Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) is essential; and provides the means to maintain scientific and technical vitality through funding highly innovative, high-risk, potentially high-value research and development (R&D). INL's diverse LDRD portfolio explores scientific and engineering concepts — including advanced reactor modeling, nuclear waste reduction and fuel recycling — to develop DOE-NE’s needs. INL's LDRD research stimulates exploration at the forefront of cybersecurity, electric grid reliability and wireless technology. The forward-looking nature of the lab's R&D strengthens the DOE mission by advancing hybrid energy systems and evolving energy security needs.
The INL researcher was selected by the DOE’s Office of Science to receive its Early Career Research Program Award and significant research funding during the next five years. He was recognized for his research in actinide materials under extreme conditions. This research will be aided by his LDRD project, which focuses on a new method for measuring thermal conductivity in nuclear materials (Project 15-032).
The staff scientist was recognized with a Young Leader Professional Development Award from The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society for his research on nuclear materials. These awards recognize early career individuals, under the age of 40, for their potential as future leaders within The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and the materials and engineering community it serves (Project 13-105).
The senior nuclear engineer received the 2014 Mary Jane Oestmann Professional Women’s Achievement Award from the American Nuclear Society. She was honored for her exceptional contributions to the DOE’s Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program and nuclear hybrid energy programs (Project 15-039).
The research chemist was honored with an Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce Distinguished under 40 Award. Each year, the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce recognizes 10 hard-working young professionals in the southeastern Idaho area who have gone above and beyond in their careers, community, and education. He has been the principal investigator on several projects in materials chemistry and chemical separation processes, including an LDRD project that pioneered the switchable polarity solvent forward osmosis water treatment system (Project 14-079).
