Researcher Yue Meng shows students how to load a powder sample for study in the High Pressure CAT beamline. Students Naruemon Suwattananont (center) and Moo Sung Kim were preparing to study a pressure-induced phase transition from hexagonal to cubic symmetry. Photo by Wes Argesta.

Sept. 26, 2005 -- Some of this week's stories:

X-ray, neutron school readies next generation

By Evelyn Brown

Each year as many as 200 students in Ph.D. programs compete to attend Argonne's National School on Neutron and X-ray Scattering. For the talented 60 selected to attend the school each August, it means two weeks of 10-12 hour days, six days a week.

The school is in its seventh year. Argonne is the only national laboratory with both types of facilities: the Intense Pulsed Neutron Source (IPNS) for neutron scattering and the Advanced Photon Source (APS) for X-ray scattering.

"The school's philosophy is to provide young scientists studying for their Ph.Ds with a general background in available neutron and X-ray techniques," said Dean Haeffner (XFD), a physicist and group leader. Haeffner and physicist Raymond Osborn (MSD) organized the school this year.

The National School on Neutron and X-Ray Scattering brings the field's top senior scientists from academia, industry and national laboratories together with the brightest young scientists attending U.S. universities. Students attend lectures in the morning and afternoon to establish a basic understanding of a broad range of techniques. Afternoons and evenings are devoted to hands-on experiments and analysis.

The research students are all interested in the behavior of the samples they are studying. X-rays and neutrons provide insight into the atomic and electronic structure of materials and allow researchers to see how materials work at the most basic level and how they can possibly be manipulated to enhance valuable characteristics.

Originally, mostly materials scientists and condensed-matter physicists attended. Over the years the class has become more diverse as chemists, biologists, geologists, chemical engineers and soil scientists now participate.

During the course, students perform four experiments — two each at the APS and IPNS. The teams make presentations of their findings on the last day of class.

"Generally, we use a typical experiment," Haeffner explained, "that we have done before so that we know it works. Often, students will start with a simple experiment and move on to a more challenging one. The idea is to establish a basic framework over a broad range of techniques for the students to consider in their narrow areas of research."

The National School on Neutron and X-ray Scattering is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Basic Energy Sciences in the Office of Science. Lecturers and instrument scientists volunteer their time.

The school is a collaboration of several Argonne divisions: Experimental Facilities, Intense Pulsed Neutron Source, Materials Science and Educational Programs. Division of Educational Programs (DEP) Director Harold Myron said, "The school is another example of outstanding cooperation between DEP and Argonne's research divisions to meet the workforce development needs of DOE and the nation. This synergy will serve the nation well in the future."

Safety is paramount in all programs

By Donna Jones Pelkie

Safety is everyone's responsibility at Argonne, and the Division of Educational Programs (DEP) has taken several steps this summer and into the future to make sure students also understand and heed this priority.

Fortunately, Argonne has a good record when it comes to student safety. "During the last two summers there have been no reportable incidents involving a student," said DEP Director Harold Myron. "I would hope that some of this is due to DEP's diligence as well as the assistance of management at the associate lab director and directorate level."

Of course, there's always room for improvement, so Myron and the DEP staff have worked this summer to ensure that the lab not only complies with DOE reporting regulations but also keeps the hundreds of students that work at Argonne each year safe.

First, DEP hosted a special session for the lab's students and mentors where Argonne Director Robert Rosner spoke about the importance of safety and how everyone could mitigate accidents.

Next, DEP's Frank Vivio and Deon Ettinger conducted an assessment of select undergraduates whose Job Hazard Questionnaires indicated they were not office workers. "Their findings were pretty impressive," Myron said. "The students were trained and felt comfortable with the work that they were doing."

All students are given formalized, general safety training upon their arrival at Argonne, much like the new employee orientation all Argonne staff receives. Students then received specialized training based on the requirements in their Job Hazard Questionnaire.

Finally, a new on-line course called "Safe Supervision of Students" (ESH439) has been created and is required for all employees who have indicated on their Job Hazard Questionnaire that they supervise students.

Combined Appeal targets local communities

The Argonne Combined Appeal (ACA) campaign, Oct. 1-31, gives Argonne employees a chance to make a personal and profound impact on their communities.

Through employee donations, the ACA has benefited approximately 20 local health and welfare agencies each year. Over the past 11 years, the ACA has raised more than $4.5 million for these agencies. Employees' contributions provided food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, sanctuary for battered women and children, education and training for those seeking a better life, living assistance for the physically challenged, treatment for the ill and research toward cures.

