Tennessee U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03) applauded the recent appointment of Dr. Stephen K. Streiffer (pictured above) to be the next director of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
I applaud the appointment of Dr. Stephen K. Streiffer to be the next Director of @ORNL!
I am confident that Dr. Streiffer will be an excellent Lab Director and build on the amazing achievements that the dedicated men and women at ORNL have accomplished. https://t.co/By9PX9BbPT
— Chuck Fleischmann (@RepChuck) July 27, 2023
ORNL is the largest Department of Energy (DOE) science and energy laboratory created in 1943 during the United States’ secret World War II project to construct an atomic bomb known as the Manhattan Project.
Now, the lab engages in “diverse research activities that support the department’s mission of ensuring America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and security challenges.” UT-Battelle manages the lab for the DOE and no longer engages in nuclear weapons production work.
“I congratulate Dr. Stephen K. Streiffer on his appointment to be the next Director of the Oak Ridge National Lab. ORNL is the top national lab in America that, for 80 years, has contributed a major role in promoting scientific discovery and research,” Fleischmann, Chairman of the House Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee and Co-Chairman of the House National Labs Caucus, said in a statement.
“The United States is the world leader in advancing new sciences and technologies because of the groundbreaking work done every day at ORNL. I am confident that Dr. Streiffer will be an excellent Lab Director and build on the amazing achievements that the dedicated men and women at ORNL have accomplished,” Fleischmann added.
"Stephen has been a key leader in the development of some of the world's most powerful research facilities. At Oak Ridge, his experience will help to ensure continued impact that benefits the nation and world.” — Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, @doescience directorhttps://t.co/kNeB66QsTe
— Oak Ridge Lab (@ORNL) July 27, 2023
Streiffer will assume the role in October, according to ORNL. He currently serves as interim director at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in California.
“I look forward to getting to work at Oak Ridge,” Streiffer stated. “Through my roles with Office of Science programs and user facilities, I’ve collaborated with ORNL and its extremely talented staff for many years. It’s a great honor to be selected as lab director and to join the team, and I’m committed to continuing the transformative role Oak Ridge has played in our nation’s scientific enterprise for almost 80 years.”
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
