DESIGN — An artist’s rendering of the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory that will be built at Argonne-East.

Biocontainment lab to be built at ANL-East

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, has awarded a $17 million grant to the University of Chicago to build a Regional Biocontainment Laboratory at Argonne-East that will support research for the detection, prevention and elimination of diseases such as anthrax, hemorrhagic fever, influenza and plague. The university will acquire an additional $13 million from other sources to complete the laboratory.

The new University of Chicago facility is one of nine regional and two national biosafety laboratories announced by NIAID. The facility, to be called the Howard T. Ricketts Laboratory, will support research conducted by the new Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research that NIAID awarded to the University of Chicago earlier this month.

The regional center is a collaboration of 14 Midwestern institutions led by the University of Chicago and Northwestern University.

“Building this new biosafety laboratory will help transform the Midwest into a center for microbiology research and permit us and our partner institutions to take full advantage of the unique structural biology and computational resources already in place at Argonne,” said Thomas Rosenbaum, the University of Chicago’s Vice President for Research and for Argonne.

The scope of the biosafety laboratory’s research will be broad, encompassing emerging diseases such as West Nile Fever and drug-resistant tuberculosis along with influenza, plague and other perennial threats to human health.

“Few laboratories in the United States are capable of safely working on multiple microbes that cause diseases such as anthrax, plague and hemorrhagic fever,” said Olaf Schneewind, professor in molecular genetics and cell biology at the University of Chicago, who heads the project. “The express purpose and specific design of the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory is to generate the very best science and technology in a central, state-of-the-art facility to produce drugs, vaccines and diagnostic devices to counter bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases.”

Small laboratories already exist at the university and Argonne for safely studying infectious microbes, but the new laboratory will encompass 54,100 gross square feet (27,500 net square feet) and will enable researchers to simultaneously study four or more different pathogens.

Stringent guidelines for design, construction and operations will protect those who work in and near the Ricketts Laboratory and those who live nearby. The environmental analysis process is expected to take at least nine months.

The Ricketts Laboratory is named for the University of Chicago’s Howard Ricketts (1871-1910), who discovered the organisms that cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever and typhus.

The University of Chicago’s partners in the Regional Center of Excellence are Argonne, Northwestern University, Battelle Memorial Institute, Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute, Mayo Clinic, Medical College of Wisconsin, Michigan State University, University of Notre Dame, Purdue University, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; University of Illinois, Chicago; University of Michigan and University of Wisconsin, Madison.

More information about the Ricketts Laboratory is online.

Khalil to lead Nuclear Engineering Division

Hussein S. Khalil has been appointed director of Argonne’s Nuclear Engineering (NE) division. Khalil will oversee the progress of next-generation nuclear technologies and be responsible for advancing related national security initiatives.

His appointment comes at a time when the NE division is assuming a central role in developing advances in reactor design, energy conversion methods and fuel cycle systems, said John Sackett, associate laboratory director for engineering research.

Khalil has worked as a researcher at Argonne since 1983 and became a senior scientist in 2001. Most recently, he served as deputy director of the NE division. Throughout his career, Khalil has made outstanding contributions to the laboratory, advancing capabilities and projects relating to the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II) and the Integral Fast reactor program.

He is centrally involved in technical leadership and management of key nuclear energy projects, including Generation IV systems, the Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative and the Materials Disposition program.

Khalil is currently serving as the U.S. National Technical Director of Generation IV system design and evaluation. He received his Ph.D. in 1983 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from the University of Chicago in 1996.

Isaacs to direct CNM

By Margret Chang

Eric D. Isaacs has been appointed director of Argonne’s Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM), now in the planning stages at the laboratory’s Illinois site.

Isaacs will guide the implementation of CNM research and user programs, prioritize selection of equipment, and oversee the center’s construction over the next three years. He will also prepare the center for operation as a major user facility of the U.S. Department of Energy and serve as the primary spokesperson for Argonne’s nanoscience and nanotechnology programs.

“Nanoscience is, by definition, interdisciplinary,” said Isaacs. “As a field that sees the world from the perspective of the nanometer (one billionth of a meter), it begins to unlock mysteries in the realm of atoms and electrons -- the building blocks of biology, physics and chemistry.”

As past director of the Semiconductor Physics Research and Material Physics Research Departments at Bell Labs, Isaacs brings many years of experience in materials and nanoscience research to his new position. His current work involves using X-ray scattering and microscopy to study novel materials and condensed matter systems such as magnetic nanoparticles. He has also been involved in the development of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems, an integration of mechanical elements, for ultrahigh bandwidth optical switches.

In February 2002, Isaacs was part of a team of researchers that used X-rays from Argonne’s Advanced Photon Source to create the first images of antiferromagnetism. This phenomenon occurs when fields from neighboring magnetic atoms align themselves in opposite directions, making images difficult to obtain with other techniques. Their work, which enabled scientists to observe an apparently non-existent magnetic field, resulted in a newfound appreciation of the physics and chemistry of submicron magnetic domains -- a result that could one day lead the way to more advanced recording materials and technologies.