"Argonne employees have been extremely generous over this last year in supporting the Southeast Asia Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina relief drives," said ACA Co-Chairs Kathy Whitney and Katie Carrado-Gregar. "Now we ask everyone to turn their attention to the agencies in the Chicagoland area that are part of the annual ACA campaign. The choice of agencies is vast — ranging from local food pantries to research agencies — and many are providing support to hurricane relief as well as continuing their important work. These agencies need our support more than ever."

ACA division coordinators will distribute informational and pledge materials to employees prior to Oct. 1. Employees can select the agencies they would like to support and elect to donate either through payroll deduction or a one-time donation by check. The ACA's goal this year is to engage two-thirds of Argonne employees in the campaign.

For more information, contact an Argonne Combined Appeal division coordinator.

Garwin to present '05 Fermi talk

Richard L. Garwin, IBM Fellow Emeritus at the Thomas J. Watson Research Center, will present the 2005 Enrico Fermi Lecture in Physics: "The Future of Nuclear Power and Nuclear Weapons" Thursday, Oct. 6.

Garwin's talk will begin at 2 p.m. in the Building 362 Auditorium. All employees whose schedules permit are invited to attend.

After three years on the faculty of the University of Chicago, Garwin joined IBM Corporation in 1952, and was until June 1993 IBM Fellow at the Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, New York. In addition, he is a consultant to the U.S. government on matters of military technology, arms control and other topics.

Garwin has been director of the IBM Watson Laboratory, director of applied research at the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, and a member of the IBM Corporate Technical Committee. He has also been professor of public policy in the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Garwin has made contributions in the design of nuclear weapons, in instruments and electronics for research in nuclear and low-temperature physics, in the establishment of the nonconservation of parity, in computer elements and systems, in communication systems, in the behavior of solid helium, in the detection of gravitational radiation and in military technology. He has published more than 500 papers, co-authored many books and been granted 45 U.S. patents.

His honors include France's la Grande Medaille de l'Academie des Sciences, the Enrico Fermi Award and the National Medal of Science.

Management Message

Argonne, university, DOE assist in relief effort

By Robert Rosner, Argonne Director

All of us at Argonne have been saddened by the events along the Gulf Coast, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the thousands of people affected by Hurricane Katrina. But Argonne, the University of Chicago and the U.S. Department of Energy have not been content to simply watch events unfold.

Argonne employees are contributing to efforts by DOE and the Department of Homeland Security, helping to formulate plans to rebuild the region's infrastructure. Others are on the scene, providing communications for relief agencies, residents and evacuees. An Argonne Fire Department firefighter-paramedic has been responding to emergencies not far from the French Quarter.

Argonne has also offered extended appointments to its summer students from New Orleans who are unable to continue their work at Southern University. The lab is also hosting two students to continue their research and has found resources to support their faculty mentor.

The U.S. Department of Energy is doing much to provide relief, including a program to find work for displaced students and faculty from institutions in the affected region. The Temporary Educational Matching Program is run by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.

The University of Chicago is providing educational opportunities for students displaced by the destruction on the Gulf Coast. In addition, the University of Chicago Hospitals have sent teams of health professionals to the area.

And of course, many employees from all three organizations gave generously to relief agencies making life a little easier for those affected by the disaster.

The images we see from the disaster zone are heartbreaking. We can take some comfort in the knowledge that Argonne, DOE and the University of Chicago are doing all they can to alleviate some of the suffering and support the people who will help build the region's future.

DOE helps support faculty, students

Science and engineering students and faculty members from colleges and universities displaced by Hurricane Katrina may be able to find support through the Temporary Educational Matching Program of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.

Students and faculty members in science and engineering from institutions in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi will be eligible to participate in a program to match them with DOE-funded scientists at colleges and universities across the country. Some DOE laboratories may also participate by accepting student and faculty research participants in fields of critical interest to the department.

More information is online.

Lab to mark 'Drive Safely Work Week' Oct. 3 - 7

Oct. 3-7 is "Drive Safely Work Week," aimed at improving the safety and health of employees.

This year's campaign takes aim at driver distraction. "As drivers spend more time on the road, they want to be productive behind the wheel, eating meals, talking on the phone, even using electronic organizers," said Kay Johnson, associate division director for Plant Facilities and Services. "Employees trying to do more on the road than drive are significantly increasing their crash risk: distraction is responsible for 20 to 30 percent of all crashes. Driving is a complex task and requires the attention and concentration of the driver. Distractions, if not managed well, could impair a driver's focus and result in a crash."

