January 18, 2017
Representatives from NETL and the Office of Fossil Energy recently traveled to the United Arab Emirates to complete signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). His Excellency Saeed Al-Tayer (center), Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of DEWA, signed the MOU on Sunday, January 15. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Doug Hollett (left) represented DOE at the ceremony. NETL and DEWA will collaborate to advance fossil energy technologies and foster assessments of technology options and economics.
January 10, 2017
A new podcast from DOE features NETL research and technology development that helped solve the problem of acid rain. Now the laboratory is using its research prowess to help solve a problem that’s even more complex: climate change. Read, listen, learn!
December 13, 2016
NETL researcher Dr. Shiwoo Lee has been awarded a prestigious AECOM Excellence Award for 2016 in recognition of his exceptional and innovative research, which is improving solid oxide fuel cell performance, with significant environmental and commercial benefits. This year, the Excellence Awards honored those whose work exemplify AECOM’s core value: Safeguard, Collaborate, Inspire, Anticipate, Deliver, and Dream. A series of internal juries selected 12 winners—one project or project team and one individual for each category—from over 230 nominations garnered from AECOM’s 92,000 employees around the world. Dr. Lee was the individual award winner in the “Dream” category.
November 30, 2016
Nathaniel Wood is currently the Security Program Manager for DFW Security Protective Force, NETL Albany, Morgantown, and Pittsburgh. He served as a sergeant with the U.S. Marine Corps, “C” Company, 1st Tank Battalion, First Marine Division, and served in the Vietnam War as a tank commander. Nathaniel served from March 25, 1965 until he received an honorable discharge on March 3, 1969. He has an MS in education and once worked as a captain of the Security Protective Force at Forestall, DOE Headquarters.
November 30, 2016
Richard B. Valdisera, Sr. has been employed at NETL for 41 years. He served in the U.S. Navy as a 2nd Class Petty Officer (Flight Controls) from 1972-1975. Richard served in various naval operations during the Vietnam era aboard the USS Saratoga. His primary duties in the U.S. Navy involved flight controls on the A-6 Intruder.
November 29, 2016
Dale St. John is a financial management specialist and has been at the NETL Albany site since September, 2004. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a fuels specialist from September 1983 to July 1999 (8 years Fuels Lab and QC&I). Dale served as a budget analyst-resource advisor from July 1999 to June 2004. He retired as a Master Sergeant on June 30, 2004, with 20 years and 8 months of service.
November 29, 2016
Amber Tennant joined NETL on October 17, 2016, as a staff assistant in TD&IC. She served in the U.S. Navy as a First Class Petty Officer (Yeoman). She served in the Air Department on the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Other active duty stations she was assigned include NOSC Pittsburgh; NAVELSG Forward, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait; DLA Anniston Army Depot, Anniston, AL.
November 29, 2016
Jay Taylor is in his first year as a Program Manager at NETL. Heserved in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1990 to 1996 with the 445th Medical Clearing Company in Fairmont, WV. Jay did his basic training at Fort Hood in Texas, and he completed his Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Sam Houston.
November 23, 2016
Joshua Sevin has been at NETL for two and a half years, working as as a contract price/cost analyst. He was a U.S. Army paratrooper in the Signal Corps from 2000-2006. Joshua was primarily stationed at Fort Bragg, NC in the 51st Signal Battalion, 35 Signal Brigade. He served two tours in Iraq from April 2003 to April 2004 and again from March 2005 to November 2005.
November 23, 2016
Andrew Sivak is currently a safety & occupational health specialist at NETL with ES&H Team. He began work with NETL 27 years ago after working at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard as an industrial hygienist and as a federal safety & health specialist. He served in the U.S. Army Europe C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 84th Field Artillery as a specialist 5 Pershing Missile crewman from 1972-1975. Andrew was stationed in Neckarsulm, a city in northern Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany near Stuttgart and part of the district of Heilbronn. He received the Pershing Missile Bronze Broach for outstanding leadership and dedication to duty. He obtained the Expert Marksman medals for rifle and grenade and the Good Conduct and National Defense Ribbons. Andrew attended the 7th Army NATO Training war-games at Grafenwoehr, Germany, and cross-trained with the German Army in small arms weapons. Sivak
November 22, 2016
William McCutcheon has worked at NETL since 2004 as a site support contractor, and is married to JaneAnn (Bowers) McCutcheon who also works at NETL. He served as a Data Systems Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1983-2003. William joined as a private and served at Parris Island. McCutcheon was selected for a commissioning program and attended the Officer Candidate School in Quantico. He completed a B.S. in computer science from the University of Pittsburgh while a Staff Sergeant and received commission to Second Lieutenant upon graduation. William served in various assignments as a Radar Technician in North Carolina and Okinawa, Japan; Basic Officer School and Data Officer Training in Quantico, VA; Assistant Marine Officer Instructor at Carnegie Mellon ROTC, PA; Data Communications Platoon Commander in North Carolina; and IT Operations Officer for HQ U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command in Great Lakes, IL and 67 cities. He attained an M.A. in information management from Webster University.
