practitioners.
Thank you, Dr. Lushbaugh, for sharing your brilliance with us. We are better for it.
Radiation Research Society, March 2001, “In Memoriam” article by John Storer (friend who met him as a medical student when Lushbaugh was an instructor)
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/people/orau-historical-spotlight-the-story-of-clarence-lushbaugh,-the-experimental-pathologist.html
Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 EDTPeopletag:orau.org,2026-03-13:/blog/programs/1776270397756ORAU’s mission: Developing, connecting and strengthening the workforce for a better worldAt ORAU, we believe that building a better world starts with empowering individuals at every stage of their career journey. For nearly 80 years, this belief has driven our mission to cultivate a strong, resilient and impactful workforce. From sparking curiosity in young minds to promoting innovation among seasoned professionals, ORAU is a trusted partner in every phase of workforce development.
Explaining our work isn’t as simple as describing a factory that produces a single product. Instead, our efforts are multifaceted, encompassing a wide range of capabilities that collectively contribute to strengthening the scientific and technical workforce.
For example, ORAU through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is not only leading national efforts to enhance the workforce by appointing more than 9,000 early-career STEM graduates per year in research participation programs at federal agencies, but we are also addressing local needs. In Tennessee (and beyond), we are spearheading initiatives to build a robust workforce pipeline for the nuclear industry. This includes engaging scientific and technical subject matter experts to deal with critical personnel gaps and ensure the labor pool is equipped to meet future demands.
ORAU is there for all phases of the lifecycle of a member of the workforce from start to finish, or “K to Gray.”
Our approach: Supporting the lifecycle of scientific and technical workers
Our story is built around the lifecycle of scientific and technical workers, a broad range of STEM and technical professionals. What we do encompasses distinct phases of the employee’s lifecycle: discovery, development, connection and support—with a through-thread of strengthening and safeguarding worker and community health. Throughout all these phases, we believe that innovation and progress are built on the foundation of a thriving workforce and resilient communities.
Let’s take a practical look at what that looks like in ORAU’s day-to-day operation.
Discovery phase: Igniting curiosity early in life
Elementary-aged students learn math with clay during a free summer mini academy we offered in 2025.
The journey begins in the classroom, where ORAU sparks curiosity and inspires a lifelong love for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Through free hands-on STEM activities, engaging competitions and educator tools, we help students from kindergarten to high school explore the wonders of STEM. By fostering curiosity and providing resources for career exploration, we aim to nurture the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.
Recognizing the importance of technical trades, ORAU also supports programs like Extreme Trades Makeover, which awards welding teachers with $30,000 in shop equipment upgrades. This initiative, a spinoff of our renowned Extreme Classroom Makeover program for STEM educators, underscores our commitment to advancing education and fostering excellence across diverse fields.
Development phase: Preparing emerging professionals
A 2025 ORISE Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) participant. The SULI program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) and is administered by ORISE.
As students transition to college and early career stages, ORISE equips them with opportunities to grow and thrive in STEM and technical fields. Through internships, research programs and specialized training, we help emerging professionals gain the skills and experience they need to succeed. These programs are designed to bridge the gap between education and the workforce, ensuring a strong foundation for future leaders in scientific and technical industries.
Connection phase: Advancing innovation among mid-career professionals
For mid-career professionals, ORAU serves as a vital connector—linking them to expert networks, collaboration opportunities and resources that support the advancement of their work. Through fostering innovation and facilitating scientific discovery, we help professionals achieve their full potential while driving progress in their respective fields.
Our primary method of connecting people, ideas and research is through our university consortium. In a previous blog, we explored the consortium in detail: ORAU’s consortium—What’s that? At its core, our consortium serves as a matchmaking hub, introducing professionals with like-minded colleagues and industry opportunities. This collaboration propels ideas and research passions into groundbreaking discoveries, aligning with our overarching strategy of enhancing worker health, safety and resilience.
A panel discussion during ORAU’s 2025 annual meeting of sponsoring institutions.
Support phase: Empowering seasoned professionals
Seasoned professionals play a vital role in advancing STEM and technical excellence, and ORAU is here to support them in sharing their knowledge and continuing their contributions. Whether through mentorship, collaboration, or specialized programs, we empower experienced professionals to make a lasting impact in their industries and communities.
ORAU has a network of 24,000+ global subject matter experts because when it comes to scientific peer reviews, merit reviews and program evaluations, the results are only as good as the professionals who bring their expertise to the review process. Learn about ORAU peer review.
Peer review is the evaluation of scientific work by subject matter experts from the same or a related field. ORAU gives professionals the opportunity to share their expertise.
Beyond workforce development
While workforce development is at the heart of what we do, ORAU is equally committed to strengthening and safeguarding the health and resilience of workers and communities. From addressing occupational health challenges to enhancing emergency preparedness and advancing public health research, we promote safer working and living environments. Our work ensures that individuals and communities are equipped to thrive in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
The ORAU story is one of discovery, development, connection and support of workers and strengthening worker and community health. Our dedication to workforce readiness and worker health creates a ripple effect of positive impact. By strengthening individuals at every stage of their journey, we are building a stronger workforce and communities for a better world.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/programs/developing-connecting-and-strengthening-the-workforce-for-a-better-world.html
Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 EDTProgramstag:orau.org,2026-03-11:/blog/programs/1776270397289Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 2026March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, an observance that promotes screening starting at age 45 to prevent colorectal cancer or catch cancer early.
The White House issued a statement in support of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month that read: “We stand alongside every citizen courageously battling colon or rectal cancer, we pay tribute to those who lost their lives to the disease, and we renew our pledge to build a future that is healthy, strong, and totally cancer-free.”
This year, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month arrives with a heightened sense of urgency. New data shows that colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for people under age 50.
The new data comes as a shock. As a 14-year survivor of stage-IIIB rectal cancer and a long-time advocate for an organization called Fight Colorectal Cancer, that single data point is a call to action to promote screening for prevention and early detection. Colorectal cancer is the only cancer that is completely preventable with screening and, if caught early, has a 90 to 95% survival rate.
ORAU’s Michael Holtz (pictured second from the left) meets with Tim Cannon, MD., (pictured on far left) co-director of the gastrointestinal cancers program at Inova Shar Cancer Institute in Fairfax, Virginia, along with research advocates for Fight CRC and Rep. James Walkinshaw (pictured third from right).
Sadly, we’ve known colorectal cancer deaths were rising. For years we’ve been urging lawmakers to increase funding for research and early detection programs because projections told us colorectal cancer would be leading cause of cancer death for people under 50 by the year 2030.
Turns out, we actually crossed that threshold back in 2023, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Alarming data on colorectal cancer
While that statistic is alarming on its own, there’s more.
Colorectal cancer deaths are rising. Of the five leading cancers in the United States – lung, breast, prostate, colorectal and skin – only colorectal cancer has seen its death rates increase.
Rectal cancer is on the leading edge of the rise in both colorectal cancer diagnoses and deaths. When we talk about colorectal cancer, we are talking about two parts the large intestine: the colon, which is about five-feet long and absorbs water and electrolytes as waste passes through; and the rectum, the last 6-8 inches, which acts as a storage reservoir until the waste can be eliminated.
People born after 1990 have twice the risk of developing colon cancer than people born before 1990; they are at four times the risk of developing rectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates have been on the increase since 1950.
158,850 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year; 55,230 people will die of colon or rectal cancer.
Why is this happening?
Some research suggests the increase in colorectal cancer diagnosis and death is due to obesity and sedentary lifestyle. Other causes singled out in research include consumption of ultra processed foods, changes in the gut microbiome, environmental exposures and microplastics in the human body, according to the National Cancer Institute.
More research is needed to better pinpoint the causes and stop the rise in colorectal cancer diagnosis and death.
The state of colorectal cancer screening
When I was diagnosed in March 2012, age 50 was the recommended screening age for colorectal cancer. I was 43. Both the American Cancer Society and the United States Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended screening age to 45 in 2021. This is important because both ACS and the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) screening guidelines are used for insurance coverage of colorectal cancer screenings.
Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. During this 30- to 60-minute procedure, a flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the anus that allows a gastroenterologist to see, biopsy or remove polyps that may be found during the procedure. Patients are sedated, and preparation is required to clear the colon of any waste.
Stigma around the “back door entry” of a colonoscope and the preparation process keep some people from getting colonoscopies. I tell any audience that will listen that I would do the “prep” for a colonoscopy every day for the rest of my life to never hear the words, “you have cancer,” ever again.
While the ctDNA blood tests are relatively new, fecal DNA tests have existed for more than 10 years, and fecal occult blood tests for far longer. Even so, more than 50% of people don’t know that there are colorectal cancer tests that can be done at home, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance 2026 State of Screening Study. Nearly 60% of people surveyed didn’t know a colonoscopy would be a necessary follow up step if there is a negative finding in any of the non-invasive tests.
Clearly, there is work to do in educating the public about the need for screening and the various methods of screening for colorectal cancer.
Don’t dismiss the symptoms
While colorectal cancer can have no symptoms in early stages, as the disease progresses symptoms may develop that include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, unexplained abdominal cramping, strange-looking or strange-smelling stools. Additionally, feeling fatigued or anemic can also be signs of colorectal cancer.
As colorectal cancer rates continue to rise in people under age 50 – I know and have lost friends who were diagnosed in their 20s and 30s – it is important for younger people to talk to their doctors if they are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above.
Sadly, medical professionals often dismiss these symptoms in young people, especially young women, as hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome or other illnesses. According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, 45% of adults under 45 say their symptoms were dismissed by their doctors.
What can you do?
While the latest colorectal cancer data are alarming, it’s important to know there are things we can all do to prevent colorectal cancer or catch it early.
Stay up to date on your screenings. Eat a healthy diet high in fiber. Exercise more. Know the symptoms and talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of them.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/programs/colorectal-cancer-awareness-month-2026.html
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 EDTProgramstag:orau.org,2026-02-25:/blog/video/1776270407085Relive the excitement of the 2026 Tennessee Science Bowl!
The 2026 Tennessee Science Bowl is in the books (Feb. 20-21), and Farragut High School—Team One—from Knoxville, Tenn., is the reigning champion.
Since 1991, high school students across the state have gathered on a February Saturday to go head-to-head in a quiz-show-style competition to test their knowledge in biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy and math. This year, 60 teams from 46 schools contended for the title.
The morning featured dynamic round-robin sessions, while the afternoon brought intense elimination rounds, where quick responses to toss-up questions provided a competitive edge.
The winners walked away with bragging rights, a trophy and cash for their school.
Next up is the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C. (April 30 – May 4, 2026). For the first time in history, because Tennessee Science Bowl is the largest regional science bowl in the country, the first and second place winners received an all-expenses-paid trip to represent Tennessee at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Science Bowl.
Here’s how the competition ended:
Farragut High School – Team One, first place ($1,000 and trip to National Science Bowl)
Collierville High School – Team One, second place ($750 and trip to National Science Bowl)
Farragut High School – Team Two, third place ($500)
Ravenwood High School – Team One, fourth place ($250)
Knoxville Catholic High School – Team One, Civility Award ($100)
Watch our video recap from the weekend that started with dinner, a keynote speaker and a professional opportunities fair before the action-packed day of competition began the next day.
In addition to ORAU, ORISE and DOE, Tennessee Science Bowl is sponsored by Pellissippi State Community College and LIS Technologies, Inc.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/video/relive-the-excitement-of-the-2026-tennessee-science-bowl.html
Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 ESTVideotag:orau.org,2026-02-24:/blog/history/1776270346501‘ORAU has been a vital link’: Lee Riedinger discusses ORAU’s critical, historical role in Oak Ridge and at the University of Tennessee
Retired University of Tennessee Physics Professor Lee Riedinger and his book about the history between UT, ORAU and Oak Ridge.
Lee Riedinger, Ph.D., wrote a book about the history of the connection between the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Oak Ridge because he felt a responsibility to tell the story.
“I’ve been around UT for a long time,” said Riedinger, who is partially retired after serving on the faculty of the UT Physics Department for 49 years. “I just felt the need to write this down because you see leaders of institutions come and go. When they come, they usually do not understand the history of the organization. Too often, leaders reinvent the wheel because they don’t understand where the current status came from.”
ORAU has been a vital link in the connection between UT and Oak Ridge since the sunsetting of the Manhattan Project after World War II, Riedinger said on an episode of Further Together, The ORAU Podcast.
A key figure in the early connections between UT and Oak Ridge was William G. Pollard, Ph.D., founder of the Oak Ridge Institute for Nuclear Studies (now ORAU). Pollard was a nuclear physicist who researched gaseous diffusion extraction of Uranium-235 at Columbia University in New York during the Manhattan Project.
UT Physics Professor William Pollard, Ph.D., founded ORINS (what became ORAU) to continue research efforts in the Oak Ridge, Tenn., area after WWII.
ORAU and creation of the national lab
After the success of the Manhattan Project, the United States military was unsure what to do with the laboratory facilities—Clinton Laboratories in Oak Ridge—that had been created to support it. Did the government need to continue funding a laboratory for a project that had ended? If the laboratory closed, the scientists and engineers who worked there were likely to leave the region.
A suggestion over dinner in September 1945 changed the course of Oak Ridge’s history and its economy.
Robert Bortz, who was head of the chemical engineering department at UT, convened a dinner for Katharine (Kay) Way. Three years earlier, Way had been teaching physics at UT when she was recruited to join the Manhattan Project at the University of Chicago, where she worked under future Nobel Prize winner Eugene Wigner in the metallurgical laboratory.
Pollard and Kenneth Hertel, head of the UT Department of Physics, attended that dinner where Way explained that some of the universities in the Chicago area, where Argonne National Laboratory is located, were talking about forming a consortium to access the laboratory. Way wondered if the same thing could happen with the laboratory in Oak Ridge.
Way’s suggestion ultimately led to the formation of the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies as a university consortium in 1946.
“Bill Pollard picked that ball up, ran with it, and formed a consortium of 14 universities, and that was officially kicked off in October of 1946,” Riedinger said. Pollard led ORINS, and the Atomic Energy Commission, a federal agency charged with managing the national laboratories, was created in January 1947, and Pollard got ORINS approved by the AEC.
The first ORINS council meeting on Oct. 17, 1946, included the University of Tennessee as one of 14 member universities.
ORAU and the University of Tennessee
ORINS had a role in keeping Manhattan Project scientists in the region by helping the University of Tennessee create doctoral education programs.
Riedinger says many of the Manhattan Project scientists and engineers had been pulled out of graduate school to work on the project. Following the Allied victory and the end of World War II, these scientists and engineers were inclined to go back to their respective schools to finish their doctoral work.
William Pollard, Ph.D., pictured with a radiation detection instrument
This was 1944, and UT was not considered a very advanced university at the time. It was a land grant school with a primary focus on agriculture. There were no doctorate-level education programs.
“UT created its first Ph.D. programs – chemistry in 1945, physics in 1946 – primarily to serve Oak Ridge,” Riedinger said. “Offering these programs enabled Manhattan Project Workers to stay in Oak Ridge, get their Ph.D. degrees locally and continue their work at three plants [K-25, X-10 and Y-12],” Riedinger said.
Pollard led the effort to expand UT’s educational offerings and taught one of the first physics courses on site in 1945, Riedinger said.
ORAU and UNISOR
On the podcast and in his book, Riedinger tells the story of how ORAU and its member universities combined resources to build an isotope separator at ORNL around 1970.
Joe Hamilton, a professor of physics at Vanderbilt University and Riedinger’s mentor in graduate school, led the idea to build the isotope separator with funds contributed by a dozen universities, including Vanderbilt and UT.
The University Isotope Separator at Oak Ridge (UNISOR) was installed at the Oak Ridge Isochronous Cyclotron, an accelerator for producing short-lived radioactive isotopes. “The separator that was built by these universities enabled you to separate out the newly created radioisotopes and study their nuclear properties,” Riedinger said.
Historic image from UNISOR at an early stage of installation.
ORAU was the administrative glue that held this together and provided management of the facility. UNISOR helped researchers at the partner universities better understand radioactive decay, isotope identification and nuclear structure.
“It was a huge success,” Riedinger said. “That was the first user facility at Oak Ridge National Lab, and maybe I think the first at any U.S. National Lab.” Today, there are at least a half dozen user facilities at ORNL.