“Developing more powerful imaging equipment, such as a nanoprobe that can focus X-rays to dimensions 30 nanometers or smaller, remains one of the main objectives of CNM,” explained Isaacs. “Though this endeavor remains a great challenge, it is encouraging to remember that the limit to resolution capability can be as small as the X-ray wavelength itself.

A typical X-ray wavelength is approximately equal to one Angstrom, which is in turn equal to the width of one atom. A probe with a resolution of this magnitude would pave the way for high-energy imaging techniques that would minimize damage to sensitive biomolecules or circuit components.

Yet, according to Isaacs, the center’s purpose encompasses much more than finding ways to image nanomaterials. Other goals include pushing the bounds of what is known about atoms at surfaces and synthesizing advanced nanoscale materials that will be at the heart of innovations in many fields of science.

“CNM is working hard to fuse biological and inorganic materials in ways that aren’t possible with current technology,” said Isaacs. “In order to do so, we must provide a space for scientists from different disciplines to work together without any interactive walls or boundaries.”

This interdisciplinary approach has surfaced in the form of six themes addressing both the theoretical and practical areas of nanoscience. Ranging from magnetism and chemical synthesis to biological applications, these themes form a basis for future nanotechnologies such as shaping artificial retinas out of ultrananocrystalline diamond film, using viruses to help assemble nanoparticles, and creating bio-chemical warfare sensors that can detect dangerous agents based on highly specific molecular characteristics.

However, as Isaacs pointed out, nanoscience is a cutting-edge field at the intersection of many sciences -- one that will require researchers to clarify its objectives as it continues to evolve.

“Nanoscience will flourish at the convergence of many scientific disciplines from biochemistry to condensed matter physics. As director of the CNM, it is my goal to provide the necessary platform for multidisciplinary research and to help define and develop a vision for nanoscience at Argonne.”

Argonne named fellows putting skills to work

By Margret Chang

The five recipients of the 2003 Argonne Named Fellowships have arrived at Argonne and are making contributions in their respective divisions.

William Ashmanskas of the University of California, Berkeley, was awarded the Arthur Holly Compton Postdoctoral Fellowship and joins the High-Energy Physics Division.

Seth Darling of the University of Chicago received the Glenn Seaborg Postdoctoral Fellowship and joins the Materials Science Division.

Julie Gruetzmacher of the University of Chicago received the Walter H. Zinn Postdoctoral Fellowship and joins the Nuclear Engineering Division.

Andrei Lopatin of Rutgers University received the Eugene Wigner Postdoctoral Fellowship and joins the Materials Science Division.

Dmitri Oulianov of the University of California, Irvine, was awarded the Glenn Seaborg Postdoctoral Fellowship and joins the Chemistry Division.

Named after scientific and technical luminaries associated with the laboratory, these special post-doctoral fellowships were initiated by the Argonne Director’s Office to encourage the development of young researchers with promising careers. The 2003 recipients were selected from a group of more than 150 applicants.

“Excellent young scientists constitute the lifeblood of any vital research enterprise and form the foundation upon which a successful research institution builds its future,” said Robert Rosner, Argonne’s chief scientist. “And, of course, they’re just great fun to have around.”

“The program was developed to attract the best recent Ph.D. recipients to work at Argonne,” said Beverly Hartline, associate laboratory director at large. “Their ideas and efforts will contribute to research here, while their experience here will help launch them on to great scientific or engineering careers.”

Employees can donate their time to charity

The Argonne Combined Appeal (ACA) has provided a list of contact information for Argonne Employees interested in volunteering their time to the organizations endorsed by the ACA.

The list of contact information is available on the ACA Web site. For more information, call Sandra Biedron (XFD) at ext. 2-1162 or Fran Coose (XFD) at ext. 2-4955.

Argonne-East’s annual campaign to assist healthcare and service agencies continues through October. The ACA gives employees the opportunity to donate a day’s pay to one or more of the 21 agencies the program supports.

Contributions may be given in a lump sum or spread through the year using payroll deduction. Last year’s campaign raised $422,468 through employee contributions.

Dinner drawing

To encourage employees to pledge early, ACA envelopes collected each week during the campaign will be entered into a drawing.

Four envelopes were drawn after the Friday, Oct. 3, deadline. This week, three winners will be drawn; the third week two winners and the fourth week one winner will be drawn. Winners and their ACA coordinators will receive dinner certificates from areas restaurants, including Rosebud, Cebu and the Argonne Guest House. Certificates are on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about the campaign and how to donate, visit the ACA Web site.

HR plans health fair

“Health Fair 2003,” to be held at Argonne-East Tuesday, Oct. 14, will give employees a chance to interact with representatives from the laboratory’s health-care vendors and companies providing health-care services.

The Health Fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Building 213 Cafeteria.

Free activities include a hearing exam, health risk assessment, body fat measurement, computerized spinal test, heel bone density screening, information on exercise programs and more.

The Health Fair is sponsored by Human Resources.

