In this newly created position Aamodt will work closely with representatives from Sandia's Carlsbad Office to promote the development of joint programs and projects that are of interest to DOE. These could include international initiatives associated with the preparation, characterization, packaging, transportation, monitoring and disposal of nuclear waste as well as issues dealing with geological repository siting, waste safety analyses and environmental monitoring. All these areas are traditionally strong fields for the two laboratories.
According to Aamodt, "this is really a win-win situation for everyone involved. There are a number of technical and scientific areas where Los Alamos and Sandia laboratories complement each other. Together we can do some things I can't imagine us being able to do separately. Working under the auspices of DOE's Carlsbad Area Office makes it even more substantial."
The Los Alamos presence in Carlsbad will also encourage the continued development of a joint technology center. This new technology center is envisioned as a research and development complex incorporating the current WIPP Underground Research Laboratory, New Mexico State University's Environmental Monitoring Laboratory and Sandia's new, soon-to-be-opened materials and chemistry laboratories. The technology center will provide a locus for a variety of scientific collaborations between federal laboratories, universities and government agencies. One potential area for significant collaboration is in international environmental issues.
"With the Carlsbad Area Office so close to the Mexican border," said Aamodt, "we think there will be enhanced opportunities for us to share environmental expertise with Mexico. The region is a vibrant, dynamic area and yet they're facing some tough environmental challenges. Maybe we can help."
Aamodt brings considerable experience to his new job. He came to Los Alamos in 1975 as a geologist. After working on several projects, including seven years with the Yucca Mountain Project and five years on the Los Alamos Environmental Restoration Project, Aamodt took change of station to work in Washington, D.C., for the DOE. Later, he worked at Sandia as the deputy environmental restoration program manager. All these experiences now seem to be coming together to support the Carlsbad assignment.
"This is an exciting opportunity for myself and the Laboratory. The folks from Sandia and DOE in Carlsbad are really great. I look forward to working with them on behalf of the DOE and the two laboratories," Aamodt said.
Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, a team composed of Bechtel National, the University of California, The Babcock & Wilcox Company, and the Washington Division of URS for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.
Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.