Lee Riedinger, Ph.D., pictured around the time he was involved in some of the UNISOR experiments through his work at UT.; Courtesy: Ken Carter
UNISOR made it easier for faculty at partner universities to get time to do experiments at the Oak Ridge cyclotron. Previously, they had to befriend a laboratory staff member convince him or her of your idea and get beam time that way. Researchers still had to compete for time at the cyclotron, but the scheduling process was managed by the UNISOR organization through ORAU.
ORAU has been and always will be an integral part of the scientific and technical workforce community in Oak Ridge and beyond. Riedinger said he looks forward to seeing how ORAU continues to make its mark in the years to come.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/history/orau-has-been-a-vital-link-lee-riedinger-discusses-oraus-critical,-historical-role-in-oak-ridge-and-at-the-university-of-tennessee.html
Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 ESTHistorytag:orau.org,2026-02-17:/blog/programs/1776270396925From science fiction to reality: NASA researchers pioneering crop growth in spaceIn the 2015 sci-fi movie, The Martian, astronaut Mark Watney, played by Matt Damon, is inadvertently left behind when his fellow crew members abort a manned mission to Mars during a dust storm. In his effort to survive until he can be rescued, Watney grows potatoes using the crew’s biowaste and Martian soil.
While the movie was fiction, for Luke Fountain, Ph.D., a third-year NASA Postdoctoral (NPP) Fellow, determining how astronauts can best grow food in space is a very real problem to be solved. Fountain is based at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., through the NPP fellowship program that ORAU manages, and he is part of the space crop production team there.
“The whole point of us doing all of this [research] is because we want to grow crops in space, and we want astronauts, particularly on future deep space missions, to be able to support themselves and be less reliant on resupply from Earth,” Fountain said on an episode of Further Together, the ORAU Podcast.
Fountain’s research focus is on nitrogen uptake, which is a critical component of plant growth. Understanding, in a space flight environment, how plants uptake nitrogen, which is contained in human biowaste and other sources, could lead to the development of waste recycling processes for crop production and allow astronauts to control how nitrogen is distributed to crops.
He added that astronauts understand how to grow plants on the International Space Station, but growing plants on the Moon or Mars has a wide set of variables.
Nitrogen uptake is a critical component of plant growth. Getty stock image
These variables are part of a nine-point framework, called the Bioregenerative Life Support System (BLSS) Readiness Level, designed to assist scientists and manned space flight crew members in overcoming challenges to establish resilient, sustainable crop production in space. The framework was included in a paper, which Fountain co-authored, and was published in the New Phytologist in November 2025.
The BLSS Readiness Level priorities are drawn from the International Space Life Sciences Working Group (ISLSWG) Plants for Space Exploration and Earth Applications workshop, held at the European Low Gravity Research Association (ELGRA) conference in Liverpool, England, in September 2024.
“The idea really was to bring the international space plant biology community together,” Fountain said. “It had been a long time since all of us had come together in the same room to discuss the developments and advancements we’ve made over the last several years.”
Taco Tuesday in space?
While astronauts have been growing plants on the International Space Station for years, the most famous example occurred in 2021. The Plant Habitat-04 Experiment (PH-04) involved growing chili peppers in a small, controlled chamber to see if they could be grown as a viable food source.
“The astronauts got to eat chili peppers on the space station. They made space tacos, and it was all over the media,” Fountain said. “It was amazing. It was before my time at NASA, but they really got excited about it.”
Plants and psychological well-being
In addition to cultivating plants to grow food for astronauts, there is another reason growing plants in space is important.
Growing crops in space has multiple benefits for astronauts. Getty stock image
“It’s for the psychological well-being of the astronauts,” Fountain said. Plants have a mental health benefit, but astronauts don’t have the ability to go for a hike in the woods or walk in a park. Growing plants in space has similar benefits.
“We’ve made a lot of advances in that area,” Fountain said.
Ohalo III and the ISS
Fountain is excited to be working alongside scientists who are part of Ohalo III, a prototype crop production system intended to be deployed to the ISS in August 2026. Ohalo III will inform design decisions for future crop production systems for deep space missions, including how to deliver water effectively and optimize the volume of crops grown. The system is currently being tested at Kennedy Space Center.
“The real goal is less on research and more on how we turn this into something astronauts operationally can use to support future missions,” he said. “It’s going to be a lot of astronauts growing food that they want to grow, us validating systems, of course, but astronauts growing food that they want to grow from start to finish and doing it repeatedly.”
Fountain said the Ohalo III system will help determine how much crew time is involved in growing crops, what kind of consumables might be needed because resupply from Earth is difficult, and any pitfalls that might need to be addressed before deployment to deep space.
Getting to Mars and beyond will take a greater understanding of how to feed crew members without relying on resupply from Earth. Fountain and other researchers are working out how to make that happen.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/programs/from-science-fiction-to-reality-nasa-researchers-pioneering-crop-growth-in-space.html
Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 ESTProgramstag:orau.org,2026-01-15:/blog/people/1776270368791Beyond the degree: The rising demand for skilled trades and technical workers Over the past few decades, discussions about maintaining the United States' competitive edge globally have primarily centered around the importance of STEM careers. While STEM-focused and other professional careers continue to be vital to the future of our nation, there has been a growing recognition and renewed focus on the critical role of skilled trades and technical workers in enabling innovation and supporting essential industries for supporting our country as well. What does this shift mean for the workforce and the economy? In today’s blog, we’ll answer that question by exploring the increasing demand for these roles and their significant impact on the nation’s success.
In recent memory, the prevailing mindset has been rooted in the belief that a college degree was the ultimate pathway to success. This perspective was fueled by societal norms, economic trends and cultural narratives that correlated higher education with upward mobility and professional respect. While the "college-first" mentality has been dominant and remains a highly valuable career path, recent shifts in the economy and workforce needs have sparked renewed interest in alternative career paths as well.
According to Forbes and NPR, the growing demand for technical and craft workers, coupled with rising concerns over student loan debt and underemployment among college graduates, has led to a broader conversation about the value of skilled trades and non-traditional career routes. These changes highlight the importance of recognizing and promoting diverse pathways to success, ensuring that men and women can consider a wide range of careers that align with their skills and aspirations.
To better understand the increased attention on this segment of the workforce, I spoke with ORAU recruiter Lori Couts who recruits for a National Nuclear Security Administration site, filling both technical and professional, non-technical positions. “Craft and technical workers make up the group that delivers a final product, which the customer can see and touch. They manufacture it and assemble it,” Couts explained.
These technical workers may or may not have degrees. They are mechanics, assemblers, machinists, electricians, logistics operators and many others who rely on specialized skills and training rather than formal academic instruction to do their jobs. “We’ve always needed these workers, and we always will,” Couts said. “As a society, we’ve learned a lot about what essential roles are over the past five years. People who keep the lights on are essential. And technical workers will continue to be a vital part of the companies they work for. These employees are necessary for an organization to function as a well-oiled machine.”
Workers on the factory floor emphasize the importance of human involvement and critical thinking in skilled labor roles alongside emerging technologies and AI.
While emerging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) have automated some positions, the human element remains indispensable for many jobs “on the factory floor.” Beyond acumen, critical thinking skills and technical knowledge are necessary to operate machines, inspect parts and handle final products.
“Consider what’s to come for nuclear energy,” Couts said. “Or look at the oil and gas industry and the high demand for pipeline workers and employees in manufacturing. These individuals may not have degrees, but they have well-respected jobs and extremely successful careers and are earning great money,” she added.
Those in technical jobs and skilled trades can attest to the rewards. “If you’re hired with a good company, the benefits aren’t going to be much different for someone in human resources, accounting or engineering compared to an individual hired for their trade skills. You’re starting out with great pay, the customary annual increases, benefits and insurance. And for tech workers, you likely don’t have the college debt that typically accompanies a degree,” Couts noted.
Skilled trades are essential across all communities, with high demand for roles like machinists, quality inspectors, mechanics and maintenance workers—hands-on careers that require technical aptitude and mechanical comprehension.
Like medical professionals, teachers and scientists, skilled tradespeople will always be essential. Couts advises that the right candidates for these roles possess a high mechanical comprehension and technical aptitude. As for “hot jobs,” she points to professions in the machine trades, such as quality inspectors, machinists, mechanics, assemblers, maintenance workers, and supply chain employees. “Hands-on work is always in demand, and the need for craft workers is universal, whether you live in a big city or a rural area,” she said.
ORAU recruits for a wide variety of positions. Get in touch with the ORAU Workforce Solutions team to see what we have to offer.
Right now, ORAU is also offering a $30,000 welding equipment prize to support welding teachers in Alabama with the aim of inspiring more students to pursue welding careers, as the U.S. Maritime Industrial Base transforms its nuclear-powered submarine fleet to maintain its critical undersea advantage. Check out the eligibility requirements for our Extreme Trades competition.
The shift in more skills-based hiring represents a significant opportunity for people pursuing alternative education pathways, while also emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning, technical training and hands-on experience in today’s evolving job market. This transition not only benefits the men and women who choose this route, but it is also foundational to the nation’s economy, strengthening its ability to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
As industries continue to evolve, the recognition of skilled and technical workers as essential contributors to innovation, infrastructure and productivity will remain vital. By embracing diverse career pathways, the U.S. workforce and economy can achieve greater resilience and adaptability for the future.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/people/beyond-the-degree-the-rising-demand-for-skilled-trades-and-technical-workers.html
Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 ESTPeopletag:orau.org,2026-01-13:/blog/programs/1776270396450Everything you need to know about the Extreme Trades Makeover: Future Welders competitionORAU launched the Extreme Trades Makeover: Future Welders competition in mid-October to award three Alabama welding teachers with $30,000 in new equipment or upgrades for their workshops or classrooms.
Teachers who enter the competition are required to create a three- to four-minute video creatively explaining what they would do with $30,000 if they are selected to win. The competition is open now and ends on January 30, 2026. Winners will be announced in late March or early April, and equipment will be delivered by the start of the 2026-27 school year.
The competition is a riff on ORAU’s Extreme Classroom Makeover, which has been awarding East Tennessee teachers with new classroom technology for more than 15 years.
Why Alabama?
Alabama plays a key role in the United States maritime industrial base, generating a $57.8 billion economic impact for the industry, according to American Waterways Operators. From Mobile’s world-class shipyards to Huntsville’s advanced manufacturing facilities producing cutting-edge components, to workforce training programs across the state—Alabama delivers. Nationwide, there is an urgent need to build and repair ships and submarines that are critical to national security and global power projection. It is estimated that more than 250,000 tradespeople, especially welders, will be needed with the skills, training, and commitment to excellence required to meet the nation’s needs. Addressing this critical workforce gap is the focus of initiatives like Build Giants Alabama, which aim to bring awareness to the critical roles of skilled tradespeople that the maritime industry urgently needs.
Build Giants Alabama is a regional workforce initiative highlighting the people, industries, and communities powering the nation’s naval fleet. The initiative connects Alabamians to the mission of the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base Program—revitalizing American shipbuilding and repair capabilities through a coordinated network of shipbuilders and suppliers. Designed to inspire high school students, veterans, tradespeople, and individuals seeking in-demand skills. Build Giants Alabama underscores the state’s critical role in delivering the expertise and talent needed for national security.
Why welding?
Welding isn’t just a skill; it’s a national security asset.
“The nation’s maritime industrial base depends on welders who can deliver precision under pressure,” said Chelsea Hill, manager of ORAU Workforce Solutions. “Every perfect weld supports a mission that protects our country.” Workforce Solutions specializes in scientific and technical staffing support, including recruiting for very specialized and hard-to-fill positions.
ORAU Extreme Trades Makeover is offering $30,000 in new equipment or upgrades to Alabama public-school welding workshops.
Hill says that with the wave of senior welders retiring, it’s more important than ever to bring fresh talent into the field. “Our nation’s ability to build and maintain critical infrastructure depends on it.”
In today’s labor market, welding offers one of the fastest, most reliable paths to a high-earning career. Whether it’s defense, energy, or advanced manufacturing, welders have opportunities that rival and often beat traditional degree routes.
Earning potential for welders
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the earning potential for welders is strong, especially for welders with distinct specializations and certifications. The median income for entry level welders is $35,000, but salaries increase quickly based on experience. Additionally, welders who specialize in underwater/pipeline or aerospace welding, are welding engineers, or certified welding inspectors can earn $100,000 a year or more.
How does Extreme Trades Makeover work?
To be eligible for the competition, teachers must:
Be employed by a public school located in Alabama.
Actively teach welding to high school students or plan to teach welding to high school students in the 2026-27 school year.
Submit a creative, 3-4-minute video that highlights the need for welding equipment or other upgrades and their potential applications in your classroom.
Deadline to submit video applications is Friday, Jan. 30, 2026.
Winners will be announced in March/April 2026.
The winner will be determined by a panel of educators, welding industry professionals, and program staff. Entries will be judged on how well they:
Clearly articulate the imperative for innovation, evolution, and creation of new and existing welding programs and pathways.
Effectively showcase how the new equipment or other upgrades will be utilized to enhance student learning.
Display creativity and originality in the video submission.
Provide a thoughtful explanation of the teaching philosophy or approach that will expand welding education and inspire students to pursue careers in the field.
Welding is critical to the U.S. maritime industrial base.
Educational resources
BuildGiantsAlabama.com offers educational resources for educators, including collaborations with industry and educational partners, along with student and teacher development programs, and a curated library of videos, worksheets and other tools that may be useful in the classroom or workshop.
Questions?
Have a question about Extreme Trades Makeover: Future Welders? Send an email to extremetrades@orau.org.
For more information about the Extreme Trades Makeover: Future Welders competition, visit the competition website.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/programs/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-extreme-trades-makeover-future-welders-competition.html
Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 ESTProgramstag:orau.org,2025-12-19:/blog/programs/1776270395901What’s going on with men facing cancer?
Members of the Man Up to Cancer Leadership Team
Just over a million men will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, followed by lung cancer and colorectal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Colorectal cancer is the number one cancer killer of men under the age of 50, according to The Colorectal Cancer Alliance
In other words, men are supposed to hide their emotions and fight cancer alone. The American Cancer Society (ACS) published a 2024 study on the impact of loneliness on the mental health and clinical outcomes of cancer patients. According to the ACS, about 28% of survivors reported severe loneliness and another 24% reported some loneliness. Those reporting severe loneliness were 68% more likely to die from their disease.
In my humble opinion, the ACS study served as proof of concept for Man Up to Cancer, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping men facing cancer find social and emotional support by other men facing cancer. Since its founding in December 2019, the organization boasts a community of nearly 4,000 men from around the world who offer peer-to-peer support for patients in active treatment, their caregivers and survivors.
Gaps in research about men and cancer
In 2023, as part of a white paper I wrote on ORAU’s history of work in the cancer space—we operated a research hospital to investigate the benefits of using radiation to treat cancer for 24 years—I proposed a research study about Man Up to Cancer because at the time there was no research on the benefits of peer-to-peer support for men facing cancer. There is, though, lots of research on the benefits of such support for women facing cancer.
Michael Holtz with Trevor Maxwell, founder of Man Up to Cancer
ORAU stepped into this research gap and, through an ORAU-Directed Research and Development grant, funded a one-year pilot study on the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of peer-to-peer support intervention for men facing cancer. Katherine Chyka, MPH, a health education specialist at ORAU, served as the principal investigator, and she teamed up with Teresa Hagan Thomas, Ph.D., assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing (Pitt), who has done a lot of research on self-advocacy and cancer.
“This was a pilot study where we were trying to get both a group of newer members of Man Up to Cancer and more seasoned members of Man Up to Cancer to participate,” Thomas said on a recent episode of Further Together: The ORAU Podcast. “The newer ones, we were hoping that they would receive mentorship from the people who had been in the community longer.”
Mentors underwent 17 hours of navigation training through The George Washington University and five hours of training designed by Thomas and her team at Pitt. One of the early findings of the study is the need to develop a training model that is customized for providing peer-to-peer support rather than professional navigation services.
Newer members of Man Up to Cancer—those who joined within a year of the study start—were randomized to either receive support from a trained mentor or to continue with the support of the Man Up to Cancer community generally.
Men are willing to accept support and want to support other men
Data from the pilot study, which includes survey responses and interviews, are still being analyzed, but early takeaways indicate:
Men are willing to accept formal and informal support from other men.