Workplace conduct Web video is online

“Update on Workplace Conduct,” a presentation by labor and employment lawyer Matt Schiff, is now available online.

The 55-minute Web video provides updates on legal issues regarding discrimination laws, including sexual harassment, the American Disabilities Act, family and medical leave, and other aspects of employment law. Legal cases cited by Schiff are also available from this Web site. This update training is highly recommended for all supervisors. Understanding the legal basis of Argonne policies and procedures can help supervisors create an environment that supports each employee.

Supervisors can receive credit for viewing this Web presentation course. Follow the directions at the end of the video for training profile credit. The course is HR305.

Schiff is a founding partner of the labor and employment law firm of Schiff & Hulbert.

HR CLASSES

To enroll, contact a Training Management System Representative. For more information, call Betty Iwan at ext. 2-3410. Complete course descriptions are online.

October classes:

“Russian Language” (HR164) -- Thursday, Oct. 9, 9:30 a.m. for intermediate, 11 a.m. for beginning and 1:30 p.m. for advanced instruction, Building 208, Conference Room E251.

“Certified Professional Secretary Review: Financial Principles” (HR554) -- Tuesday and Thursday, Oct. 7 through Nov. 6, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Building 201, Conference Room 238.

“Employee Development for Maximum Performance” (HR265) -- Thursday, Oct. 16, 1 - 5 p.m., Building 362, Conference Room F108.

“Managing Multiple Projects, Objectives and Deadlines” (HR322) -- Wednesday, Nov. 12, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Building 212, Conference Room A157. Register by Monday, Oct. 13.

Chef to host ‘flavors of fall’ cooking classes

Argonne Guest House Executive Chef Chris Kaminski will host “Flavors of Fall” cooking classes Thursday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 16, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Participants will learn how to prepare several dishes, including warm radicchio salad, cured salmon, garlic-cured rack of pork and roasted banana cheesecake.

The two-hour classes cost $25. No experience is necessary.

Registration for the Oct. 9 class is due on Friday, Oct. 3, and registration for the Oct. 16 class is due on Friday, Oct. 10. Pay by cash, check or credit card at the Argonne Guest House, Building 460.

For more information, call Kathy at ext. 5-2006.

Retirement vendors to visit ANL-E

Argonne’s retirement vendors will send representatives to Argonne-East to meet individually with employees to answer their questions about retirement plans and assets.

Appointments last a half-hour. To schedule an appointment, call the number listed.

For appointments, call:

Fidelity -- Tuesday, Oct. 7 and Tuesday, Oct. 21; (800) 642-7131

TIAA-CREF -- Thursday, Oct. 23; (800) 842-2005

Prudential -- Wednesday, Oct. 15; Appointment Desk-Cheryl, (847) 619-3519

Metlife rep to visit ANL-East

A representative from MetLife Auto and Home will visit Argonne-East Tuesday, Oct. 7, and Tuesday, Oct. 21, to meet with individual employees for insurance comparisons and quotes for the “METPAY” group automobile and homeowners insurance program.

To schedule an appointment, call Craig Riddick at (630) 810-0346, ext. 143. Employees can also receive a quote over the phone by calling 1-800-438-6388.

100 visit elder fair

More than 100 employees visited the Adult/Elder Fair, held at Argonne-East’s Building 213 Cafeteria Sept. 24, to learn about services available to the elderly and family caretakers from 16 organizations.

The fair was sponsored by Human Resources.

Drawing winners

Winners of drawings held by the participating organizations were:

George Lange (PFS), custom woven Afghan from Home Instead.

Tanya Abdul-Rahim (PFS), $50 from Alvernia Retirement Home.

Wanda Woods (HR), cosmetic bag from Alvernia Adult Day Care.

Mary Hill (CIS) and Karen Taylor (ACU), yellow mums from the Alzheimer’s Association.

Steven Hanuska (ASD), wine basket from Cordia Senior Living.

Marge Vaught (HR), miniature lighthouse from Will County Senior Service Center.

IN MEMORIAM

James Balstrode, a retired accountant with 25 years of service in the Office of Chief Financial Officer, died Aug. 11. His wife, Phyllis, survives him.

Robert Foose, a retired fire captain with 34 years of service in the Fire Department, died July 1. His wife, Josephine, survives him.

Leonard E. Gorney, a retired photography supervisor with 29 years of service in the Information and Publishing Division, died May 7. His children survive him.

Fred Grant, a retired maintenance mechanic I with 31 years of service in the Plant Facilities and Services Division, died March 1. His daughter, Winifred Ancona, survives him.

Walter Ray, Jr., a retired engineering assistant with 30 years of service in the Physics Division, died July 30. His wife, Joanne, survives him.

George Rungger, a retired maintenance mechanic I with 29 years of service in the Plant Facilities and Services Division, died July 14. His daughters, Judith Snively and Karen Hiddleston, survive him.

Charles Tinsman, a retired stock handler with 25 years of service in the Plant Facilities and Services Division, died July 9. His wife, Ruth, survives him.