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Fire danger: Moderate Director selects newest Laboratory Fellows Laboratory Director John Browne has selected four Los Alamos researchers as Laboratory Fellows, the Laboratory's highest scientific honor. The honor is made yearly to technical staff members who sustain a high level of excellence in programs important to the Laboratory's mission, make important scientific discoveries that lead to widespread use or are recognized as leaders in their fields both within and outside of the Laboratory. "I'm pleased to recognize these distinguished members of our technical staff," said Browne. "It gives us pause to reflect that, despite recent challenges, our technical and scientific excellence continue to serve the nation." The new Fellows are Lee Collins of Atomic and Optical Theory (T-4), Richard Hughes of Neutron Science and Technology (P-23), Chris Hammel in Condensed Matter and Thermal Physics (MST-10) and Michael Nastasi of Structure/Property Relations (MST-8). Collins received the title of Laboratory Fellow in recognition of his status as a much-published, heavily cited author and innovator of several widely used techniques in the computation of electron-molecule interactions and properties of dense plasmas. A Fellow of the American Physical Society, Collins has been an Associate Editor of Physical Review A since 1994 and is a driving force behind the Los Alamos Summer School in Physics, serving as its director since 1992. Hughes was named for having attained international recognition in the field of quantum information science. A Fellow of the American Physical Society known for his efforts in quantum cryptography and quantum computing, Hughes received the Los Alamos Fellows Prize in 1997 for his quantum information research, which brought quantum cryptography from a laboratory curiosity to a fieldable demonstration. Hammel was recognized for his creative, highly regarded research in the competitive field of high-temperature superconductivity. Also a Fellow of the American Physical Society, Hammel received the Los Alamos Fellows Prize in 1995 for his frequently cited work elucidating the microphysics of copper-based high-temperature superconductors. Recognized for his outstanding research, Michael Nastasi has developed a new method for surface modification of materials called plasma immersion ion processing, and received, among other awards, the 1995 Los Alamos Fellows Prize for his extensive research on ion-solid interactions. Nastasi is co-author of a widely used textbook, "Ion Beam Processing: Fundamentals and Applications," and edits a handbook on ion beam materials analysis. Only two percent of the Laboratory's current technical staff members can hold the title of "Fellow" at any one time. Fellows are expected to continue to play an important scientific or technical role in the Laboratory and to contribute in significant ways to Laboratory programs and initiatives. Fellows are often called upon to provide analyses of significant issues affecting Laboratory programs and the work force, particularly any highly technical issues. Nineteen nominations were submitted for the rank of Fellow during this year's competition. The 15 members of the Fellows Screening Committee reviewed the nominations and submitted their recommendations to Browne. The director selected the top four candidates for the honor. --Todd Hanson Nagasaki Day demonstration will create parking problems Laboratory employees can expect parking hassles Wednesday because of an anticipated large-scale protest of national security work by an activist group. Peace Action New Mexico has notified the Lab that the group is planning an encore performance of last year's protest of nuclear weapons-related activities. Last year's Peace Action spectacle included about 400 marchers and resulted in about 74 people, including activist actor Martin Sheen, being detained for breaking the rules. None of the activists was arrested, but those who crossed established barricades were escorted by security personnel to buses for transport back to town. "We have every indication from Peace Action organizers that the event will be nonviolent and peaceful," said Gene Tucker, deputy director of the Security and Safeguards (S) Division. "These demonstrators have the right to express their opinion within bounds of the law, and we are asking Lab employees to treat demonstrators with courtesy if confronted." According to Peace Action literature, demonstrators will gather in Los Alamos, "the heart of the nuclear beast," on Wednesday morning. The group plans to gather at Ashley Pond at 11 a.m. and then plans to march to the Laboratory at 2 p.m. The group will assemble in the large parking lot northeast of the Otowi Building and northwest of the J. Robert Oppenheimer Study Center. The protest area will be kept clear of cars and employees for the entire day. Because of the accommodations for the protestors, parking for Lab employees will be reduced by about 250 spaces. Employees who normally park in the protest area should consider other options such as car pooling or parking in the town site and walking from there. Meantime, the Lab's Protocol office is attempting to arrange alternative parking with provided transportation. Watch upcoming issues of the