Men facing cancer can connect over shared hobbies and interests, like guitar playing, fishing or tattoos, not just a shared cancer type.
Men are willing to be trained as peer navigators to support other men facing cancer.
Peer-to-peer support does not need to be overly prescriptive for either the navigator or the mentee.
Michael Holtz with his late best friend, Ryan Vieth
That last point opens a broader question for further research, Chyka said. Was successful mentorship based on the prescriptive training that the navigators underwent or did the navigator-mentee pair make mentorship their own depending on the situation?
“My hunch is it’s a mix of both,” she said. “Our participants did such a great job of making the [navigation] their own. That helped us elucidate the finding that it’s up to the navigator-mentee pair. It’s up to them to find out what works best for them.”
Having recently completed the mixed-methods data analysis, Chyka and Thomas are currently developing a research paper for publication in a peer reviewed journal and are making plans to expand the study.
Disclosure
The fire of remembrance at the annual Gathering of Wolves event
I serve as chairman of the Man Up to Cancer board of directors and previously served as fundraising director for two years. In addition to conceiving the basic idea for the ODRD grant project, I assisted with recruiting participants and providing the Pitt navigation training with Thomas. I also aided in the recruitment of members of the Community Advisory Board, which provided input on the study design and interpretation of preliminary results. I have not been privy to any participant information (i.e., screening, consent, enrollment, reported data).
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/programs/whats-going-on-with-men-facing-cancer.html
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 ESTProgramstag:orau.org,2025-12-16:/blog/people/1776270367802From the lab to the pulpit: the multifaceted brilliance of ORAU founder William Pollard
William Pollard, Ph.D., looking at a portrait of himself in the Pollard Auditorium on ORAU’s campus in Oak Ridge, Tenn.; photo credit: Ruth Carey, Oak Ridge Public Library Digital Collections
Throughout history, few individuals have held the diverse titles of nuclear physicist, author, teacher, administrator and Episcopal priest all at once. Yet, William Grosvenor Pollard (1911-1989) uniquely embodied this remarkable combination. Over the course of his 40-year career, these seemingly divergent roles often intersected, showcasing his multifaceted brilliance. Those who knew him fondly recall his ever-present smile and signature pipe.
This is the story of Dr. William G. Pollard, the visionary founder of Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU).
William Pollard’s background
Pollard was born in Batavia, New York, which is about an hour’s drive from Niagara Falls. When he was 12, his family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, and the Volunteer State would become his lifelong home. Pollard attended the University of Tennessee and received his bachelor’s in mathematics in 1932. That same year, he married Marcella, a woman who profoundly influenced his life. Together, they raised four sons. Pollard went on to earn his Ph.D. in physics from Rice University in 1934.
Marcella, who grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, was deeply rooted in her Christian faith. She expected her husband to attend church with her, but Pollard, despite his own Christian upbringing, had embraced skepticism and described himself as anti-religious. In an interview with The New Yorker, Pollard reflected on a pivotal moment early in their marriage:
“Three months after our wedding, I remember, Marcella very much wanted me to go to church with her one Sunday, but I told her that the studying I was planning to do at home was more important. The church was a mile away, and she told me later that as she walked toward it alone, she kept looking back, hoping that I would be trying to catch up with her. I was doing no such thing, but neither could I get any work done as I sat at home thinking of her. And since I couldn’t, I figured that one of us might as well have our way, so after that I went to church with her. But I wouldn’t say the creed. I considered it too ridiculous.”
Dr. William Pollard founded ORAU and served as its executive director for 28 years.
While Pollard may have been skeptical of religion at the time, he was unwavering in his passion for science. He felt incredibly fortunate to be studying physics during what he considered a golden age of discovery. The year before he began his graduate studies, James Chadwick discovered the neutron, opening the door to other groundbreaking advancements. Pollard’s education was peppered with revelations from luminaries such as Marie Curie who shaped the field of physics. In 1935, his Ph.D. thesis focused on a theory Enrico Fermi was advancing about beta radioactivity. Fermi went on to win the Nobel Prize in physics in 1938. For Pollard, it was an exhilarating time to be immersed in the world of science, surrounded by innovation and discovery.
After earning his doctorate, Pollard moved his family back to Knoxville and joined the University of Tennessee faculty as an assistant professor of physics. In a 1980 article entitled “The Coming of Age of Southern Universities in Science” Pollard described returning to UT in 1936 “full of ambitions and dreams of continuing this heady course of development. The eight years that followed were quite productive for me personally, but the isolation of the university from the centers of action was depressing. Southern universities were almost exclusively devoted to teaching while schools in the north and west had all the excitement of research and discovery.”
This realization set the stage for a serendipitous task that would change the trajectory of his career—and Southern universities—forever.
Setting the stage: How ORAU came to be
Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) traces its origins back to October 1946, when it was established as the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies (ORINS). It was a year after World War II ended, and its founding represents a pivotal moment in American history, born from the foresight of two visionary physics professors—Katharine Way, Ph. D., and William Pollard—whose conversation at a dinner party laid the groundwork for the organization’s creation.
A few years earlier, in 1944, the world was engulfed in conflict, with the United States committed to ending the threat to democracy at the hands of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. President Roosevelt had secretly authorized the clandestine Manhattan Project, and thousands of men and women (military and private citizens) were working feverishly to complete the first nuclear weapon, whether they knew it or not.
In this effort, top researchers in various fields were recruited to drop what they were doing and help get this work to the finish line. That call included Way and Pollard, who both taught at UT. Way went to work for the Metallurgical Laboratory at the University of Chicago and joined the efforts to develop nuclear chain reaction calculations and reactor design. Pollard reported to Columbia University in New York and conducted research on the gaseous diffusion method of extracting uranium 235 (the explosive in atomic bombs) from common uranium.
When the mission was complete and the bomb ended the war, life resumed its familiar rhythms. Pollard found himself back at his teaching position at UT. Way moved back to the area but worked in Oak Ridge rather than at the university. It was at a dinner party in October 1945, that she and Pollard had the opportunity to catch up and discuss the future of the federal facilities built during the war. Both professors lamented the perception of Southern universities as second-rate compared to prestigious institutions in the Northeast and on the West Coast.
William Pollard, Ph.D., is pictured center right holding his pipe at the first ORINS council meeting on Oct. 17, 1946.
Way talked about what was happening with the universities around Chicago and how there were plans to continue nuclear research. She suggested something similar should be done with the complex in Oak Ridge because that would ensure the region would maintain an open door to scientists and critical research opportunities for UT and elevate the reputation of Southern universities. This was just what Pollard was waiting to hear. He loved the idea and saw it through, as Way decided to move on to other projects, particularly focusing on nuclear data.
In the following months, the head of UT’s Physics Department agreed to give Dr. Pollard time to spearhead the formation of a consortium of 14 universities. This group would advise the federal government on training and hiring scientific personnel and facilitating collaboration between researchers and educational institutions. On Oct. 14, 1946, (about a year after Dr. Way and Dr. Pollard had that dinner party conversation), the state of Tennessee granted Pollard the charter of incorporation for ORINS, marking the official beginning of what we now know as ORAU. The first council meeting met days later.
The front page of the Oak Ridge Journal documented the first ORINS council meeting.
The organization’s impact was immediate and deep. According to the ORNL Review, Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s research magazine, “The existence of ORINS played a pivotal role in the decision to keep Oak Ridge’s Manhattan Project facilities funded,” as noted by Lee Riedinger, retired University of Tennessee physics professor and former deputy for science and technology at ORNL.
Pollard shared the same sentiment. In his article “The Coming of Age of Southern Universities in Science.” He wrote, “The accident of the war which placed ORNL in the wilds of East Tennessee can be seen in retrospect to have been a major factor in this transformation. ORAU, because of its early formation soon after the war, was able to secure a large participation of the southern universities in ORNL and so to maximize its impact on higher education in the region. As one whose professional career spans both the pre- and post- war periods covering a full half century of this history of southern universities and who was in a position to seize the opportunities as they arose, I take great personal satisfaction from the role that I was privileged to play in this achievement.”
Early initiatives and expansion
In its early years, ORINS prioritized graduate training programs, research participation opportunities, and isotope tracer techniques. The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)—now the Department of Energy—soon expanded ORINS’ scope to include nuclear medicine research. This led to the establishment of the ORINS Medical Division, one of three designated cancer research hospitals in the country at the time. Under the leadership of pioneers like Marshall Brucer, Gould Andrews, Karl Hubner and Nazareth Gengozian, the Medical Division achieved significant advancements in nuclear medicine.
Dr. Pollard (second from left) shows the ORINS Medical Division cobalt machine to visitors; photo credit: Ruth Carey, Oak Ridge Public Library Digital Collections
You can practically hear Pollard brimming with pride as he put on his executive director hat and wrote the “ten-year appraisal” in ORINS’ 1956 annual report: “Probably no one can observe the first blundering steps of a small child without occasionally marveling that he eventually grows up to be an adult capable of carrying out the most complicated mechanical and mental procedures smoothly and efficiently,” the 10th Annual Report started out. “By the same token, a survey of the beginnings of the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies can only make one marvel that it has grown, in the space of 10 years, to be the organization that it is today.”
ORAU integrates academia, government and industry to advance the nation’s learning, health and scientific knowledge. Pictured is ORAU in its early beginnings (left) and ORAU’s main campus today.
The growth continued, and a decade later, the 1965 annual report recorded that ORINS’ meeting of presidents and council representatives voted to change the name of the organization to ORAU, or Oak Ridge Associated Universities.
Now 79 years later, our university consortium members are more than 160 strong and our corporate capabilities range from research and STEM education to workforce solutions, public health to environmental solutions, health physics training to peer review, and beyond.
From skeptic to priest
William Pollard stands in front of the ORINS Medical Division.
While Pollard’s contributions to science were monumental, his journey into faith was equally transformative. After his initial reluctance, Pollard regularly attended the Episcopal church with his wife and sons, but he didn’t consider himself particularly religious—that is, until he watched what unfolded in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Dr. Pollard was pleased when he realized his work contributed to the success of the Manhattan Project, but when a second bomb was dropped, those emotions shifted. “After the Nagasaki bomb, my exuberance was replaced by something approaching terror,” Pollard told TheNew Yorker. “I thought the bombs would be sprinkled all over Japan.”
This moral reckoning led Pollard to embrace his faith more deeply. He became more actively involved in the development of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Oak Ridge whenever he wasn’t at work. In his interview with The New Yorker, Pollard remembered this time of his life when he was open to helping his baby church grow. “At best I might have wound up a good, solid Episcopalian, but Oak Ridge was only five years old, and its churches had little or no resources. It was hard not to lend a hand, but if you did, you let yourself in for more than you bargained for.”
William Pollard was ordained as an Episcopal priest after two and a half years of intense theological study.
It began with a simple question. When Pollard asked the rector whether their parish, which had been meeting in a school gymnasium, would ever have a building of its own, he was met with a request to lead the fundraising effort. Pollard quipped that, having raised the issue, he felt obligated to accept the challenge. His dedication paid off, resulting in $8,000 for the building fund. (The equivalent in 2025, is more than $107,000!)
Soon after, the rector approached Pollard again. This time, he asked him to help with Sunday school lessons. “I wanted to turn him down,” Pollard said, “but I had four children going to Sunday school—more than most of the parishioners—so I was stuck.” True to his nature as a lifelong learner, Pollard began digging into scripture so he could better understand and explain the message of Christ. That got his own intellectual wheels turning in a challenging and satisfactory way that he didn’t expect. “I had to read up on the subjects at the library. I was amazed at how absorbing the material was,” he told The New Yorker.
From there, Pollard became a licensed lay reader, which lead to hours of study. “Here was a field of bona fide scholarship that commanded my intellectual respect, without which, I imagine, I couldn’t have embraced religion. It was exciting to find that the Bible didn’t have to be accepted solely on the basis of its philosophical and metaphysical values. It could be accepted as a piece of history describing the unique fortunes and experiences of a people, which culminated in the revelation of God among them,” Pollard explained.
When he realized he had already spent so much time reading seminary materials, he decided to take the step toward the diaconate—an order of the ministry just below the priesthood that carries with it the privilege of assisting with communion and possibly delivering sermons. “The idea of having my religious studies organized, as my scientific studies had been appealed to me,” he said. “I could always quit at any time along the way. I’d say that my approach then was more curious than dedicated.”
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Oak Ridge, Google Maps (street view) today.
Thanks to his scientific notoriety, Time Magazine even dubbed Dr. Pollard the “atomic deacon” in an article they published in 1951. During this time of formal study, his wife later reflected, “Bill’s only recreation was doing carpentry and rolling asphalt walks for the church we were building,” Mrs. Pollard told The New Yorker. The church building was completed in the middle of 1951.
In 1952, at 41 years old, he was invested as a deacon with holy orders in ceremonies held at St. Stephen’s Church—a church he literally helped build with his own hands. His four sons served as acolytes.
One more round of intense study and examination, and William Pollard, Ph.D., was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1954. Mrs. Pollard told The New Yorker, “And all I ever hoped was that maybe Bill would go to church on Sundays.”
Faith and science
While building ORAU and St. Stephen’s ministry simultaneously, Pollard was preoccupied with theology. He had come to believe that science was a way to investigate the wonders of God’s creation. Articles he wrote such as “God and the Atom” are still discoverable in online archives of the Episcopal Church today.
William Pollard is pictured at a computer with his pipe.
Pollard’s voice was uniquely important in post-World War II science-religion dialogue. The man who graduated from Rice University with a Ph.D. in physics is the same man who bi-vocationally served his church in the clergy. As a man whose career and calling straddled both worlds, he took opportunities to deliver lectures and write books addressing the struggle between advancing nuclear science and its potential consequences. Listen to a convocation address he gave to Augsburg University on April 18, 1963, in which he spoke of “Dark Ages in the Twentieth Century.”
The Oak Ridger, a local paper, took notice of and published one of Pollard’s sermons addressing nuclear warfare. In this message, he told his congregation, “The genie has been let out of the bottle and there is no way to put him back.” He went on to acknowledge man’s fallen nature and how that relates to God.
Dr. Pollard follows behind Billy Graham (pictured walking front left) who was in Oak Ridge to speak to scientists May 23, 1970; photo credit: Ruth Carey, Oak Ridge Public Library Digital Collections
“Perhaps if men were not men but angels, disarmament would be feasible. But men are self-centered and prideful sinners, and a world without a single nuclear weapon in it would be a fearfully dangerous world… All mankind cries out for a Savior who will save him from his most stubborn intractable enemy, himself.”
He even met with evangelist Billy Graham who hosted a crusade stop in nearby Knoxville. Graham made time to speak with a group of a few hundred scientists in Oak Ridge about integrating faith and science, and Pollard was one of the men to welcome him to town.
William Pollard’s legacy
In 1974, upon reaching the age of retirement, Dr. William G. Pollard stepped down from his role as ORAU’s executive director. However, his commitment to science and the organization’s mission persisted. He continued working for several years as a distinguished scientist in ORAU’s Institute for Energy Analysis, contributing his expertise to energy-related research.
Dr. Pollard was a nuclear physicist, author, teacher, administrator and Episcopal priest.
Recognizing the vital role ORAU had played in the story of Oak Ridge as well as its profound impact on East Tennessee and Southern universities, Pollard resolved to document the organization’s history. He authored “ORAU: From the Beginning,” a book that chronicles the origins and evolution of ORAU.
Pollard’s determination to complete this book was steadfast, even as he endured intervals of physically devasting experimental therapy. In 1972, he had been diagnosed with malignant melanoma on his forehead—a battle he faced with both faith and cutting-edge treatments. Despite the challenges of his illness, he continued his work, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
Throughout his health struggles, Pollard also remained dedicated to his spiritual calling, serving as a priest associate at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church up until his death. His commitment to both science and faith defined his later years. On Dec. 26, 1989, Dr. Pollard succumbed to cancer. Though absent from the body, he left behind a legacy of perseverance, brilliance and service to his community.
Looking ahead
Nearly eight decades after its founding, ORAU remains a leader in advancing science, education and workforce development. From its humble beginnings as a consortium of 14 universities, ORAU has grown into a robust organization with diverse capabilities, driving progress in areas of national priority.