November 22, 2016
Cyndie Miller began work at NETL in August, 2014. She currently works in R&IC supporting the MEM and SEA groups. She served in the U.S. Navy as a Personnelman from 1980 to 1991. She was stationed in NAS Moffett Field, CA. Cyndie handled reserve units and trained as the command Legal administrative liaison in conjunction with the base JAG Office. She was transferred to Naval Air Facilities Lajes, Azores, Portugal. Cyndie continued as the station legal administrative support and was assigned as detachment supply clerk; she worked closely with the U.S. and Portuguese Air Force and the U.S. Consulate office. Her next assignment was at the Naval Ordnance Base, Indian Head, MD, where she worked with EOD staff/instructors and students from all 4 military branches. Cyndie was privileged to work with NSCT (Red Cell) in its early days. Her last assignment was onboard the USS Hunley (AS 31) homeport-Norfolk, VA as supervisor running the education and training office while also serving on the ship firefighting team. During Miller’s tour onboard the USS Hunley, the first Gulf War started on the night she was standing watch.
November 22, 2016
Lucas Payne joined NETL in 2014 as a contract specialist in the Finance & Acquisition Center. He is still active, serving in the U.S. Army and the WV Army National Guard and since he enlisted in 2002. Lucas is currently serving as a Contracting Noncommissioned Officer with the 1935th Contingency Contracting Team. He deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle.
November 22, 2016
Robert Mohn works in the Acquisition & Assistance Division at NETL. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1949 and was assigned to Fort Jackson, SC, for basic training. He was assigned to Fort Gordon, GA and attended the Radio Operations and Cryptographic Schools. Upon graduation, Robert was assigned to the Canal Zone, Panama as a Cryptographic Technician at the Quarry Heights Communication Center. He served in the Signal Corps, as a cryptographic officer, 1949–1969. He then served in various Continental United States (CONUS) assignments as a communications center officer, crypto officer, and motor pool officer. Robert was assigned as the Officer in Charge (OIC) for WAR Communications Center at Orleans, France, and at other locations. He served in Korea, France, Germany, Panama, Japan, and Vietnam. He was an enlisted man until 1959 and, at the same time, served as a second lieutenant in the reserves. He retired in 1969 as a chief warrant officer, grade 3.
November 18, 2016
Benjamin May served in the U.S. Navy from 1993 to 1997 on board the USS Samuel Gompers (AD-37), USS America (CV-66), and the USS Shreveport (LPD-12). He was trained as a Boiler Technician and achieved the rating of BT-3 (3rd Class Petty Officer) before being discharged in 1997. Benjamin obtained special training for Boiler Water/Feed Water, and was assigned to the “Oil Lab.” May completed two 6-month cruises, traveling to the Persian Gulf (West Pac and Med Cruise). May obtained a position on the 50 caliber gun mount (a rarity for a Boiler Technician) during General Quarters (manning battle stations).
November 18, 2016
Arturo Manantan is currently working at NETL as a Human Resource Assistant with PACE Enterprises, Inc. He.served in the U.S. Marine Corps as Motor Transport Operator from 2005-2009. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC with II Marine Expeditionary Force – Headquarters Group. Arturo was deployed in Iraq as part of the Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007 and supported 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. He was honorably discharged in 2009.
November 17, 2016
John Lawson is a newly hired NETL civil service employee as the deputy chief operating officer. John served in the U.S. Army and was commissioned into the Armor branch serving in a variety of command and staff roles throughout his career from 2000-2011. Although he has retired from both active & reserve service as Captain, he has maintained enrollment in the Individual Ready Reserve. John is pictured here during a particularly rough week of combat operations within Southern Baghdad, Iraq during a continuous sandstorm.
