It was with great pride that we introduced Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson to the
Ames Laboratory since we last published Inquiry. Although his visit was short, we
were able to provide him an excellent overview of our latest research in the materials,
biorenewable resources and high-performance computing areas, and to demonstrate our
continued commitment to conducting the highest-quality work for the lowest-possible cost.
The comment the Secretary made during his visit that left the most lasting impression with
many of us was when he said that not only does he want to see the Ames Laboratory
continue, but that it should grow. We are eager to help him achieve that goal.
A second significant event of the year for the Ames Lab came shortly after the Secretary's
visit, with the signing of a new five-year contract for the continued operation of the
Laboratory. As the signatures were being put on the dotted line, the Lab was once again
enjoying an "outstanding" rating from the Department of Energy for our
scientific research, a fact which played a key role in the issuing of the new contract.
But we can never be content to rest on our laurels. Science is, to a large degree, about
new discoveries -- looking outside the box, to use today's catch phrase, to find
interesting solutions to old and new challenges. Some of those challenges and our
scientists' efforts to solve them can be found in the stories in this issue of Inquiry.
I invite you to read about our discovery of the properties of what appears to be the
second-hardest bulk substance after diamond. The compound could be a lower-priced
alternative to the materials now used by industry to rapidly cut and grind the hardest
steels.
Also in this issue, learn about the "Octopus," a cluster of 18 computers that
can do the work of a much more costly supercomputer. You can also go to the
"extreme" and learn about our new low-temperature, high-pressure and
high-magnetic-field environment that subjects materials to extreme conditions. This
testing helps determine the properties of materials under conditions they may have to
experience in actual industrial applications.
Key to research at the Ames Laboratory is our multidisciplinary approach to science. We
are constantly linking our scientific expertise, facilities and equipment in new and
innovative ways to help find solutions to our nation's energy problems. We take pride in
our accomplishments thus far and look forward to the challenges ahead.
Last revision: 9/15/00 sd
Home | Comments
| Search | Disclaimer