As the world experiences a nuclear renaissance, ORAU is providing leadership in preparing the nuclear energy workforce. With our roots reaching back to World War II, we’re priming today’s labor pool for the Manhattan Project 2.0, which will require new skills, more training and enhanced educational experiences to answer challenges of the modern-day nuclear energy industry. We know Dr. Pollard would be thrilled. In an article The Oak Ridger published entitled “William G. Pollard: Man of Science, Man of God” Pollard said this, “nuclear energy is the universal common and natural kind of energy in creation as a whole.” He said he saw the emergence of nuclear power as a clear example of God’s providence.
Picture from ORAU’s main campus in Oak Ridge, Tenn.
Pollard led our organization through the first nuclear era as the Oak Ridge Institute for Nuclear Studies, and he’d be proud of how we’re trailblazing now with our Partnership for Nuclear Energy initiative and ORAU’s Nuclear Energy Academic Roadmap, among others. His legacy of innovation continues to inspire ORAU as we forge new paths in advancing nuclear energy and academic collaboration for the challenges of tomorrow.
To learn more about our journey, watch this five-minute video that answers the question: What is ORAU?
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/people/from-the-lab-to-the-pulpit-the-multifaceted-brilliance-of-orau-founder-william-pollard.html
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 ESTPeopletag:orau.org,2025-12-10:/blog/programs/1776270395515Understanding the National Supplemental Screening Program and ORAU’s role in supporting DOE former workersThe National Supplemental Screening Program (NSSP) offers medical screenings to Department of Energy (DOE) former workers who may have been exposed to toxic substances during their employment at DOE sites. Managed by ORAU since its inception in 2005, the NSSP helps former workers understand their health and identify potential occupational illnesses. Through collaboration with trusted partners and a dedicated team, ORAU has ensured the success of this program for nearly two decades.
What is the NSSP?
The NSSP is part of the DOE Former Worker Medical Screening Program, which was established following a congressional directive in 1993. Its purpose is to offer medical screenings to individuals who worked at DOE sites. Former workers include eligible DOE federal employees, contractors and subcontractors. These screenings help participants identify health conditions that may be linked to workplace exposures to toxic substances such as beryllium, asbestos, radiation and other hazards.
The program has enrolled more than 25,000 former workers from more than 80 DOE sites across the country. Former workers are eligible for an initial screening and can return for re-screening every three years, allowing the program to watch for changes in participants’ health over time.
What happens during a screening?
The NSSP offers comprehensive medical exams tailored to each participant's work history and potential exposures. These exams may include:
Physical exam
Hearing test
Spirometry (lung function tests)
Chest X-ray with specialized readings
Beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (for workers exposed to beryllium)
Diagnostic lab tests, including blood work and urinalysis
The results are reviewed by a medical team, who provide participants with detailed reports and recommendations for follow-up care. Urgent findings are shared promptly to ensure timely medical attention. Many participants have expressed gratitude for the program, with some sharing stories of how NSSP screenings identified health conditions early and even saved lives.
NSSP aims to identify health conditions that could be associated with occupational exposures, such as radiation, chemicals or other hazardous materials.
ORAU’s role in the NSSP
ORAU has managed the NSSP since its inception. The program is supported by a dedicated team of professionals who handle everything from participant enrollment and outreach to operations and medical reviews. ORAU’s expertise in occupational health, beryllium research, and program management has been instrumental in the program’s success.
Key aspects of ORAU’s involvement include:
Nationwide Reach: ORAU ensures that screenings are accessible to participants across the U.S., regardless of where they live. This eliminates the need for workers to travel back to the site where they were employed, greatly improving accessibility.
Partnerships: ORAU collaborates with organizations such as Acuity, National Jewish Health and the University of Colorado to deliver screenings and provide specialized expertise. These partnerships allow the program to leverage the strengths of each organization.
Participant-Centered Approach: The NSSP team works closely with participants, providing personalized support and ensuring their health information remains confidential. The team’s dedication to the program’s mission is evident in their commitment to helping workers navigate their health journey.
Listen to ORAU’s Wendy Benade, NSSP operations manager, and Heather O’Maonaigh, NSSP outreach manager, discuss the program in Further Together, the ORAU podcast, Episode 192, For the health of former energy workers: A deep dive into the National Supplemental Screening Program
ORAU coordinates the evaluation of DOE former workers through the National Supplemental Screening Program. Through the NSSP, the U.S. Department of Energy offers free customized medical screenings to their former workers who may have been exposed to hazardous substances on the job site. On this episode of Further Together, host Michael Holtz and Wendy Benade, operations manager, and Heather O’Maonaigh, outreach manager, take a deep dive into the program, from outreach to enrollment and so much more. ORAU manages the program along with great partners, including National Jewish Health, Acuity International, Cority Software, and the Center for Health, Work & Environment at the Colorado School of Public Health.
The program is part of DOE’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of its workforce, even after their employment has ended.
DOE former workers interested in enrolling in the NSSP can contact the program directly. The enrollment process involves completing a health history intake form and discussing potential exposures with an enroller. This information helps determine eligibility and tailor the medical exam to the participant’s needs.
For more information, visit the DOE Former Worker Program website or contact the NSSP team directly: https://orau.org/nssp/ or 1-866-812-6703.
The National Supplemental Screening Program exemplifies ORAU’s commitment to advancing worker health and safety. Through collaboration, innovation, and a participant-focused approach, the NSSP has made a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of former DOE workers. As the program continues to evolve, ORAU remains dedicated to supporting its mission and ensuring that workers receive the care and attention they deserve.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/programs/understanding-the-national-supplemental-screening-program-and-oraus-role-in-supporting-doe-former-workers.html
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 ESTProgramstag:orau.org,2025-11-26:/blog/programs/1776270394944MAHA: Gaining insight into what people think about ultra-processed foods through social listeningLow diet quality is a significant public health problem in the U.S. and is associated with elevated risk of chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and even mortality. Research published in journals like Diabetes Care and the New England Journal of Medicine underscores the critical need to address dietary behaviors to reduce disease burden and improve population health outcomes.
While ultra-processed foods – think packaged snacks, frozen meals and hot dogs – have become dietary staples due to their convenience, affordability and aggressive marketing, health experts are emphasizing the importance of educating the public about the impact these kinds of foods have on the body. Food scientists and policymakers want to influence diet changes through relatable, actionable health communication strategies that are tailored to consumer needs.
An assortment of ultra-processed foods, including chips, cookies and candy, highlighting the convenience and prevalence of these items in modern diets.
“Experts don’t necessarily agree on the definitions of processed foods, wrote ORAU health education specialist and nutritionist, Diane Krause, MS-MPH, CPH, RDN, and former ORAU employee Kristin Mattson, MPH, MCHES, in their white paper, Insights from Social Media Conversations on X about Ultra-Processed Foods and Recommendations for Health Communications.” (.PDF) This lack of consensus complicates efforts to develop consistent and effective health communication messages for the public.”
As part of its “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced plans for a public marketing campaign focused on ultra-processed foods and their link to diabetes.
The power of social listening
Diane Krause, MS-MPH, CPH, RDN, ORAU health education specialist and nutritionist
Krause and Mattson write that “effective implementation of such campaigns requires insights into public discourse. Social media platforms provide a unique opportunity to analyze public discourse around health topics and better understand audiences’ knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.”
Krause is an expert in social listening, which involves analyzing online conversations on social media, forums, blogs, and other sites to uncover insights into what people are saying about a specific topic. In this case, Krause and Mattson used Meltwater media intelligence software to analyze social media activity on the platform X about ultra-processed foods.
“Social media platforms provide a unique opportunity to better understand audience knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors,” Krause said on a recent episode of Further Together, The ORAU Podcast.
In their analysis, Krause said the two most common themes on social media were conversations offering dietary advice and those focused on policy and legislation.
“The policies and legislation posts often mentioned HHS Secretary Kennedy (Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.). These posts had the highest engagement across different categories, meaning they had the most likes, comments, and shares,” she said. “And then the dietary advice posts shared tips for healthier eating, but they were often missing evidence-based information, so that was an important finding.”
ORAU experts used Meltwater media intelligence software to analyze stated opinions about ultra-processed foods on social media.
Krause added that federal, state, and local health agencies had almost no presence in social media discussions about processed foods. “There’s a need for scientifically accurate information in this space, so that was important to note,” she said.
People want to make better choices but don’t always know how
Additionally, Krause said people use the terms “processed foods” and “ultra-processed foods” without defining them or providing examples, which happens in public conversations as well, but there is confusion about what the terms mean.
So, let’s define them:
Processed Food:
Processed foods are whole foods that have been altered from their natural state for preservation, convenience or taste enhancement. This includes techniques like freezing, canning, drying, or adding salt, sugar or oil. Examples include canned vegetables, frozen fruits and cheese. These foods often retain most of their nutritional value.
Ultra-Processed Food:
Ultra-processed foods go beyond basic processing and are industrial formulations made primarily from food-derived substances, additives and artificial ingredients. They often contain little to no whole food and are designed for convenience, flavor enhancement and long shelf life. Examples include soft drinks, packaged snacks, instant noodles, and candy. These foods typically have lower nutritional value and higher levels of sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and additives.
Despite the confusion, social media users have strong opinions about ultra-processed foods, which Krause said was a bit of a surprise because healthy eating often takes a backseat in American priorities.
Social media platforms offer unique opportunities to analyze public attitudes, beliefs and behaviors regarding food.
“When we analyzed our sample posts, we found that the majority, about 80%, were opposed to ultra-processed foods while the remaining 20% were neutral,” Krause said. “More research needs to be done in this area, but this suggests there may be significant public interest in reducing consumption of these industrial foods.”
There is also a tremendous need to educate people about healthy alternatives to ultra-processed foods, Brenda Blunt, ORAU senior director for Health and Resiliency Strategy, told Further Together, The ORAU Podcast. People “need to know what the other options are,” she said.
Brenda Blunt, ORAU senior director for Health and Resiliency Strategy
ORAU can help make change happen
Blunt sees a great opportunity to partner with agencies, foundations, and other organizations that want to drive the change toward healthier eating.
“Together, we can help develop the impactful messaging and education materials that meet people where they are and to ensure that the information is relatable and actionable for them,” Blunt said. “We have to be able to craft the messaging and the educational materials to meet people where they are.”
Meeting people where they are is critical, said Jennifer Reynolds, ORAU senior manager of public health. “We say in public health, if you’re talking to everyone, you’re talking to no one, right?” adding that messages need to be tailored to the audience you want to reach.
Jennifer Reynolds, ORAU senior manager of public health
ORAU has been a leader in helping our clients gather information about the groups they want to reach.
“We regularly conduct formative research studies, both qualitative – applying methods like interviews and focus groups – and quantitative – doing surveys of large magnitude and secondary data analysis,” Reynolds said.
Barriers to change
There are significant barriers to overcome to get more people to eat healthier, both Blunt and Reynolds said.
Food is cultural. “Each of us within our family systems, within our cultural systems have a lot of patterns and opinions and beliefs about food,” Reynolds said, adding that ORAU understands cultural competency and how culture affects how messages are developed and received.
Access is not equal. “Not everyone has readily available access to healthy food. We have food deserts. We have inflation that is making it really challenging for folks to purchase healthy foods at the grocery store.
Change isn’t easy. “We can say you just need to choose healthier options or you need to reduce your reliance on processed foods, but if you don’t know what that means or how to do it, you’re stuck,” Blunt said.
System change is required. While it may be true that individuals need to make changes to what and how they eat, there are systemic changes that need to take place. Manufacturers are starting to change some of what they’re putting in foods; government agencies like HHS, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and local health departments, and foundations and non-profits need to work together to drive change at the national level, Blunt said.
Krause said she hopes the white paper will serve as a valuable resource for professionals working toward the system change Blunt talked about.
“It would be great to see federal and state agencies, nonprofits and other organizations fund more research and launch communications campaigns around ultra-processed foods. And we encourage health practitioners like healthcare providers, nutrition professionals, and school leaders to use the insights to help people make informed nutrition choices and improve systems and overall health,” she said.
ORAU’s Health and Resiliency Strategy team stands ready to help these organizations and individuals develop meaningful and impactful messaging to reach their respective audiences.
From Further Togther, the ORAU podcast: Insights into ultra-processed foods gained from social listening: A conversation with ORAU subject matter experts
Ultra-processed foods – think packaged snacks, frozen meals and hot dogs – have become dietary staples due to their convenience, affordability and aggressive marketing. However, these foods have low to no nutritional value and can contribute to significant health issues like obesity, diabetes, heart disease and colorectal cancer. In this episode of Further Together, three of ORAU’s subject matter experts – Diane Krause, Brenda Blunt and Jennifer Reynolds – talk about a recently published white paper on social listening and perceptions of ultra-processed foods. Improving diet quality is a critical goal of the Make America Healthy Again Agenda promulgated by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Health and Human Services secretary. Our experts talk in detail about the white paper and what their findings mean for future research and policy initiatives.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/programs/maha-gaining-insight-into-what-people-think-about-ultra-processed-foods-through-social-listening.html
Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:00:00 ESTProgramstag:orau.org,2025-11-24:/blog/people/1776270367264Chelsea Hill on her passion for recruiting the perfect workforce candidatesThe use of Artificial Intelligence sometimes gets a bad rap in the human resources industry.
Job applicants often feel they aren’t fairly considered for positions because AI automatically filters out resumes that don’t contain specific keywords or buzzwords.
“I don’t want to speak for every industry because we work in a very specific area, but for our customers and the positions we fill, that’s not how we use AI,” said Chelsea Hill, manager of ORAU Workforce Solutions, on a recent episode of Further Together, the ORAU Podcast.
ORAU Workforce Solutions specializes in scientific and technical staffing support, bringing highly qualified professionals to fulfill mission critical project and business requirements for our government clients.
“Recruiting is a personal business, and it requires a human touch if done correctly and always will,” Hill said.
While AI can help recruiters write intriguing job descriptions and messages to candidates, AI cannot replace the human decision-making that comes from reading resumes, reading answers to screening questions, talking on the phone, or having conversations that reveal the personalities of candidates being recruited.
Hill gave the example of a recruiting candidate who is leaving the military after 20 years of service, has a stellar resume and is a candidate for multiple software developer openings at two different working areas at a customer site. One hiring manager is extremely laid back and lets their employees work independently. The other hiring manager is more structured and holds a daily stand-up meeting and sets priorities for their team every day. Hill says that after talking with the candidate to understand their needs, she’s more likely to place the candidate in the more structured of the two environments to help him ease the transition to the civilian workforce.
“That’s something that an AI software can’t do – speak with a candidate and make a discernment on where a candidate is going to thrive,” Hill said.
Who is Chelsea Hill?
Hill’s resume is loaded with experience recruiting for a variety of job types. She is a boomerang employee who came to work at ORAU straight out of college and during the Great Recession.
Chelsea Hill, manager for ORAU Workforce Solutions
“I was on the job hunt for quite a long time,” she said. “I think that’s why I have such a heart for recruitment and placement and connecting with candidates. ORAU took me in, and I worked out at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and helped administer internship programs.”
After a couple of years, she left ORAU to work in a medical and healthcare environment. She did some medical sales, then moved into a marketing role with a large healthcare provider, which led to a position in human resources. After six years she went to work for a housing and modular home manufacturer. Hill is grateful for the variety of roles she has recruited for during her career. Her experience has prepared her to recruit candidates for nearly any environment.
Hill has been back at ORAU for five years, starting in recruitment and then moving into a management role in Workforce Solutions.
“I have loved every minute of it,” she said. “We have a really special culture at ORAU, and I tell people all of the time that this is the best place I’ve ever worked, hands down, and you’re going to have to drag me out of here,” she said.
How does Workforce Solutions work?
“Workforce Solutions is a team of folks who partner with federal agencies as well as industry partners to help augment, streamline and perfect the recruitment process. We have customers that have talent needs. And there is a war for that talent,” Hill said. “Since COVID, the war for talent has gotten worse. What we’re here to do is make everyone’s life easier when it comes to finding the best candidate for each of their positions.”
ORAU has its own team of Workforce Solutions recruiters who streamline the job placement process.
Additionally, the Workforce Solutions team makes sure there is a seamless process through the sourcing, interviewing, job offer process and helping make placements for agencies and companies that are going to serve their respective missions.