November 17, 2016
Sara Kidder is an accountant in the NETL Finance & Acquisition Center and has been with NETL for 8 years. She was a specialist E-4 in the U.S. Army. She served as an ammunition specialist at Fort Benning, GA from 2000-2004 and she served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
November 16, 2016
William Grimes is an engineering technician (project operator) employed by URS Corporation with over 30 years at NETL. He enlisted in the U.S. Marines at the age of 17 and served from 1967 to 1971. William was stationed in Vietnam from 1968-1969 and at Camp Lejeune, NC in Motor Transport.
November 16, 2016
Pierina (Noceti) Fayish is a NEPA compliance officer with nearly 13 years at NETL. She graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1997 with a B.S. in Marine and Environmental Science and a commission as a U.S. Coast Guard officer. Pierina served on active duty through 2003, when she resigned her commission as a Lieutenant. During her assignment to Marine Safety Office Pittsburgh, she was honored to visit NETL as a guest speaker for Women’s History Month, 2001.
November 15, 2016
Aaron Boylen served in the U.S. Army from 1999 to 2003. He served in the Aco 1-32 infantry, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY. Aaron was honorably discharged as a Sergeant E-5. He spent six months in Kosovo and received an Army Achievement Medal.
November 15, 2016
Selinde Brock has been a staff assistant at NETL’s for 8 years. She served in the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Coast Guard Reserve from 1976-2007. Selinde served in Juneau, AK; Seattle, WA; and CG Sector Coos Bay, OR. She was an instructor at the Coast Guard Training Center at Petaluma, CA. She was chief petty officer of the Coast Guard, Sector Marianas Guam and Coast Guard Sector San Diego, CA. While serving aboard the USCGC HEALY-WAGB 20 as an icebreaker, she traveled to McMurdo Antarctica, North Pole. Selinde is pictured here on the bridge of the Healy. She retired in 2007 as a chief yeoman.
November 10, 2016
Christopher Nichols has been a part of NETL for 15 years, working as a Physical Scientist in Systems Engineering and Analysis. Christopher served in the U.S. Navy from 1995-2001. He was with the Reactor Department on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69).
November 10, 2016
Jimmy Thornton is currently the Chief of Staff for NETL’s Research and Innovation Center, but he began his career at NETL as a student employee when it was known as METC. Jimmy enlisted in the U.S. Army on January 3, 1983, as an Infantryman, stationed at Fort Carson, CO with the 4th infantry Division and in Goppingen, West Germany with the 1st Infantry Division Forward. In 1992, he was commissioned through OCS as a Field Artillery Officer. Jimmy deployed to Iraq in as part of the Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served various positions throughout his enlisted and commissioned officer ranks from Infantryman to Squad Leader and Fire Direction Officer, Battery Commander to Battalion S3. Jimmy retired in 2010 as a Major with over 27 years of combined active and reserve service with the U.S. Army.
November 10, 2016
This Friday, November 11, we observe Veterans Day to honor the military veterans who have served this great nation. At NETL, we are privileged to work alongside some of those brave men and women. Please take a moment to look at our brochure recognizing our co-workers' service and sacrifice.
November 08, 2016
Dane Anderson is currently the program manager for NETL’s Site Operations Support Services. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a space systems director from 1982-1987. Dane served in various Continental United States assignments and served abroad in a Joint Defense assignment in Australia. He was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1987 to begin civilian career supporting DOE at the Savannah River Site
November 07, 2016
Charles White works as a Business System Analyst at NETL. His military record includes time in both the U.S. Air Force and the PA Air National Guard. Charles served from 1974 to 1982 as a Medical Laboratory Specialist. He attended 15 months of training at Sheppard Air Force Base (AFB) in Texas and at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio. Charles was assigned to the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine Research Laboratory at Brooks AFB in Texas. Later he served in the 171st Air Refueling Wing Clinic at the Pittsburgh International Airport in Pennsylvania. In 1982, he was honorably discharged as a Technical Sergeant.
November 07, 2016
Michael Schelhaas has worked at NETL as an electro-mechanical technician for thirty eight years. Before NETL, Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served as a boilerman E-4 in the U.S. Navy aboard the destroyer USS Lowry DD770 from 1967 to 1971. Schellhaas served a tour in Vietnam, West Pacific Cruise from March, 1967 to October 1968
November 07, 2016
James Tingler joined the NETL community in 2005—he currently works as the Cyber Security Operations Lead. James served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps (Airborne) from 1994-1996 and 2000-2004. He served in various Continental United States and Outside Continental United States assignments. James was a Multi-Channel Satellite Platoon Leader, Node Center Platoon Leader, and Field Artillery Battalion Communications Officer (Captain). He served a tour in Iraq shortly after 9/11 as well as serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
November 03, 2016
Karla Jose came to NETL in March, 2016 and is employed by PACE Enterprises, Inc. as a closeout specialist. Karla served in the U.S. Air Force from 1977 to 1982 as a Still Photographic Specialist. Her first station was Carswell AFB in Fort Worth, TX where she performed various types of photography from crash, training, investigation, and studio. During this time, she also served as a member and team captain of the Honor Guard. Karla was later assigned to Clark Air Base in the Philippines where she served two and a half years.
