For release: April 1 2004
Contacts:
Mark Gordon, Applied Mathematics
and Computational Sciences, (515) 294-0452, gordon@ameslab.gov
Saren Johnston, Public Affairs, (515) 294-3474, sarenj@ameslab.gov
AMES,
IOWA - Deborah Zorn, an Iowa State University graduate student performing
research at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory,
has
been selected by the DOE to attend the 54th International Convention of Nobel
Laureates in Lindau, Germany, June 27-July 2.
Zorn is one of 25 top young researchers from across the United States who
will receive full support from the DOE’s Office of Science to attend the Lindau
meeting. She was selected based on her overall merit in regard to academic
performance and research contributions. While at the convention, she will
have
the unique opportunity to participate in discussions with Nobel Laureates
and network with student participants from around the world, including others
from
the United States who will be supported by the National Science Foundation
and Oak Ridge Associated
Universities.
Since 1951, Nobel Laureates in chemistry, physics and physiology/medicine
have convened annually in
Lindau to have open and informal meetings with students and young researchers
from all over the world.
The Lindau meetings rotate by discipline each year. The meeting this summer
will focus on physics.
“ I’m not as familiar with physics as I am with chemistry,” said Zorn, “but I’m always excited about opportunities to learn new things and expand my horizons. The Lindau meeting of Nobel Laureates is the perfect place to do that.”
Zorn
is the daughter of Tom and Jo Ann Zorn of Lincoln, Neb. She is in her second
year of graduate work
at Iowa State, studying theoretical and computational chemistry. In one
of her current DOE research
projects, Zorn is creating and implementing theoretical and computational
models that will ease the process
of identifying the properties of new materials being developed for catalytic
systems.
Another of Zorn’s DOE projects involves using quantum mechanics and
molecular mechanics methods to
study the behavior of certain metals on a silicon surface. The work may
lead to the development of atomic
wires one atom in width for nanotechnology applications.
“Debbie
is an outstanding young student. She is interested in all aspects of science,
and is fearless and
successful in attacking problems,” said Mark Gordon, Zorn’s major
professor. Gordon is the director of
Ames Laboratory’s Applied Mathematics and Computational Sciences Program
and a distinguished professor
of chemistry in ISU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Zorn’s
selection represents the third year in a row
that a student from Gordon’s research group has been chosen by the
DOE to attend the meeting of Nobel
Laureates.
Zorn said science has fascinated her since she was a child. “I remember watching ‘Newton’s Apple’ a lot, and I also took several summer science classes in Lincoln’s Bright Lights program,” she said. Zorn credits her father with encouraging her interest in science. “My father is an economist by profession, but a scientist and philosopher by heart,” she said. “He instilled an interest in science and an appreciation for math in me for which I will always be grateful.”
Although science is her passion, Zorn has studied art and enjoys visiting
art galleries. She is also an
accomplished golfer and was an NCAA division III All-American and
Academic All-American Athlete.
“ I like to think of myself as a creative person,” said Zorn. “Whether it’s science, art or sports, it’s all about problem solving. I enjoy taking bigger problems and breaking them down until they are similar to something I’ve seen before and that I can solve.”
It’s
likely that the opportunity to meet with Nobel Laureates will help Zorn with
some problem solving of a
different nature. “I’ve read the comments from previous student
participants, many of whom noted that the
experience gave them a greater understanding of what they want
to do with their lives and where they want
to go in terms of their careers,” she said. She anticipates that the
Lindau trip will be of similar benefit to her.
But one thing Zorn already knows for certain is that wherever
the future finds her, it will definitely be at a
place where she can continue doing research.
Ames
Laboratory is operated for the DOE by ISU. The Lab conducts research into
various areas of national
concern, including energy resources, high-speed computer design,
environmental cleanup and restoration,
and the synthesis and study of new materials. More information
about the Ames Laboratory can be found at
www.ameslab.gov.
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Last revision: 4/2/04 kbg