“We have customers that need highly specialized STEM talent,” Hill said. “There are only a handful of people who perform some of these roles across the country. We specialize in finding that niche talent to meet mission-critical needs and making it a super easy process for both the candidates that we recruit and the customers where we place these candidates.”
What are current hiring trends?
It’s not just about highly specialized candidates with advanced degrees. While there will always be a need for high-level technical roles that require advanced degrees and years of experience, Hill noted a growing surge in demand for craft labor. Skills-based hiring has become just as essential—focusing on candidates with specialized expertise in trades such as welding, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, and facilities management. These positions often require only a two-year degree or certification, yet they play an equally critical role in fulfilling mission-essential needs.
In addition to skills-based craft roles, Hill said there is a huge need for IT and cyber roles as cyber security continues to be a hot topic with other countries targeting the United States’s technology infrastructure. “As it relates to cyber-crimes, this is a staffing area where candidates are definitely needed,” she said.
There is also a constant demand for candidates in the field of engineering. “For a person coming out of high school who has an interest in math or science and processes, engineering is a great area to go into,” Hill said. “There’s never going to be a situation where don’t need more engineers in the world.”
Hill said there are also great opportunities for people who are interested in making a career change but may not want to pursue another degree program and are open to getting a certification or taking a training class.
For anyone looking to transition into new career path (especially in fields like nuclear, AI and data analytics) the opportunities are out there," Hill said. "Through ORAU’s STEM Accelerator initiative, we’re developing academic roadmaps that support learners from kindergarten all the way through mid-career professionals seeking a change.”
There’s high demand for STEM-specialized jobs in the workplace right now.
People interested in making a career change should get an idea of a role they want to move into, read job descriptions and list what they bring to the role and what deficits they have, then find ways to remove those deficits through specialized training or a certification.
“There are a lot of certificate programs at universities and community colleges that are minimal cost and maximum payoff,” she said.
Helping candidates discover fulfilling roles that align with their goals is rewarding. Equally gratifying is supporting the needs of government agencies and industry partners. For Hill and her team, the true satisfaction comes from successfully bridging both sides—delivering value to individuals and organizations alike.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/people/chelsea-hill-on-her-passion-for-recruiting-the-perfect-workforce-candidates.html
Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 ESTPeopletag:orau.org,2025-11-17:/blog/education/1776270338976Insider tips for your $25K Extreme Classroom Makeover application!Hey, teachers! Psst… Do you want a leg up on the competition for a $25,000 classroom makeover? You’ve come to the right place for the inside scoop. After 17 years of offering this incredible prize, we’ve learned a thing or two about what keeps teachers from going for it. And yet, teachers have a really high probability of winning. So, whether you’re dreaming of cutting-edge tools or a complete technological transformation, follow these tips to maximize your chance.
Step One: Apply!
Yes, really—apply! Someone will win this $25,000 makeover. And that someone is going to be a public-school STEM teacher who works within 50 miles of Oak Ridge, Tenn. This isn’t a nationwide competition. With a smaller pool of applicants, your odds are pretty great—but you actually have to submit an application to be in the running!
Start Planning Early
We get it. Teachers are busy! Many start the application process but don’t finish, especially as the holidays and snow days pile up. The application window is open for two-and-a-half months, so carve out a little time now to get started. You’ve got this!
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Unlike most education grant applications, this one requires a little extra creativity. You’ll need to shoot and edit a video, but don’t let that intimidate you! Chances are, someone in your circle loves video projects. Tap into your network: parents, students or fellow staff members. Who might enjoy brainstorming and bringing your vision to life? Bonus: more people involved means more support when it’s time to rally votes for Viewers’ Choice!
Think Big, Dream Bigger
While we love helping individual classrooms, we’re even more excited when the makeover benefits an entire grade or department. How could new technology not just transform your classroom but your school? Share your big picture plans in your application. We want to see how far your vision can go!
Bring the Creativity
This is your chance to shine. Apply like you mean it! Show us your enthusiasm for STEM education. Show us that you are the kind of teacher with the passion and energy necessary to inspire and lead your students to get the most out of learning with all the amazing tools and technology that come with the makeover! Let your students’ excitement for cutting-edge technology tell the story.
Need inspiration? Check out last year’s winning video:
Key details to remember
Eligibility: You must teach STEM subjects in grades 3 through 10 at a public school within 50 miles of Oak Ridge, Tennessee (home to ORAU’s main campus).
ORAU is passionate about advancing STEM education because we believe it’s key to keeping the United States competitive globally—and to improving life in our communities. We know teachers often struggle to fund the science, technology, engineering and math exploration their students dream of, and we’re here to help. This $25,000 classroom makeover could be the spark that inspires your students to pursue STEM careers and change the future.
Help us get the word out. Share this flyer (.PDF) with the teachers in your life and best of luck!
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/education/insider-tips-for-your-25k-extreme-classroom-makeover-application.html
Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 ESTEducationtag:orau.org,2025-11-07:/blog/museum/1776270358352ORNL historic posters at ORAU museum explain radiation protectionIt would have been easier if they had just called it “radiation protection,” but calling it what it was in the early 1940s would have drawn attention. That was the last thing leaders of a highly secretive operation wanted. So, the innocuous term “health physics” was chosen instead, and it stuck.
The field first emerged in the early 20th century following the discovery of X-rays. (They called them “X-rays” because in math, “X” represents an unknown figure.) As early pioneers were developing an understanding of radioactive materials, the risks associated with radiation exposure became evident when cases of radiation-induced injuries were reported (see our blog Radium Girls: The health scandal of radium dial painters in the 1920s and 1930s).
Health physics became a more formally established field during World War II, particularly within the Manhattan Project, where scientists worked to develop nuclear weapons. Protecting workers from radiation exposure was critical to the success of the program, and specialized teams were formed to study radiation effects and implement safety protocols. The field combines principles of physics, biology and engineering.
After the war, the advancement of nuclear technology introduced unique and hazardous challenges, especially to an uneducated workforce. To address the need to promote safe practices in handling radioactive materials, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) created a series of health physics posters in 1947 that would help instruct and promote a culture of safety. They were designed to be visually engaging, informative and accessible to workers who may not have had formal training in radiation safety.
ORNL health physics posters created in 1947 are on display in ORAU’s Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity.
ORAU’s Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity features eight of these posters, and they’re very popular with visitors. The graphics are simple yet striking. The messages are clear and sometimes humorous. The memorable slogans are intended to emphasize the importance of safety measures, such as wearing protective gear, monitoring radiation exposure and following protocols for contamination control. Essentially, these posters were ads communicating the principles of health physics to a broad audience, ensuring that workers understood the risks and took appropriate precautions. They were hung in various labs and common spaces alike for all employees to soak in the messaging.
The campaign to educate workers about radiation protection included workplace posters.
Many of these posters have since become iconic representations of the early days of nuclear science and safety. They are valued not only for their historical significance but also for their artistic and educational contributions to the field of health physics.
Today, health physics continues to evolve, addressing challenges such as environmental radiation monitoring, emergency response to nuclear incidents, and the safe use of emerging technologies involving radiation.
The designs of these health physics posters were intended to grab attention and make a memorable point.
ORAU’s Professional Training Programs offer continuing education in radiation safety (both online and in-person classes). Check out our website for more information!
Today, health physics is a field that continues to evolve into many radiation protection applications.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/museum/ornl-historic-posters-at-orau-museum-explain-radiation-protection.html
Fri, 07 Nov 2025 00:00:00 ESTMuseumtag:orau.org,2025-11-04:/blog/people/1776270366116ORAU historical spotlight: Jack Beck “reeled in” a legacy of important cancer research and radiation protection
There are some people who quietly do their job and don’t receive a lot of fanfare. In our historical profiles, we like to call attention to a few of the men and women who deserve to be lauded for their achievements—both for what they did for ORAU and the greater field of science. Jack Beck is one of those men.
In our archives, the resume in Beck’s file cites his leadership qualities as commitment, people-oriented and trustworthy. The people who knew him heartily agree.
Beck grew up in the northeast corner of Georgia. He loved sports, and you could find him fishing on the bank of any nearby lake, river or creek. He was the class president and valedictorian. One of his high school math teachers told him he should consider becoming an engineer. Beck humorously misunderstood, replying, “No, I don’t want to drive a train.”
So, when he realized what his teacher meant and looked into engineering options, he enrolled just across the state line at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, where he earned a degree in engineering physics. Next, his newfound love of physics led him to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he attended graduate school. During this time, Beck participated in a pivotal 10-week internship at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). As part of the internship, he spent a week at the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies (ORINS), which would later become Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU). This experience marked the beginning of Beck’s decades-long career with ORAU. He accepted a position there in 1965 and touched many significant programs, laying the groundwork for effective initiatives that are still at work today.
Radiation research and NASA projects
In his early years at ORAU, Beck worked on many important projects, including groundbreaking research for NASA at ORAU’s Medical Division. His team focused on studying the effects of radiation on astronauts, a critical area of research during the space race era. This project not only kick-started Beck’s career but also laid the foundation for his lifelong contributions in the field of radiation science.
Jack Beck (center) gathers with colleagues Bob Ricks (left) and Jim Berger (right) to discuss research.
Advancing cancer treatments
As a certified health physicist (someone who specializes in radiation protection), Beck was part of a team pioneering whole-body radiation treatments for cancer patients. He specifically helped design the treatment facility called the Low Exposure Total Body Irradiator (LETBI). These treatments were in their infancy and primarily offered to patients who had exhausted other options. Despite the experimental nature of the trials, the results were groundbreaking—many patients experienced extended lifespans, and the ORAU Medical Division developed protocols for bone marrow transplants that remain in use today. This work represented a major advancement in cancer research and treatment during that era.
Radiation safety training
Beck also played a valuable role in the Special Training Division, training health physicists in radiological safety and inspection techniques using radiation detection equipment.
ORAU continues this work through its Professional Training Programs today. We’ve taught more than 30,000 students including scientists, physicians, engineers and regulators.
Establishing REAC/TS
Jack Beck at REAC/TS’ 40th anniversary celebration in 2016.
One of Beck’s most enduring contributions was his involvement in the design and early operation of the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center and Training Site (REAC/TS). In 1976, Beck played a key role in coordinating care for the center’s first patient. He even helped write the proposal for and oversee the construction of what is now a Department of Energy (DOE) asset. REAC/TS continues its critical mission today, offering 24/7 support during radiological emergencies and providing specialized training for medical professionals and first responders.
Studying radiation exposure
With Beck’s foundation in understanding health physics, he also worked with ORAU’s epidemiology group, where he studied the health effects of radiation exposure on workers who had encountered both high and low doses during their careers.
Jack Beck is pictured with the Epidemiology Department in the 1970s.
Environmental clean-up with Bechtel
After 17 years at ORAU, Beck transitioned to a new role focusing on environmental clean-up projects under a DOE contract with Bechtel. According to the Health Physics Radiation Safety Journal, Beck served as the radiation safety manager for the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP). His work involved addressing contamination from hazardous chemicals at sites across the United States, including locations in New York, New Jersey and Oak Ridge. This phase of his career showcased Beck’s versatility and commitment to improving public health and safety.
Leading ORISE’s Environmental Survey and Site Assessment Program
In 1990, Beck returned to ORAU. Within a couple of years, he was tapped to join the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) contract when it was established. ORAU manages ORISE for the Department of Energy. Beck became the program director for ORISE’s Environmental Survey and Site Assessment Program in 1995. His leadership further solidified the organization’s reputation for excellence in environmental research and remediation.
Although Beck retired in 2007, his work was far from over. As a consultant, he collaborated with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). This ORAU-managed program provides compensation for atomic workers diagnosed with one of 22 radiation-related cancers. Beck’s efforts helped ensure that eligible workers received coverage for their medical expenses, making this one of the most rewarding chapters of his career.
Jack Beck holds up a fish he caught; picture used in his obituary.
Jack Beck’s fingerprints are ubiquitous in the field of health physics. From the pioneering cancer treatments in the ORAU Medical Division to his foundational work with REAC/TS, his impact on science and public health is immeasurable. In recognition of his achievements, the Health Physics Society (HPS) named Beck a Fellow member in 1998, which is reserved for a senior distinguished member of HPS who has made major scientific contributions to the profession. In 2014, the society further honored him with the prestigious Founder’s Award, underscoring the profound impact of his work.
Jack Beck passed away in 2023. This picture of him holding up a catch is how his family remembers him. It was used with his obituary. In an interview with the Oak Ridge Public Library Digital Collection, he joked that he worked to feed his fishing habit. Beck’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance and a lifelong commitment to improving the world through science. You might say he “reeled in” a lifetime of achievements that will benefit generations to come.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/people/jack-beck-a-legacy-of-important-cancer-research-and-radiation-protection.html
Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:00 ESTPeopletag:orau.org,2025-10-30:/blog/programs/1776270394482How ORAU is helping accelerate discovery in omics researchORAU is helping researchers working with genomics, proteomics, clinical data and structural data accelerate discoveries by training them to use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Common Fund Data Ecosystem (CFDE). ORAU won an NIH contract to create a state-of-the-art virtual training center for this very purpose.
What is the CFDE?
NIH Common Fund programs generate datasets from a variety of projects ranging from genomics to phenotypes. The CFDE aims to facilitate improved discovery, reuse, integration and analyses of these datasets to form novel hypotheses for accelerating discoveries in biomedical research. The CFDE is organized around five Centers that integrate data, resources and knowledge from many Common Fund Programs. The resources created by the Centers empower the research community to use Common Fund data sets for novel scientific research that was impossible before.
ORAU is working with the National Institutes of Health Common Fund Data Ecosystem to enhance access, usability and integration of diverse biomedical research data to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation.
“The Common Fund Data Ecosystem has a little over 20 different programs and projects, and they're all focused around different biological questions or diseases, like GTEx, Kids First, SPARC, MoTrPAC,” said Allissa Dillman, Ph.D., co-principal investigator and owner of BioData Sage LLC. Dillman is a partner with ORAU in developing and managing the CFDE Training Center.
“These programs are now anchored around these five interconnected centers, which are really meant to help build meaningful connections throughout these CFDE programs,” she said. “So, there's the Data Resource Center, the Cloud Workspace Implementation Center, the Training Center, the Knowledge Center, and the Integration and Coordination Center.”
Why is the CFDE Training Center important?
The Training Center (TC) serves as a central hub to support current and prospective CFDE users in their learning journey. Working collaboratively with other Centers, funded programs, and projects, the TC addresses training needs while promoting community engagement. Its goal is to expand the CFDE user base and empower users to confidently work with increasingly complex datasets.
“What's neat about the CFDE is that it brings all these high-impact, diverse data sets into one place and actually helps unlock their full potential together,” Dillman said.
Bringing these disparate data sets under one roof makes all data more findable, accessible, interoperable, and more reusable or fair, Dillman said. The CFDE removes barriers among all these data sets that were not necessarily designed to connect with each other.
Jennifer Burnette, ORAU project manager and Director for the CFDE Training Center, adds that the CFDE allows datasets to be mined beyond their original project dates, which benefits both the original project and current and future researchers.
“This ecosystem is really important and useful for people because you can see these very long-standing data resources that you can trust will be available for you as you're working through your research and the things that you want to do,” Burnette said.
What does the CFDE Training Center offer researchers?
Because the Training Center’s goal is to train current and new researchers to use the CFDE, several resources and programs have been created to achieve that goal. These resources include:
E-learning Dashboard: A virtual community of learners supported through an e-learning platform where participants can access trainings and engage in continuing education efforts. Visit cfde-trainingcenter.reach360.com to learn more about our recent foundational How-To seminar series, which defines omics-related research areas in the context of available CFDE data.
Integrated Mentoring Program: This unique mentoring program approach aims to increase interdisciplinary collaboration and meaningful use of CFDE datasets. To achieve this goal, the mentoring program supports the professional development of faculty-student dyads, who are current or new CF data users and pairs them with mentors from CFDE Data Coordinating Centers.
Hackathons and Workshops: The TC teaches data skills and promotes CFDE data and tools by hosting hackathons and workshops to ensure a high-quality and hands-on learning experience for the research community. Team projects from our 2025 Hackathon at the Bio-IT World conference can be accessed at https://bit.ly/BioITHack2025repos.
Decoding the Data Ecosystem Podcast: The TC hosts a podcast featuring engaging conversations with a broad range of experts, exploring emerging concepts and topics in omics-related research in the context of available CFDE data and resources and how they relate to researchers. Visit https://blubrry.com/3847772/ or search “Decoding the Data Ecosystem” on your favorite podcast platform.