November 03, 2016
James (Jim) Covell has been part of NETL since 1983, contracting through multiple companies (WRI, EG&G, URS, and AECOM). Between 1966 and 1969, Jim was a member of the U.S. Army, serving at Fort Gordon, GA; with the 3rd Infantry Division in Germany; and as a small unit forward observer with several different units in Vietnam.
November 02, 2016
Johnathan White, or Jon, has worked security at NETL for eight years. Jon was an active duty member of the U.S. Army for twelve years. He deployed to Tikrit Iraq in 2003 under the 4th Infantry Division, and to Mosul Iraq in 2004 under 1st Infantry Division. White joined the 2nd Ranger Battalion in 2005, and deployed to Bagram Afghanistan in 2006.
November 02, 2016
Kelly Gurney has been with NETL for eight years. Gurney served as a technical sergeant with the U.S. Air Force, Strategic Aircraft Command, Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND, as a B-52G and B-1B aircraft mechanic. She served with the 171st ARW Pennsylvania Air National Guard Air Mobility Command at Pittsburgh, PA as an aircraft mechanic (crew chief) and production controller. She is a Desert Shield veteran and was activated and deployed to numerous assignments. She retired in 2005, but still maintains her traditional guardsman status.
November 01, 2016
Veterans of NETL: Anessia R. Chambers
Anessia Chambers has been an administrative assistant at NETL’s office in Sugar Land, Texas for two years. Before joining the NETL community, Anessia served as an active duty member in the U.S. Air Force between 1993 and 2013—deploying in support of coalition operations in Kuwait, Qatar, and Korea.
November 01, 2016
NETL is proud to employ U.S. veterans. Check back each day in November to read about members of the NETL family who served in the armed forces!
October 28, 2016
The 5th Annual TransTech Energy Business Development Conference was a success! NETL representatives were able to interact with entrepreneurs and investors, as well as showcase some of our most impressive technologies. Our thanks to West Virginia University for organizing such a dynamic event!
October 27, 2016
NETL director, Dr. Grace Bochenek, spoke at the 5th Annual TransTech Energy Business Development Conference! NETL was proud to be part of a gathering that helped foster energy technology, and believes that the connections made at the conference will continue to bear fruit for years to come.
October 26, 2016
Due to their unique chemical properties, rare earth elements (REEs) have become essential components of many technologies that we use in our everyday lives. NETL has designed sensors to detect REEs in coal and coal byproducts and will highlight the technology at the 5th annual TransTech Energy Conference, October 26–27, in Morgantown, WV.
October 25, 2016
Basic immobilized amine sorbents (BIAS) are an efficient option for capturing carbon dioxide in the fight against climate change. NETL has packaged the sorbents in pellet form, optimizing their potential for commercial-scale, fossil-fueled power generation. BIAS will be highlighted at the 5th annual TransTech Energy Conference, October 26–27, in Morgantown, WV
October 24, 2016
Early kick detection helps to ensure the safe operation of modern oil and gas wells. NETL’s real-time monitoring system, recently featured in the Journal of Petroleum Technology, provides vital information to ensure the safe operation of drilling facilities. The system will be highlighted at the 5th annual TransTech Energy Conference, October 26–27, in Morgantown, WV.
October 21, 2016
Monitoring technology is an environmental necessity in modern energy production. NETL’s unique laser system for environmental monitoring will be highlighted at 5th annual TransTech Energy Conference, October 26–27, in Morgantown, WV.
October 20, 2016
Chemical looping combustion relies on robust oxygen-carrier technology, like the highly efficient metal-based carriers being developed at NETL. This technology will be highlighted at the 5th annual TransTech Energy Conference, October 26–27, in Morgantown, WV.