Newsbulletin for details. Although the protest may cause some inconvenience, Lab officials are reminding employees to treat protestors with respect, to wear badges at all times while on Lab property, to report to normal works stations at normal times, and in general to stay out of the protest area unless absolutely necessary. "The only employees who will be authorized to be in the protest zone will be emergency workers, security personnel and others who have a direct role in dealing with the demonstration," Tucker said. "We are hoping all employees will cooperate to the fullest extent possible and help make Aug. 9 just another work day at the Lab." Those with questions about the demonstration should contact the Special Projects Office at 505-665-3505. --James E. Rickman Researchers demonstrate new radiation tolerant materials; implications for waste storage are positive A continual issue in the handling of nuclear waste is long-term storage because internal radiation can cause radioactive host materials to swell or crack, making the stored waste unstable and susceptible to leaching. Now, a team led by Kurt Sickafus of Structure and Property Relations (MST-8) has demonstrated that certain ceramic materials with structures similar to fluorite crystals hold up well to radiation damage because the materials' atoms shift around to accommodate defects caused by radiation damage. For more information, see Friday's Newsbulletin. Mid-school Math and Science Academy launched This week, two Northern New Mexico teachers, backed by a distinguished group of educators and scientists, will begin blazing a trail to excellence in math and science education for their students. A pilot middle school Math and Science Academy, the brainchild of the Northern New Mexico Council on Excellence in Education, will focus in its inaugural year on three Northern New Mexico middle schools whose applications for the program identified them as appropriate for this effort to improve math and science education. Carol Brown of Santa Fe and Patsy Alvarado of Española -- the program's first two master teachers -- will work with 12 seventh grade teachers from Española, Chama and Mora middle schools to build math and science curricula as part of this brand new education initiative. The program also will require them to function as the program's ambassadors in their communities and, ultimately, throughout Northern New Mexico. This network of master teachers, teachers-in-training and, eventually, student teachers will form the backbone of the Math and Science Academy, designed to provide students with sound preparation in math, science and technology. The launch of the Academy is a primary goal of NNMCEE. NNMCEE was created by community leaders with the support of the Laboratory and the University of California, and is chaired by Kurt Steinhaus, head of the Lab's Education Program Office (STB-EPO). NNMCEE supports and collaborates with Northern New Mexico Community College, Santa Fe Community College, Luna Vocational Technical Institute, the University of New Mexico, New Mexico Highlands University, the Northern New Mexico school superintendents, New Mexico MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) business leaders and community representatives. The purpose of NNMCEE is to serve as a catalyst and advocate for quality educational improvement in Northern New Mexico. "New Mexico Highlands is extremely proud to be part of this important middle school initiative," said Selimo Rael, president of Highlands and a member of NNMCEE. "We expect that in future years we'll be able to include all of the middle schools in Northern New Mexico in this drive to math and science excellence in our schools." The MSA teachers will spend two weeks at Española High School in intense professional development, discussing curricula and instructional methods and planning for the coming school year. The program also calls for the assignment of as many student teachers as possible to the classrooms of the participating teachers and for a high degree of parental involvement. During this first program year, a baseline database will be created to track the program's progress in meeting its goals and objectives. There will be a mid-year review of student, teacher and student-teacher progress in January and an end-of-year evaluation including student performance on standardized tests and responses from parents, students and teachers on surveys. The missions of the MSA are to give students sound preparation in math and science, decrease the number of students who drop out of school, increase the pool of qualified teachers and give graduates the skills they need to achieve their full potential in the current flourishing economy. "Student test scores and teacher competency surveys reveal a tremendous need for improving student achievement and teacher preparation in northern New Mexico," Rael said. "The MSA is intended to address that need." Twenty-four Northern New Mexico middle schools submitted applications for the program. In a highly competitive process, NNMCEE members selected the three pilot schools based primarily on their degree of need and their degree of commitment. The master teachers were chosen from nearly 50 applicants through an interview process conducted by members of the MSA steering