Engagement and Outreach: The TC engages in virtual and in-person education and engagement in collaboration with academic institutions and other partnerships within and outside the CFDE network, including conferences, seminars, dialogue calls, and more.
“Our philosophy for the CFDE Training Center is based around three core components: remember, understand and apply,” Burnette said. “Anything we're doing with the training center, whether it's events or hackathons or mentor program, we're always trying to hit at least two of those things. We want you to ideally remember, understand, and apply what you've learned.
“We consistently work to implement that strategy in anything that we're doing and help us really stay within the scope of what we're trying to accomplish, while also supporting all the other centers available within CFDE and the broader ecosystem itself,” Burnette said.
Researchers who remember, understand and apply what they learn in the CFDE training center will be able to mine the vast array of data available in the NIH Common Fund Data Ecosystem, which will accelerate knowledge and discovery and make the world a better place for all of us.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/programs/how-orau-is-helping-accelerate-discovery-in-omics-research.html
Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 EDTProgramstag:orau.org,2025-10-22:/blog/programs/1776270393916Radiation therapy research project keeps ORAU on the cutting edge of cancer researchWhen I was diagnosed with stage-3b rectal cancer in 2012, radiation combined with oral chemotherapy was prescribed as the first phase of a three-phase treatment protocol. The other phases included surgery and infused chemotherapy.
Cancer in my rectum meant that all 35 radiation treatments were aimed where the sun doesn’t shine. In addition to the treatment itself, I underwent several CT and PET scans to help determine where exactly the cancer was located, what stage cancer we were treating, and then whether treatment was working.
I’m not sure how much total radiation I was exposed to during cancer treatment, but Dray Gentry, a clinical physicist working on ORAU’s radiation epidemiology team, hopes to help answer that question for cancer patients.
Gentry, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Tennessee, is the primary investigator for an ORAU-Directed Research and Development Grant project that has two research aims. The first is to determine the feasibility of using artificial intelligence to speed up the process of identifying chromosomal abnormalities in the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Laboratory, which is part of the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education that ORAU manages for the U.S. Department of Energy. The second is to help determine the total dose cancer patients are exposed to during treatment.
Dray Gentry, University of Tennessee Ph. D. candidate, uses AI to improve efficiency in cancer treatment.
“Radiation is one of those weird things where you can’t see it. You can’t smell it. It’s just something that’s there,” Gentry said, pointing to the challenges in measuring and monitoring radiation exposure. “Then there’s detecting it. We don’t have an internal radiation detection monitor on us [which means there’s not an easy way to determine exposure level].”
Cytogenetic biodosimetry and AI
Scientists can estimate the amount of radiation someone has been exposed to by counting the number of dicentric chromosomes in a blood sample, though.
“We’re doing something called cytogenetic biodosimetry,” Gentry said. “If you break that down, cytogenetic is “cyto,” which means cell, and “genetic” is referring to DNA. Biodosimetry is measuring radiation dose.”
He explained that when you look at chromosomes, they normally form an “X,” and you can see them under a microscope. Chromosomes that are exposed to radiation break apart. In an ideal situation, when they break apart, they re-form into their original “X,” but sometimes they reform as two “Xs” stacked on top of each other, having two pinch points, called centromeres, instead of just one. These malformations are called dicentric (having two centromeres) chromosomes; and when you have a lot of them, it can be correlated to the amount of radiation a person has been exposed to.
Radiation can cause chromosomes to break. Sometimes they reform as two “Xs” rather than one.
“We can count the number of dicentric chromosomes to get an estimation of the radiation dose someone has received,” Gentry said.
While cytogenetic biodosimetry is the gold standard for determining radiation dose exposure, it is highly time-consuming. In the event of a mass exposure event, like a radiation leak or detonation of a dirty bomb, conducting large-scale biodosimetry quickly will be virtually impossible.
“That’s where the AI model comes in,” Gentry said. “We wrote an AI model to look at these images and count the number of dicentric chromosomes in them.”
Gentry teamed up with Chet Ramsey, adjunct professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Tennessee, which is a member of the ORAU University Consortium. developed a website where images from blood samples can be uploaded and scanned using AI. Using the process they developed, scanning for dicentric chromosomes and counting the number of them in a given sample took about four seconds.
“We were really pleased with the results,” he said.
Estimating total radiation dose in cancer patients
The second aim of Gentry’s project is to determine the total biological radiation dose in patients treated for cancer with radiation therapy, as well as all the CT scans, PET scans and other tests that expose patients to radiation.
Gentry explained that the planned dose is the amount of radiation a patient is anticipated to be exposed to during radiation therapy. In my case, that was 35 rounds of radiation. Biological dose would also include radiation exposure that occurs during pre-treatment simulations as well as CT and other scans that occur during treatment.
How much radiation are cancer patients exposed to during treatment? ODRD project is seeking answers. (Getty stock image)
“That’s a lot of dose,” he said, referring to the total dose from the combination of treatment and additional scans. “But it’s ignored because it’s seen as trivial compared to the dose we’re giving with the therapy,” Gentry explained.
He wondered how an actual biological dose could be determined for a patient.
“We can take their blood before treatment and after treatment and then get a biological dose compared to their planned dose,” he said.
What’s next?
Gentry said he and Ramsey are pleased with the results of their project and are in the final stages of writing a paper for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Additionally, they have begun work on a project with the Thompson Proton Center, part of Covenant Health’s Thompson Cancer Survival Center in East Tennessee. The project’s goal is to determine how proton therapy, a type of radiation therapy that uses high-energy protons to treat cancer, affects cytogenetics.
Understanding how protons impact cytogenetics is an important initiative of the National Cancer Institute, and Gentry’s research has the potential to keep ORAU on the cutting edge of cancer research.
Let’s take a step back for a moment and talk about ODRD grants.
ODRD is a research and development program that supports collaborations between ORAU researchers and faculty at academic institutions that are part of ORAU’s University Consortium. Led by ORAU subject matter experts and leveraging the talents and expertise of our member universities, ODRD projects strengthen and expand the scientific and technical capabilities of both parties.
In this case, Gentry joined forces with Chet Ramsey, adjunct professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Tennessee, which is a member of the ORAU University Consortium.
At its core, ODRD provides a path for funding innovative research-based approaches/solutions that fall within the intersection of ORAU’s capabilities and our member universities’ research interests. Ideally, ODRD-funded projects result in proposals that can generate new, sponsored research that is jointly performed by ORAU and partner universities.
ODRD supports university-engaged, applied research while increasing the potential for significant external research funding and strengthening ORAU’s ability to address current and future customer needs.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/programs/radiation-therapy-research-project-keeps-orau-on-the-cutting-edge-of-cancer-research.html
Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 EDTProgramstag:orau.org,2025-10-09:/blog/programs/1776270392765ORAU proposes framework for strengthening regional food system resilienceSince its founding in 1946, ORAU has been a trusted partner in solving complex challenges that impact public health, scientific advancement and community resilience. With more than 75 years of experience, ORAU has consistently delivered interdisciplinary expertise, cutting-edge research, and collaborative solutions to address national priorities.
ORAU’s legacy includes projects like the Nationwide Beryllium Medical Surveillance Program and the National Supplemental Screening Program, which were scaled nationally to improve workplace safety standards and health policies. These initiatives exemplify ORAU’s ability to pilot innovative solutions and scale them for long-term impact.
Fast forward to today, ORAU is tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time: food security. ORAU is seeking a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to lead efforts to strengthen America’s food systems against emerging threats like supply chain disruptions and biological hazards.
ORAU’s Kara Stephens, Matthew Schnupp and Rachel Vasconez published a white paper about food system resilience.
The proposed framework is a systematic, evidence-based approach designed to enhance food system resilience across the country. Here’s how ORAU will make it happen:
Strategic planning and partnership development ORAU will collaborate with USDA to establish a National Food Security Consortium, bringing together experts from academia, government, and local communities to co-develop pilot implementation plans tailored to specific regions.
Data collection and integration By aggregating historical and real-time data, the consortium will map vulnerabilities in regional food systems, such as climate-sensitive agricultural practices and single points of failure in supply chains.
Risk analysis Using AI-powered tools and multi-criteria decision frameworks, the consortium will assess and prioritize risks based on probability, severity and societal impact.
Evaluation, reporting and education Next, the consortium will generate regionally tailored reports that include risk overviews, mitigation strategies and implementation plans. Education efforts, such as workshops and online toolkits, will ensure stakeholders are equipped to act on evidence-based findings.
Scaling and sustainability The framework is designed to expand nationally, embedding resilience strategies into USDA programs and policies for long-term impact.
Case studies: ORAU’s proven approach
ORAU’s expertise in piloting and scaling solutions is evident in its past projects. For example:
FEMA’s earthquake preparedness consortium: ORAU recruited experts to advance FEMA’s National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. By fostering collaboration and aligning activities with program goals, ORAU helped FEMA achieve key milestones in emergency preparedness education and training.
These case studies demonstrate ORAU’s ability to translate research into real-world impact—a skill that is now being applied to food system resilience.
Looking ahead: a resilient food future
ORAU’s partnership with USDA represents a pivotal opportunity in food security preparedness. By implementing this framework, USDA can ensure that its policies and investments are grounded in localized evidence, responsive to emerging threats and aligned with the needs of diverse communities.
The implications are profound:
Enhanced emergency preparedness for local agencies.
Increased resilience to withstand crises like extreme weather or supply chain disruptions.
Reduced economic and social impacts during food system disruptions.
Strengthened partnerships between universities, communities and policymakers.
ORAU’s ability to pilot innovative solutions, scale them nationally and embed them into existing programs positions it as a catalyst for transformative change.
ORAU’s commitment to building resilience
From its legacy of advancing public health and safety to its current efforts in food system resilience, ORAU continues to be a leader in addressing complex challenges through science, collaboration and innovation.
As America’s food systems face increasingly complex threats, ORAU’s partnership with USDA offers a clear path forward—one that safeguards communities, strengthens agricultural systems and secures the future.
Figure 2: ORAU’s University Consortium includes 110 top-tier universities with specialized programs in national food security fields.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/programs/orau-proposes-framework-for-strengthening-regional-food-system-resilience.html
Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:00 EDTProgramstag:orau.org,2025-10-03:/blog/people/1776270365371Lost & found: ORAU spotlights employee whose determination helped her track down long-lost international friends
Kristy Kistner
When ORAU gave employees an opportunity to share “heritage stories,” during an internal enrichment event, ORAU employee Kristy Kistner told an incredible story that stretches more than 40 years.
The heritage stories event encouraged colleagues to connect and learn about each other in a fun and voluntary way. Kistner recounted a cherished memory from her childhood, when her family hosted a visiting family from Malaysia. She explained that the two families had kept in contact for a while, and they even visited their friends in Malaysia. After that, however, they lost touch.
Her video presentation ended, but telling her story reignited curiosity and determination to reconnect with her long-lost friends. She once again tried to find contact information, and to her delight, her persistence paid off. Kistner successfully tracked them down, and it’s a heartwarming reminder of how dedication can lead to rewarding outcomes.
ORAU’s Kristy Kistner was inspired to track down long-lost friends from across the globe.
She created a second video to update her co-workers about her discovery, and because stories like these resonate deeply and remind us of the importance of connection and perseverance, we are excited to share both parts of Kistner’s story on our blog.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/people/lost-found-orau-spotlights-employee-whose-determination-helped-her-track-down-long-lost-international-friends.html
Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:00:00 EDTPeopletag:orau.org,2025-10-01:/blog/programs/1776270391956Easing the health care worker shortage: ORAU committed to making a difference wherever we can
ORAU seeks solutions for the labor shortage in the healthcare industry.
My career has focused on various aspects of healthcare since I became a public relations practitioner nearly 30 years ago. I’ve worked for a health insurer, a hospital, a nationally recognized cancer non-profit and a public health department. While there are many differences in the organizations for which I’ve worked, a major commonality has been a sense of alarm at the growing shortage of healthcare workers.
According to a 2025 study by Ringo, a healthcare workforce technology company, the United States will need to hire 2.3 million healthcare workers just this year to meet the needs of the country’s aging population. By 2030, the U.S. will face a shortage of 49,000 primary care physicians. Additionally, nearly one-third of nurses working today are older than 50, and significant numbers of nurses are expected to retire over the next five to 10 years.
While the need for healthcare workers of all types is increasing, data shows a decline in enrollments for nursing programs and medical schools. Enrollment in entry-level baccalaureate nursing programs decreased by 1.4% in 2024, ending a 20-year period of growth in programs for registered nurses, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Master’s degree and doctoral degree programs in nursing are also seeing decreases.Similarly, medical school enrollments have decreased by 1.2% for 2024-25, the third year of decline in a row.
As degree program enrollments decrease, healthcare workers are leaving the industry for a variety of reasons, including retirements, burnout, stress, income dissatisfaction and policy barriers, much of which was accelerated by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
The effects of this shortage can be felt in every corner of the healthcare industry and in society. As fewer professionals join the healthcare industry, the medical staff who remain are forced to work longer hours, pushing themselves past their limits to make sure their patients get the care they need. In public health emergencies, response times can be delayed due to a lack of trained professionals. Fewer hospitals and facilities open, meaning that patients themselves have limited access to healthcare, especially in rural areas.
Brenda Blunt, ORAU senior director of health and resiliency strategy, is looking for solutions for the nursing shortage.
Those who are critically ill risk becoming sicker as they search for healthcare providers. And all of this is costly to both the patient and the hospital, as a lack of timely healthcare can sometimes mean that the only option is an emergency room visit.
“This critical issue weakens our nation at every level – in health outcomes, socioeconomic status, quality of life, and even national security,” said Brenda Blunt, ORAU senior director of health and resiliency strategy. A trained healthcare professional herself, Blunt knows firsthand what the effects of the healthcare worker shortage are. “A strained healthcare workforce compromises access to essential services, exacerbates access to quality healthcare issues for everyone, and diminishes the ability to respond effectively to public health emergencies and crises. Addressing this shortage is essential to building a resilient, accessible, and sustainable healthcare system that supports the well-being of individuals, communities, and the nation. ORAU is uniquely positioned to drive innovative solutions, leveraging partnerships, research, and workforce development initiatives to tackle this pressing challenge.”
Solving the healthcare worker shortage is critical to the overall health of the nation. ORAU’s mission is to advance national priorities in science, health and learning, which means this is an important issue for our company.
Here are two ways ORAU has offered our expertise and support to make a difference wherever we can in increasing the numbers of healthcare workers in our region.
Supporting Family Medicine Residency Program
ORAU has supported the launch of the Family Medicine Residency Program at Methodist Medical Center (MMC) in our own community of Oak Ridge in East Tennessee.
ORAU supported the launch of the Family Medicine Residency Program at Methodist Medical Center; Getty Images, J. Michael Jones
When MMC created the Methodist Family Medicine Residency Program in 2024, ORAU donated funds to help launch the program and sponsor one of the patient rooms in a new residency clinic. This Methodist Family Medicine Residence Program is designed to produce new family medicine physicians who are trained in cutting-edge medical practices and compassionate care through hands-on training.
Residents in this three-year program are trained in a variety of healthcare methods to prepare for their careers, including telehealth and in-person appointments, virtual consultations and hospital visits. Residents get the opportunity to treat a wide array of patients. The benefit is not just for themselves, but for the healthcare needs of patients from across the region. Residents also train in urgent care and inpatient experiences, as well as counseling and behavioral health, chronic disease management and more for a full range of family health medical care.
The ultimate hope is that as these physicians complete the program, they will set up a family medicine practice in the East Tennessee region with a ready-made patient clientele, seeing the patients that they’ve already built healthcare relationships with through the residency clinic.
Supporting health science education
ORAU has also supported the construction of the Knox Regional Health Science Education Center, a 130,000-square-foot facility near Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. A ribbon-cutting and sneak peek event was held on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025.
Leigha Justice, Brenda Blunt and Meghan Millwood represent ORAU at the ribbon cutting for the Knox Regional Health Science Education Center.
The facility will house health science programs offered by Roane State Community College in Oak Ridge and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Knoxville. The health science education center is the new home of existing nursing, EMS, sleep study and respiratory health programs; and programs in cardiovascular technology, healthcare administration and public health will be added.