September 27, 2016
NETL knows that technology transfer is just as important as research—science can’t benefit if it remains confined to the laboratory! That’s why we’re excited to support the 5th annual TransTech Energy Conference, October 26–27, in Morgantown, WV. The goal of the conference is to facilitate the development of new companies that have exciting new solutions to energy, environmental, and economic development challenges. From entrepreneurs to investors, TransTech brings together the innovators of today to develop the technology of tomorrow.
September 22, 2016
Using sunlight and gold to convert carbon dioxide into fuel may sound like a task for a Hogwarts graduate, but it’s the kind of magic that researchers at NETL are performing to make a positive impact on the world’s environment. Read more!
September 16, 2016
We’ve lost one of the great ones. Dr. Irving Wender, former director of the Pittsburgh Energy Research Center, one of NETL’s predecessor laboratories, passed away September 16, 2016, at the age of 101. His life’s journey took him from humble beginnings in the Bronx to atomic bomb research in secret labs of Chicago, energy research laboratories and university classrooms in Pittsburgh, and the halls of government in Washington—all in pursuit of scientific advancements that continue to set high standards of excellence for those who follow in his footsteps. Read more about his incredible life and contributions here.
September 15, 2016
Secretary of Energy Ernie Moniz (center) and NETL Director Grace Bochenek (right) tour Longview Power Plant, an advanced coal-fired power plant outside Morgantown, WV, on Monday, September 12, 2016. Dr. Moniz was in town to participate in the Mid-Atlantic Region Energy Innovation Forum, hosted by West Virginia University. The forum brings together leaders from government, academia, and industry to discuss solutions and create a path for accelerating innovation in America’s Mid-Atlantic Region.
September 01, 2016
NETL’s efforts to recover rare earth elements from coal are highlighted in the September/October 2016 issue of Popular Science magazine. These 17 elements—used in cell phones, DVDs, LEDs, car batteries, and other gadgets—make our high-tech world possible. Read about NETL’s rare earth elements research here.
August 23, 2016
We’re excited to announce that NETL researcher Dr. Barbara Kutchko has been appointed at the new managing editor for the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Division of Environmental Geosciences “Spheres of Influence” newsletter. AAPG is a prominent geoscience community, established in 1917, that has a long history of promoting and enabling cutting-edge research. The “Spheres of Influence” newsletter keeps members of AAPG’s Division of Environmental Geosciences informed on the latest events in the field and encourages the communication that fosters scientific breakthroughs.
August 19, 2016
The Pittsburgh’s Federal Women’s Program Committee has named four NETL researchers as Women of the Year. The awards celebrate women who have substantially contributed to the federal government. Winning Gold was Circe Verba, who leads analytic collaborations to better detect trace elements. Silver went to Barbara Kutchko, a world expert in foamed-cement research. Ale Hakala and Natalie Pekney received Bronze for their leadership, mentorship, and scientific achievement. Congratulations!
July 29, 2016
NETL was proud to participate in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Enrichment Initiative (STEM-E) event held at the University of Baltimore. NETL’s outreach team presented morning and afternoon sessions filled with some of our favorite hands-on science activities and talked with students about the exciting career opportunities that energy science has to offer. STEM-E is a program of the DOE Energy Jobs Strategy Council designed to give underprivileged youth the opportunity to gain critical thinking and technical skills and expose them to potential careers in STEM. The Initiative was designed to support the Summer Opportunity Project, a White House initiative created to increase summer job opportunities for underserved youth.
July 26, 2016
NETL welcomed students from the Sto-Rox School District to participate in a Remake Learning Lab Day on Tuesday, July 26. The event was held in collaboration with Allegheny County’s Executive Office and the Allegheny County Housing Authority. NETL’s program was designed to pique student interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and make students aware of career opportunities in those fields. The event featured hands-on science activities, laboratory tours, and presentations from NETL’s diverse group of laboratory professionals.
Remake Learning is a network of educators and other youth-minded professionals working together to advance education and learning in the region. Through its collaborative and networked approach, Remake Learning supports learning innovators and organizations to enable them to create more relevant and imaginative learning opportunities and inspire and empower lifelong learning in Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and beyond.
July 21, 2016
Molecular model of CoCrFeMnNi by Shaoqing Wang via Wikipedia
Editors at the Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance have selected the NETL paper Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of High-Entropy Alloys as an Editor’s Choice article for 2015. The paper describes a study conducted by NETL researchers who investigated high-entropy alloys, which hold the promise of interesting and useful properties, such as enhanced strength and alloy stability. Only five papers are selected each year as Editor’s Choice articles from among all of the articles published in the journal. Being selected allows the paper to be accessed free of charge, avoiding the annual subscription fee.