committee. "The committee was looking for a number of specific skills and qualities," said Steinhaus. "We required experience developing math curricula, ability to provide professional development to peers, knowledge of standards and reform initiatives, proficiency in the use of technology in education and experience with middle school students. It was a tough process, but we're confident we made excellent choices in Carol Brown and Patsy Alvarado." NNMCEE members hope the Math and Science Academy will be the first step in bringing systemic change in Northern New Mexico schools and colleges, with an increasing emphasis on math and science achievement. The MSA also will serve as a national model for improving math, science and technology education in rural communities. "The Laboratory is eager to participate in this program because it will help our neighbors and give their children the skills and training they will need to achieve their dreams to the fullest, " said Joe Salgado, deputy Laboratory director of business, administration and outreach. The Laboratory is supporting the MSA by funding its project director, the two master teachers and technology assessments for the participating schools through its equipment gifting program. Air Force Phillips Lab, Goals 2000 and the Los Alamos Foundation also have given grants to the program. The program is currently funded at nearly $500,000. --Kay Roybal Lab employees help build house For single mother Michelle Romero, having a residence she can call her own is a dream come true. Romero is the first recipient of a series of low-cost houses constructed by the Española Valley/Los Alamos Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Many Lab employees are contributing to building Romero's house, including Wayne Danen of Advanced Chemical Diagnostics and Instrumentation (CST-1). Danen is an HFH volunteer coordinator and a member of the building committee. He has been at the construction site in Española every weekend, making sure that volunteers are assigned to jobs they can do. Every HFH construction site is required to have a skilled foreman on the job. In this case, it's licensed contractor Garry Richards, who has been involved with construction of an estimated 2,000 homes in New Mexico. A construction superintendent with J.B. Henderson Construction, he is currently working at the site of the future Isotope Production Facility at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). Richards volunteered as a favor to a contract administrator, but has enjoyed the "moral feeling" that has come with this project. He used his connection to recruit four carpenters July 29 in an effort to assist the 30 volunteers in putting up the framework for Romero's home. The carpenters are from G.F. Richards Construction, a structural wood framing contractor. Richards said they were able to accomplish most of the big work. By the end of the day, the walls were standing and roof trusses were set. Before work began that day, a concrete slab was the only indication that a home was being built. Jerry Romero of Chemical Science and Technology (CST-6), no relation to Michelle Romero, has been volunteering at the construction site with his two teenage sons, Joshua and Jeremy, almost every weekend. Joshua is a student employee with the Lab's Protocol Office in Public Affairs (PA). Jeremy, 15, and Joshua, 17, attend Pojoaque High School. "I want my boys to learn that they can do things without getting paid," said Romero. "It's nice to give back." Joshua said he enjoys spending time with his father. He's learning about tools and construction at the same time. Twenty-four-year-old Peter Beeson has always helped with HFH projects, from Maine to New Mexico. Construction is a hobby for Beeson, who is a hydrologist with Environmental Science (EES-15). Twenty-one-year-old Aaron Unice started volunteering at the site in an effort to learn about construction, his father's occupation. Unice is a student employee in Neutron Science and Technology (P-23). "I think more volunteering should be done," said Unice. Romero is looking forward to having more privacy, a contrast to her rented apartment. Her 11-year-old son is looking forward to having a yard that he can play in, she said. The home will cost Michelle Romero $55,000, but is expected to appraise for $115,000. In addition, she is prevented from selling the home at a profit for five years. Romero also is required to invest 300 volunteer hours in the HFH program. Romero is scheduled to move in October. Currently, help is needed from qualified electricians and plumbers prior to the installation of drywall and cabinets. For more information, contact Danen at 7-4686 or Cathy Garber of the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos at 661-4691. --Michael Carlson Not your average medical check-up Brandon Pearson, a student with Environment, Science and Health (ESH-20), displays one of the snakes that he recently captured from Sandia Canyon. He was a participant in the LANL Student Association's recent poster contest at Fuller Lodge. ESH-20 collects samples of small amphibians and mammals for possible contamination testing. The periodic checks are just one way the Lab keeps the community safe. Photo by Michael Carlson
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