A key feature of the facility is a large-scale, multi-purpose simulation center intended to immerse students in real-world scenarios to enhance their training. The facility is due to open this fall with the first students enrolling in the spring semester of 2026.
“Both the Family Medicine Residence Program at MMC and the Knox Regional Health Science Education Center will help prepare students to be a vital part of our future healthcare workforce, further strengthening the economy of East Tennessee,” Blunt said.
Fostering interests in healthcare careers
ORAU’s long-standing expertise in workforce capacity building in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers as well as public health and healthcare gives us a unique understanding of the overall landscape and the ability to do our part to meet the need for more healthcare workers.
“ORAU works with government agencies, academic institutions, and private organizations to tackle critical challenges in systems,” explained Blunt. “By partnering with colleges, universities, and K-12 schools, ORAU can help build educational programs that inspire interest in healthcare careers and create pathways to increase the number of trained professionals.”
From academia to government agencies and from private organizations to K-12 schools, ORAU works to connect people with interest in healthcare to pathways for training.
ORAU’s goal is to assess legislation and policy that impacts overall healthcare and programs designed to increase the numbers of healthcare workers, and develop micro-credentialing programs, or short-term programs that can train professionals in specific areas of expertise.
“ORAU’s dedication to workforce development extends to STEM education and training programs,” said Blunt. “By fostering interest in healthcare careers, improving education pathways, and supporting professional development, ORAU can help build a pipeline of skilled healthcare workers to address current and future shortages.”
Blunt said developing innovative training and education programs will be key to improving enrollments and strengthening the existing healthcare workforce pipeline. She said schools should use virtual reality and simulation technology so that those students will be prepared for real-world scenarios. The importance of online education also cannot be overstated, as access to schooling itself is a barrier, and flexible learning is one avenue to ending the healthcare worker shortage.
“Building a healthcare workforce that is sustainable and resilient is not just a matter of planning for the next crisis—it is about creating a system that adapts to challenges while prioritizing the well-being of the people who provide care,” said Blunt.
By supporting and strengthening innovative education programs, as well as offering expertise in workforce planning, resilience building and adaptability, ORAU can help ensure that healthcare professionals are supported and empowered to meet the demands of tomorrow. A resilient healthcare workforce is the foundation of a healthier, stronger, and more secure future.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/programs/easing-the-healthcare-worker-shortage.html
Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 EDTProgramstag:orau.org,2025-09-15:/blog/programs/1776270389543How ORAU is shaping the conversation about the nuclear energy workforceORAU planted its stake in the ground as a leader in nuclear energy workforce capacity building when it launched the ORAU STEM Accelerator (OSA) in 2023. Workforce capacity building isn’t new to ORAU. We’ve been working with our federal agency partners for nearly eight decades to provide opportunities (like nuclear energy jobs) for young and up-and-coming scientists across the federal research enterprise.
Nuclear energy is seeing a resurgence in the United States with the development of more efficient and cost-effective small modular nuclear reactors. OSA was created to meet the workforce needs of this growing industry. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates the nuclear energy industry will need more than 375,000 trained and qualified workers by 2050, which is a 275% increase from the roughly 100,000 workers employed in the industry today.
“Not just health physicists and nuclear engineers, although those roles are certainly important,” said Michelle Goodson, director of OSA. “Nuclear energy is going to need workers at every level, from knowledge workers to trades people and everything in between.”
Over the past few months, Goodson and Ashley Stowe, Ph.D., ORAU chief research and university partnerships officer, have been crisscrossing East Tennessee and the country discussing the importance of prepping the population for nuclear energy jobs. Here’s a rundown of what they’ve been up to.
OSA leads local workforce strategy challenge
ORAU STEM Accelerator is focused on helping build nuclear energy jobs for projects like small modular nuclear reactors.
The Oak Ridge Corridor Development Corporation asked Stowe and Goodson to lead a 45-day workforce development challenge, as part of a broader 45-day challenge to develop a cohesive and unified nuclear workforce strategy and continue building on the infrastructure needed to foster the growing nuclear energy renaissance. There is a lot of excitement around small modular nuclear reactors.
Stowe is proud that the OSA team met the 45-deadline, which required a lot of effort. During the 45 days, the OSA team convened three workshops with 53 stakeholders across 26 educational, government, community and industry partners.
He added that the 45-day challenge worked into OSA’s effort to strategize nationally, deploy regionally and act locally. The stakeholders convened for the workshops developed six key outcomes:
Reform academic policy to increase flexibility and competency-based pathways driven by job needs.
Increase teacher/instructor capacity and engagement.
Launch multi-level, targeted awareness and outreach campaigns with a centralized approach.
Enhance and standardize apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs through a central intermediary, streamlining security clearance processes.
Develop and deploy scalable hybrid learning models and delivery systems leveraging existing assets.
Strengthen and optimize connections across existing resources and infrastructure through a central intermediary.
Conferences focused on nuclear energy jobs
ORAU’s Michelle Goodson (second from left) joins panel conversation at the U.S. Women in Nuclear conference.
Major conferences on the topic of nuclear energy focus at least parts of their agendas on the topic of workforce capacity building for nuclear energy jobs, training and education. U.S. Women in Nuclear, a conference presented by the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) held in New Orleans, La., in late July is one such event.
Goodson was part of a panel conversation on the topic, “Building Bridges to Careers in Nuclear Energy,” which informed attendees of the conference on the strategy that will require a widespread collaboration effort from K-12 education through undergraduate, post-graduate, trade, vendor and utility organizations to provide a successful pipeline to power a nuclear future and nuclear energy jobs (like at small modular nuclear reactors).
“We have to invest in inspiring, attracting and training the future workforce in advance of and while we’re in the process of developing and deploying the next generation of nuclear reactions to meet the growing needs of this industry,” Goodson said.
Her portion of the conversation included a presentation about OSA and the Partnership for Nuclear Energy (PNE), an ORAU-led consortium of stakeholders in academia, industry and government working diligently to create high-impact nuclear education and training programs. Goodson shared the five goals of PNE, which include:
Strengthen America’s Global Leadership in Nuclear to address critical challenges in education, training and workforce development.
Address Workforce Challenges in the Nuclear Energy Industry by developing comprehensive solution sets and implementation plans.
Promote Clean and Reliable Energy by addressing workforce challenges in the nuclear energy sector.
Foster Public-Private Partnerships in the Nuclear Sector by bridging the gaps between organizations and encouraging knowledge sharing and collective action.
Demonstrate Impactful Solutions that engages all stakeholders.
ORAU’s Michelle Goodson moderated and presented at ETEC NOW conference.
Goodson also looked ahead to the forthcoming release of the Nuclear Energy Academic Roadmap (NEAR), which aims to meet the nuclear energy industry’s workforce capacity needs by offering a first-of-its-kind blueprint to strengthen pathways into nuclear careers, enhance educational and training infrastructure, and inspire a new generation of leaders in the field. The NEAR is scheduled to be released in early September.
“I’m grateful to the expert panel members who shared excellent information on how the nuclear industry, and Tennessee specifically, is addressing nuclear awareness, education and training.” Goodson said.
Michelle Goodson emphasizes necessity to prepare workers for nuclear energy jobs.
ETEC NOW is a nuclear industry conference focused on all things nuclear: fission, fusion, isotopes, environmental management, AI in nuclear, workforce and more. Attendees learn about industry developments, opportunities, and advancements in research and development. The ORAU STEM Accelerator leads the Partnership for Nuclear energy, which is dedicated to building nuclear energy workforce capacity in Tennessee and beyond.
Gathering of academic stakeholders at ORAU
In July, ORAU brought together 14 nuclear engineering academic institutions from its University Consortium to begin the process of taking an inventory of currently available professional development programming in nuclear engineering and related fields, and they discussed education and training opportunities and barriers
Those gathered represented a sample of the more than 140 academic institutions that comprise the PNE.
“We want to understand what our consortium members are already doing, as well as explore opportunities to partner and collaborate to meet the current and future workforce needs in the nuclear industry across the United States,” Stowe said. “We have a great opportunity to transform the way we teach and train students as well as adults to work in the nuclear industry.”
Ashley Stowe, ORAU chief research and university partnerships officer, discusses the future of projects like small modular nuclear reactors.
Among those participating in the meeting were vice presidents of research, department heads and professors engaged in nuclear engineering and related fields from University Consortium member institutions.
“Having a good understanding of what each institution is doing is important to ensure we do not have gaps in the education and training landscape,” Goodson said. “More importantly, the workshop was about making connections with potential collaborators for future educational initiatives and partnerships.”
Data from the programmatic inventory will be shared with PNE members as needed in future discussions and workshop gathering.
“ORAU will continue to act as a convener and integrator to ensure the best programmatic methods and structures are used,” Stowe said. “We will also seek to collaborate with our university partners to fill gaps identified to strengthen the programs and grow capacity across them.”
Nuclear Energy Academic Roadmap and National Nuclear Science Week
There are even more exciting developments for OSA and PNE, including:
Nuclear Energy Academic Roadmap.The recently released Nuclear Energy Academic Roadmap (NEAR) aims to help meet this demand by offering a first-of-its-kind blueprint to strengthen pathways into nuclear careers, enhance educational infrastructure, and inspire a new generation of leaders in the field.
National Nuclear Science Week. The American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE) is leading the planning of activities in Oak Ridge and East Tennessee for National Nuclear Science Week, which is Oct. 20-24, 2025. ORAU is one of many partners in the region planning activities throughout the week, including job fairs, educational sessions and much more.
ORAU has and will continue to play a key role in shaping the conversation about the needs of the future nuclear energy workforce in Oak Ridge, East Tennessee, as well as across the state and nationally by leveraging our thought leadership, subject matter expertise, as well as our relationships with academic, industry and government agency partners.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/programs/how-orau-is-shaping-the-conversation-about-nuclear-energy-jobs.html
Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 EDTProgramstag:orau.org,2025-09-11:/blog/people/1776270365038Hunger Action Month: ORAU and partners step up to help those in need
Four Oak Ridge organizations partner to fight hunger in East Tennessee. Pictured left-to-right are Rich Tighe, president and CEO of Consolidated Nuclear Security at Y-12; Stephen Streiffer, director of Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Ken Rueter, president and CEO of United Cleanup Oak Ridge; and Meghan Millwood, president and CEO of Oak Ridge Associated Universities.
Hunger is a pressing issue in East Tennessee, where Second Harvest says one in six children face food insecurity. ORAU and neighboring organizations are stepping up during Hunger Action Month to raise awareness and provide crucial assistance to those in need. Second Harvest Food Bank is part of the Feeding America network, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, which launched Hunger Action Month in September of 2007 to inspire communities to take action.
Early fall is a vital time to support food banks, as many local pantries experience increased demand heading into the holiday season and colder months when families face higher utility bills.
At ORAU, there are a couple ways for employees and community members to get involved:
Donate non-perishable food: Collection bins are available at various ORAU and ORISE buildings for easy drop-off.
Give online: Visit our donation website to contribute funds or “purchase” items like fresh apples, eggs, dairy products or canned goods—all without visiting a store or delivering groceries.
Information provided by Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee.
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee makes a significant impact by distributing more than 21 million pounds of food each year to individuals and families who are facing hunger across Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Cumberland, Fentress, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier and Union counties.
ORAU believes that together we can make a difference in the fight against hunger. Join us in supporting the Secret City Harvest of Hope campaign and help us ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/people/hunger-action-month-orau-and-partners-step-up-to-help-those-in-need.html
Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 EDTPeopletag:orau.org,2025-09-09:/blog/programs/1776270391549To the moon, Mars and beyond: How ORAU-managed NPP Fellows are supporting NASA’s Artemis human space flight missions
The ORAU-managed NASA Postdoctoral Program supports NASA’s Artemis missions.
NASA’s Artemis space flight missions will return human beings to the moon and, one day, allow for the possibility of humans landing on Mars. Artemis fuels the missions of scientists and researchers across the country, and ORAU is proud to play a role in supporting their vital work.
ORAU manages NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) fellowships, offering unique opportunities for highly talented U.S. and non-U.S. scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These fellowships, awarded annually for up to three years, are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems and astrobiology.
NPP Fellows are conducting critical research to support various aspects of the NASA Artemis missions. Their work includes ensuring the health and safety of the astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft, advancing preparations for Gateway—the planned lunar-orbiting space station that serve as a pivotal step toward human exploration of Mars—and studying the unique environments astronauts will encounter on both the moon and Mars.
“When most people think about Artemis and spaceflight, they picture astronauts and rockets,” said Desmond Stubbs, ORAU director of interagency science strategy. “But so much is going on behind the scenes, and NASA NPP Fellows are in the thick of that activity. ORAU places fellows directly inside NASA centers. Their research is shaping the health, safety and success of crews bound for the moon and beyond.”
Desmond Stubbs, ORAU director of interagency science strategy, is excited about NPP Fellows’ involvement in NASA’s Artemis missions.
Here are just a few examples of how NPP Fellows are supporting the Artemis missions:
Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas: NPP Fellows in human physiology and behavioral health help NASA understand how long-duration missions affect the body and mind. Their studies inform countermeasures for Artemis astronauts like nutrition, exercise and even radiation shielding for crews with Orion (deep space missions) and Gateway (planned lunar-orbiting outpost as part of Artemis) missions.
Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.: NPP Fellows advance life-support systems, plant biology, and in-situ resource utilization. Their work directly supports surface operations for Artemis III, where astronauts will test sustainable living at the lunar south pole.
Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.: NPP research in propulsion materials and advanced manufacturing feeds into the Space Launch System (SLS), the rocket carrying the Orion and Artemis crews. Fellows’ contributions in metallurgy, composites and propulsion analysis ensure SLS is safe, reliable and repeatable.
Ames Research Center in Oakland, Calif.: Ames hosts space biology research, like the LEIA (Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications) payload, which will study microbial growth in lunar gravity. Designed with NPP Fellows’ input, the LEIA will be placed aboard Artemis II, the first crewed flight around the moon. NPP Fellows at Ames also advance autonomous systems and AI for spacecraft ops.
Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.: Heliophysics (study of the sun) and space weather research from NPP fellows is critical to astronaut safety. Their solar storm modeling informs trajectory planning and crew schedules to minimize radiation risk.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Canada Flintridge, Calif.: While famous for planetary robotics, NPP Fellows at JPL also strengthen navigation, entry-descent-landing and precision communications, which are all capabilities that translate directly to human flight. Their lunar mission systems work will feed into Artemis surface campaigns. This research informs how astronauts will partner with robotic scouts on the moon and Mars.
NPP Fellows’ research includes studying the surface of Mars.
Stubbs says he is looking forward to seeing how NPP Fellows will be involved in the upcoming Artemis missions.
Artemis II, currently scheduled for April 2026, is planned to be a 10-day crewed fly-by of the moon in the Orion spacecraft. NPP Fellows’ research at Ames Research Center and Johnson Space Center is already baked into health monitoring and life sciences payloads, which contain equipment designed to conduct biological and biomedical research in space.
Artemis III, currently scheduled for mid-2027, will be the first lunar landing since the Apollo program ended in 1972. NPP Fellows at Kennedy Space Center, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Marshall support surface science, precision navigation and propulsion reliability.
“In addition, NPP planetary science fellows at Goddard and JPL are mapping lunar south pole sites and volatiles. This data will determine where astronauts will make the next giant leap for mankind [as NASA plans its next missions to put human on the moon again],” Stubbs said.
ORAU can proudly say NPP Fellows are already on the mission before the Artemis countdowns begin. Their research is embedded in the hardware, procedures and science that keep astronauts alive and productive on the journey back to the moon and beyond.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/programs/how-npp-fellows-are-supporting-nasas-artemis-human-space-flight-missions.html
Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:00:00 EDTProgramstag:orau.org,2025-09-05:/blog/video/1776270406726Partnerships that matter: ORAU and Norwood Elementary’s STEM education success story
The STEM lab at Norwood Elementary School in Oliver Springs, Tenn., features 3-D printers and makerspace stations.
At ORAU, we believe that education is the cornerstone of innovation and progress. As an organization deeply rooted in advancing science, health and education, we are committed to empowering the next generation of learners and leaders. One of the ways we fulfill this mission is by supporting local schools through education grants, which fosters opportunities for both students and educators.