July 18, 2016
NETL was proud to participate in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Enrichment Initiative (STEM-E), a program of the DOE Energy Jobs Strategy Council that was designed to give underprivileged youth the opportunity to gain critical thinking and technical skills and expose them to potential careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). STEM-E was designed to support the Summer Opportunity Project, a White House initiative created to increase summer job opportunities for underserved youth. NETL’s outreach team gave program participants the opportunity to take part in hands-on science experiments and discuss some of the exciting career opportunities that energy science has to offer.
June 30, 2016
To a child, no one is more influential—or inspirational—than his or her parents. The National Energy Technology Laboratory recognizes our employees’ unique opportunity to share the wonders of science with their children. NETL’s Take Your Kids to Work Days encouraged curiosity, enhanced learning, and showed first-hand the range of career paths available in STEM fields.
June 21, 2016
NETL Materials Scientist Dr. Paul Ohodnicki has been appointed to chair a key panel of the prestigious Interagency Advanced Power Group (IAPG)—a federal organization dedicated to facilitating information exchanges among agencies in the area of advanced power technology. IAPG’s goal is to be the premier leadership organization for information on advanced power development initiatives within the U.S. Government and serve as a proponent of federal investment in advancing new power technologies. IAPG pursues its work through a collection of working groups that focus on specific technical areas. Ohodnicki will chair the IAPG’s Electrical Systems Working Group Electrical Materials Panel. Ohodnicki, who earlier this year was named by President Obama as a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, has a distinguished record as a prolific author, inventor, and collaborator through his work on NETL’s Functional Materials Team. He leads research efforts to discover and develop novel high-performance materials for advanced energy systems.
June 15, 2016
After compositing over 200 photos to create the amazing image you see here, NETL ORISE intern Matt Dieterich realized that he had captured something special. Favorable weather conditions and an unusually active period of the solar cycle created the perfect conditions to view the Northern Lights as they danced above Mt. Rainier. Add to that, the dynamic features of countless stars, their movement captured on the horizon in long exposures, and Dieterich had all the elements of a truly remarkable image. His photograph has garnered national attention and universal popularity, and recently the U.S. Postal Service has selected the image to represent Mt. Rainier National Park as part of its National Parks stamp collection. As part of his work at the laboratory, Matt also recently published his first peer-reviewed paper on the effects of hydraulic fracturing fluid on Marcellus Shale.
June 14, 2016
Members of the emergency response team from NETL’s Albany site (Steve Curfman, Circe Verba and Paula Turner) pictured above in the foreground, participated in “Cascadia Rising”—a training exercise that simulated a 9.0 magnitude earthquake affecting the Pacific Northwest from British Columbia south to Northern California. More than 20,000 emergency response personnel participated in the exercise representing U.S. Federal agencies and the military; the states of Oregon, Washington State, Idaho; Native American tribes; and British Columbia. The exercise presented an opportunity to test a new NETL-developed employee emergency alert system.
May 20, 2016
NETL Director Dr. Grace Bochenek participated on the plenary panel, “Transforming the Energy Systems,” at the 2016 Penn State Energy Days, which was held May 19-20. The symposium brought together energy leaders from industry, government, and the private sector to discuss how the nation can meet current and future energy challenges including supply, infrastructure, and sustainability.
May 18, 2016
NETL employees recently enriched their local community by participating in improvement projects as part of the United Way’s 25th annual Day of Caring. The volunteers went to the Conscious Harvest Cooperative Community Garden in Morgantown, WV, where they tilled the ground, laid mulch, and planted various vegetables that will eventually be harvested for local food pantries. Other NETL employees volunteered their time indoors at other sites including Morgantown Health Right, Mountain Line Transit Authority, and PACE Enterprises. Congratulations to the Morgantown NETL volunteer team, which was named by the United Way of Monongalia and Preston counties as the “Best of the Best” for the 2016 Monongalia and Preston Counties Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). See more photos
March 16, 2016
NETL researcher Dr. Shiwoo Lee has been honored with an Innovation in Energy award by the Carnegie Science Center for his work on critical efficiency improvements that will make solid oxide fuel cells economically attractive. Dr. Lee accepted the award on May 6, 2016, at the 20th Annual Carnegie Science Award celebration at the Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland, Pa.
March 02, 2016
NETL welcomed students and special guests from Woodland Hills school district, who participated in lab tours and learning activities as part of Remake Learning Days. Photo Gallery