Since launching our education grant program in 2002, ORAU has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in resources to local schools. These grants have enabled transformative experiences, and we love sharing the impact through personal stories like the remarkable progress that’s happening at Norwood Elementary School in Oliver Springs, Tenn.
In 2025, ORAU awarded two education grants to teachers at Norwood. Grant recipients are selected through a rigorous committee-review process based on the strength and innovation of their project proposals. Norwood’s proposals stood out due to the school’s comprehensive approach to STEM education. This dedication recently earned Norwood the prestigious STEM school designation through the state of Tennessee’s Department of Education.
We spoke with Lyndsay Foust, principal of Norwood Elementary, shortly after the school received its STEM designation. To celebrate this milestone, the school hosted a small event, inviting community partners (including ORAU) to join in the merriment. Foust shared that achieving the STEM school status was a multi-year effort that relied on support from both within the school and the broader community. She emphasized how vital partnerships like those with ORAU have been in making this achievement possible.
“This year, we are thrilled to fund innovative STEM projects that will empower teachers and inspire students,” said Meghan Millwood, ORAU president and CEO. “Science and learning lie at the heart of ORAU’s mission, and we are proud to support East Tennessee teachers by providing the tools they need to create dynamic learning environments. By investing in these classrooms, we are investing in the future. We’re helping students build the skills and passion needed to pursue careers in STEM fields. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have on students and their communities.”
In Tennessee, the Department of Education awards STEM and STEAM designations to schools that demonstrate exceptional integration of science, technology, engineering, arts (specifically for STEAM designation), and math into curriculum and school culture. Achieving this designation is a comprehensive process that includes submitting an application, conducting a self-assessment and plan, implementing STEM/STEAM practices, and undergoing a site visit and evaluation.
Another note worth mentioning: ORAU supported Claxton Elementary in Powell, Tenn., over the last couple of years through our Extreme Classroom Makeover program. Earlier this year, Claxton Elementary received STEAM designation. Claxton teachers and administrators credit achieving that status to a few key projects ORAU supported through grants.
ORAU is honored to play a role in fostering educational excellence in our region. We look forward to continuing our partnership with local schools and empowering the next generation to achieve greatness in STEM, STEAM and beyond.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/video/partnerships-that-matter-orau-and-norwood-elementarys-stem-education-success-story.html
Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 EDTVideotag:orau.org,2025-09-03:/blog/programs/1776270390380How targeted, local health communication campaigns can have great impact In the realm of public health, communication is more than just the transfer of information—it's a catalyst for awareness, behavior change and improved health outcomes. For decades, broad national campaigns have been the default strategy for disseminating health information. These campaigns have their merits to be sure, but the rise of data-driven insights and more personalized and localized approaches is shifting the paradigm. ORAU health communications professionals have found that local health communication campaigns, tailored to focus on specific audiences with messages designed to resonate with the audience’s unique needs and circumstances, are proving to be more effective and impactful.
This blog explores the benefits of targeted health communication campaigns through examples of successful efforts undertaken by ORAU health communications professionals. These examples demonstrate the advantages of precision targeting, and the role of technology in enabling this transformation.
Limitations of non-local campaigns
National health campaigns are often designed to reach the largest possible audience, which can rely on generalized messaging to appeal to a wide range of demographics. While this approach can create widespread awareness, it also can fall short in driving meaningful engagement or action.
Here are some potential limitations:
Lack of personalization: Broad campaigns can overlook the specific concerns, values or cultural nuances of individual communities, reducing their relevance and impact.
Message saturation: Generic messaging can blend into the background, losing its ability to capture attention or inspire action.
Resource inefficiency: Casting a wide net often results in wasted resources, as messages may reach audiences who are not the intended target or who may not benefit from the information.
Failure to enable local action: Meaningful and lasting behavior changes in communities often require local resources and support. National campaigns often connect the audience to general informational web pages rather than promoting locally available resources.
Billboard campaign paid for by Moms Across America
The advantages of targeted direct communication campaigns
In contrast, local campaigns can leverage data and insights to identify specific population segments most impacted by a health issue in a community. Then, tailored messages and dissemination strategies can be deployed to capture attention and resonate more deeply with those audiences. In this strategy, community outreach and grassroots approaches (such as health fairs, personalized emails or canvassing local “hot spots” where known high-risk behavior is likely to occur) may be combined with targeted paid media. This approach offers several distinct advantages:
Relevance: By understanding the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, needs and challenges of a defined audience, targeted messages can foster a stronger connection, demonstrating understanding and empathy for the concerns of a particular group.
Cultural competence: Incorporating cultural, linguistic and social nuances ensures that messages are relatable and impactful, particularly for populations that may be underserved.
Behavioral impact: Personalized and localized messaging is more effective in inspiring action, particularly when it connects audiences to resources and support they need locally toinitiate and sustain change.
Cost-effectiveness: By focusing resources on the audiences most likely to benefit, targeted campaigns maximize impact while minimizing waste.
Community free health clinic
Case studies: success stories in targeted health campaigns
Real-world examples of targeted campaigns illustrate their effectiveness in driving meaningful health outcomes. Here are a few projects ORAU health professionals have managed:
Diabetes management in minority groups: Tailored messaging that accounts for cultural dietary habits, healthy food availability, treatment duration and acknowledges “diabetes burnout” (emotional and physical exhaustion that can occur when someone is overwhelmed by the demands of diabetes management) has been shown to significantly improve diabetes management compared to generic lifestyle and treatment advice.
People experiencing homelessness (PEH): Campaigns sponsored by trusted local organizations that address the unique challenges of homelessness in a community have improved reach to PEH, a population often detached from traditional media outlets.
Opioids and other substance use disorders: Community campaigns that are led by impacted communities and leverage local data (e.g., locations where overdoses regularly occur or demographics of populations most affected by overdose) can significantly lessen stigma and connect high-risk community members to care quickly and efficiently. Of note, effects on stigma and behavior improved with even a modest budget of less than $5,000 spent on paid media.
The role of technology in targeted campaigns
Advances in technology have revolutionized the ability to design and execute targeted health communication campaigns. Tools such as social media analytics, geolocation data, and machine learning empower public health professionals to identify and understand specific audiences with unprecedented precision.
For example:
Social media and geo-targeting: Micro-targeting capabilities allow campaigns to reach individuals based on interests, behaviors, demographics and location, ensuring that the right message reaches the right people at the right time.
Data analytics: Insights derived from data can inform campaign strategies, optimize messaging, and measure impact in real-time.
Direct targeted health communications campaigns are usually more effective than broad national campaigns.
While broad national campaigns still play a role in raising general awareness, the future of health communication lies in local, targeted and tailored campaigns. By focusing on the unique needs of specific communities and populations, these campaigns can drive meaningful behavior change, improve health outcomes and maximize the impact of public health resources.
A couple of ORAU public health professionals recently hosted a series of webinars on the topic of locally tailored communication campaigns on behalf of the Addiction Policy Forum. Check it out!
As technology continues to advance, the potential for precision in health communication is limitless. By embracing targeted approaches, ORAU public health professionals continue to help pave the way for a healthier, more informed society—one message, one audience, one individual at a time.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/programs/how-targeted-local-health-communication-campaigns-can-have-great-impact.html
Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 EDTProgramstag:orau.org,2025-08-27:/blog/museum/1776270357833Explore the Atomic Age: Tour ORAU’s museum and get to know the museum curator!
Learn about the Atomic Age by visiting ORAU’s Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity.
Meet the museum curator: Dr. Paul Frame
Before stepping into the museum, it’s worth learning about the visionary behind this unique collection. Paul Frame, Ph.D., came to ORAU in 1981 as a certified health physicist and instructor for the Professional Training Programs (PTP). With a background as a professor, biologist and a visiting scientist at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Long Island, N.Y., Dr. Frame brought a wealth of knowledge and curiosity to ORAU.
Paul Frame, Ph.D., pictured with the ORAU Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity, 2020
Paul Frame pictured in 1991.
It all began with discovery. As a new employee, Dr. Frame explored his workplace and stumbled upon old X-ray tubes from the 1920s tucked away in cabinets. His passion for the people and stories behind the science led him to recognize the value of these artifacts. They weren’t just historical relics. He saw them as tools to inspire and educate. With permission to purchase display cabinets, he began curating what would eventually become ORAU’s Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity.
Paul Frame is pictured standing as he helps students during a PTP training course in the 1980s.
Paul Frame pictured on far left; the caption on the back of the picture explains Frame was helping with a radiation survey cleanup crew, 1987.
What started as a modest collection in the 1980s has grown to more than 1,000 artifacts, spanning a century of innovation and discovery—from the late 1890s to the 1990s. The museum highlights include an especially rich representation of items from the 1940s and 50s, which Dr. Frame considers the golden age of radiation detection and instrumentation.
Learn about the Atomic Age: What’s inside the museum?
More than a collection of artifacts, ORAU’s Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity is a journey through history of mankind’s understanding of these sciences. Officially recognized as the repository for historical radiological instruments and devices by the Health Physics Society, the museum has captured the interest of the local community and beyond.
Here are just a few of the exhibits you’ll encounter:
A vintage shoe-fitting fluoroscope that speaks to the intersection of science and commerce.
Turn-of-the-century “quack cures” marketed as remedies for ailments ranging from backaches to cancer.
Items recovered from Hiroshima, Japan, following the atomic bomb that ended World War II.
Civil defense products from the Cuban Missile crisis era.
Dr. Frame’s personal favorite? The earliest known direct reading pocket dosimeter, an important device in radiation detection.
The world’s earliest known direct reading pocket dosimeter is the ORAU’s museum curator’s favorite artifact.
Visitors no longer need security clearance to see collection
Until 2025, the physical museum was only accessible in a secure Department of Energy building for PTP class participants and not available to the public. As a consolation, the collection’s online presence was launched in 1999 and has been wildly popular, garnering hundreds of thousands of unique views.
ORAU’s Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity is now open to the public.
Now, the museum is open to the public, offering everyone the chance to explore this remarkable collection in person.
Plan your visit
Don’t forget you can dive even deeper into the history, stories and science behind radiation and radioactivity on the museum website orau.org/museum; and keep an eye on this museum webpage for updates about future events and opportunities to engage with the collection.
Keep an eye on the museum’s webpage for updates about future events and opportunities to engage with the collection.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/museum/explore-the-atomic-age-tour-oraus-museum-and-get-to-know-the-museum-curator.html
Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:00:00 EDTMuseumtag:orau.org,2025-08-25:/blog/programs/1776270389168Connecting talent and driving impact: A closer look at ORAU’s Workforce Solutions
Every ORAU Workforce Solutions recruiter approaches filling a niche industry job as a full-scale project.
Every day, in organizations across the country, recruiters play a vital role in connecting talent with opportunities. At ORAU, the Workforce Solutions group takes this responsibility to the next level by specializing in niche industries, partnering with organizational leaders to fill talent needs and supporting critical national missions. Workforce Solutions works to fulfill ORAU’s responsibility to talent by keeping three critical focuses at the forefront: supporting our nation, supporting our communities and supporting our people.
Workforce Solutions is ORAU’s dedicated staffing group, managing every aspect of the hiring process for its customers from beginning to end. Led by recruitment manager Chelsea Hill, the team brings ORAU’s vision to life, articulating the group’s unique approach and unwavering focus. Hill’s leadership style is rooted in support and empowerment, ensuring her team has the tools, guidance and encouragement they need to succeed.
ORAU’s Workforce Solutions team recruits for a variety of government agencies like the NASA Postdoctoral Program as well as many non-government organizations.
Supporting our nation
“Workforce Solutions is an expert group of recruiters and project management professionals who partner with government agencies to find niche talent in efforts to further ORAU’s mission focus areas in support of our nation,” Hill explained. The team’s expertise spans science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) roles, as well as a multitude of craft and operations positions requiring unique skills. “‘Niche’ and ‘highly skilled’ doesn’t necessarily equate to everyone we recruit having a Ph.D.,” said Hill. “It means that the candidates we interact with have very specialized skills that contribute to specific roles and various missions for our nation.”
Workforce Solutions collaborates with a wide range of government agencies, including the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the NASA Postdoctoral Program, the Army Research Laboratory, as well as many non-government organizations.
To recruit for niche industries, ORAU’s Workforce Solutions offers resources such as resume workshops.
“What sets Workforce Solutions uniquely apart is our ability to work across so many different disciplines,” said Hill. “Our team’s strength lies in versatility. Human capital is a universal need, regardless of industry or technical area, and we’re able to support the full spectrum of workforce demands.”
This adaptability enables Workforce Solutions to provide staffing support for a multitude of diverse projects and initiatives, ensuring agencies and organizations across the U.S. have the talent they need to fulfill their missions and achieve their goals.
So, what does that support look like during the recruitment process?
“Every job our recruiters fill is considered a full-scale project, which is carried out from beginning to end,” Hill explained. “Our recruiters begin by working in strong partnership with hiring managers to determine their organizational needs. From there, we work diligently to generate interest, engage with candidates, and screen those who may be considered ideal fits for the specific role. From identifying candidates and scheduling interviews to extending offers and completing the onboarding process, our full-scale yet personalized recruitment process ensures that hiring managers and organizations have the talent they need to achieve their goals and serve the mission. And if we can make their lives a little easier by supporting them in this way, that’s even better.”
The core philosophy of Workforce Solutions centers on serving both candidates and customers. As a part of ORAU, a nonprofit organization, Workforce Solutions operates differently from traditional recruiting agencies. Unlike agencies that take a percentage of a candidate’s salary upon placement, Workforce Solutions takes a customer-focused approach by estimating the time required to fill a position and assigning a dedicated recruiter to the task. This distinctive model enables the team to prioritize finding the perfect match for each role, free from external pressures, ensuring that both candidates and customers benefit from a thoughtful and tailored placement process.
“We take care of our candidates, and we are customer focused,” said Hill. “Our entire goal is to find the right person for the right position at the right time.”
Empathy is a cornerstone of this philosophy, Hill explained.
“Recruiters must be able to recognize a candidate’s potential, or recognize when they’re not a good fit, very quickly,” she said. “Our success is about understanding the technical requirements of a position and knowing what type of individual will thrive in that role.”
As the nation evolves, Hill predicts that at least one thing will not change: the country’s need for defense and security. To support this critical need, Workforce Solutions maintains strong relationships with multiple agencies that support this cause and will always need skilled talent. ORAU is also poised on the forefront of the nuclear renaissance, as the ORAU STEM Accelerator prioritizes the nuclear industry and consistently strives to address gaps in the STEM workforce.
Supporting our communities
"We recognize the ongoing workforce challenges facing our nation, particularly the shortage of individuals entering key industries critical to our progress," said Hill. "To address these challenges, Workforce Solutions actively engages with local communities by offering resources such as resume workshops, interview preparation presentations, and career development support for K-12 and college students."
Hill emphasized the organization's commitment to making a positive impact: "Our goal is to support our community and empower those we connect with. Whether it's in Oak Ridge, across the county, or statewide, we strive to be a solid and dependable resource for students and job seekers. Through initiatives like resume workshops and interview presentations, we aim to give back and help individuals succeed."
Supporting our people
This spirit of service and collaboration is deeply embedded in the culture at Workforce Solutions, where Hill feels fortunate to work alongside an exceptional team. "I truly believe I have the best team in the world," she said. "Their intelligence, integrity, and dedication inspire me every day. My teammates make my job so enjoyable. They are some of the most honest, caring, high-performing, and motivated people I've ever worked with. I know I can trust each of them to give 100% every time, and they continually encourage and support one another."
In addition to her admiration for her team, Hill finds joy in the opportunity to learn and grow through her work. "One of the things I love most about my role is that I learn something new every day. I have the privilege of working with incredibly smart people, both within and outside of my group. That’s my favorite part of the job—I never want to be the smartest person in the room. I always want to be surrounded by people I can learn from. “In essence, the foundation of the Workforce Solutions group lies in its unwavering commitment to supporting our nation, our communities, and our people every day. “When we partner with strategic leaders to connect talent with opportunities that drive meaningful work for our nation—and simultaneously transform candidates’ lives through life-changing career opportunities—we discover the true heart of what we do,” Hill explained.
]]>
https://www.orau.org/blog/programs/connecting-talent-and-driving-impact-a-closer-look-at-oraus-workforce-solutions.html
Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 EDTPrograms