Several activities are planned at Argonne during Drive Safely Work Week:

Monday, Oct. 3 — The Illinois Secretary of State's Office will have information on child seat safety, Rules of the Road booklets and informational handouts in the Building 213 Cafeteria during lunch hours.

Wednesday, Oct. 5 — A representative from the DuPage County Sheriff's Office will show a short video and distribute flyers that explain what drivers can expect during a traffic stop. The representative will be available from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Oct. 4, 5, 7 — Certified firefighter-paramedics will conduct free child-seat safety checks from 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the Argonne Fire Station.

Safe driving tips and information will appear in the Argonne Today e-mail bulletin each day.

Health screenings, information offered at fair

"Health Fair 2005" will be held at Argonne Wednesday, Sept. 28. The fair will give employees a chance to interact with representatives from the laboratory's health care vendors and companies who provide health care services.

The Health Fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Building 213 Cafeteria.

Cardiovascular and diabetes tests will be offered for a nominal fee (pre-register by calling ext. 2-2800). Skin cancer screening, body fat measurements, computerized spinal tests and chair massages will be available.

To register for cardiovascular and diabetes screening, call the Medical Department at ext. 2-2800. The Health Fair is sponsored by Human Resources.

Classic cars on display Sept. 28

Argonne, DOE and contractor employees with cars 25 years old or older, of special interest, modified, or limited production, are invited to bring their vehicles to the Building 360 north parking lot Wednesday, Sept. 28, for a car display.

Cars will be on display during from noon to 1 p.m., or as owners' schedules permit. All are invited to stop by to view the cars, take pictures and talk to the owners. Rain date will be Wednesday, Oct. 5.

For more information, call Clarence Clark (AOD) at (630) 553-9567

1 st Friday Forum to meet Oct. 7

The First Friday Forum will meet Friday, Oct. 7, at noon in Building 205, Conference Room L252. The speaker, Suraiya Farukhi, director of Communications and Public Affairs Division, will discuss the laboratory's communications and branding efforts.

The First Friday Forum is an informal gathering of Argonne women usually held on the first Friday of each month. The group explores career and gender issues related to women. Meetings are open to all Argonne and U.S. Department of Energy employees.

Employees asked to review Statement of Conduct policy

All employees are asked to review the Statement of Conduct policy annually to certify their understanding of the statement and to identify any financial or personal interests required to be disclosed to the laboratory.

Employees should take a few minutes to review the Statement of Conduct policy, and then complete and submit the online Employee Certification Form. Online instructions for completing the Statement of Conduct - Employee Certification Form can be viewed by clicking "Help" in the application. Obtain approval for outside employment or consulting by completing the online ANL-135 form.

If you have questions regarding potential conflicts of interest, call the Legal Department at ext. 2-3040. If you experience difficulty accessing the Statement of Conduct Web site, call the CIS Help Desk at ext. 2-9999 or Human Resources at ext. 2-2960.

CIS classes

Computing classes offered by the Computing and Information Systems Division are held in Building 201, Room 167C. Unless otherwise noted, classes cost $225 and are limited to eight participants. Complete class descriptions, schedules and enrollment forms are online . For more information about enrollment procedures, contact Diane Cavazos (CIS) at ext. 2-7153 or dkcavazos@anl.gov.

Classes offered in October will include:

"Introduction to Access 2003" (CIS128) — Wednesday, Oct. 5, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

"Introduction to Word 2003" (CIS122) — Thursday, Oct. 6, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

"Introduction to Excel 2003" (CIS125) — Friday, Oct. 7, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

"Introduction to PowerPoint 2003" (CIS131) — Wednesday, Oct. 19, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

"Advanced PowerPoint 2003" (CIS132) — Friday, Oct. 21, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Prerequisite: Introduction to PowerPoint.

The University of Chicago will hold a Columbus Day open house for prospective students and their families Monday, Oct. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Ida Noyes Hall, 1212 E. 59th Street, Chicago.

The open house offers the opportunity to tour the campus, attend a class, speak with faculty about academic departments, learn about study abroad and extracurricular opportunities, eat in one of the dining halls, learn about extracurricular activities on campus and attend a session on admissions and financial aid.

Those attending the open house will also have an opportunity to meet with Jenny Connell and André Phillips to ask any specific questions about scholarships.

Interested parents and prospective students can sign up for the Columbus Day Open House online at www.collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu or by calling the Admissions Office at 773-702-8650. Questions can be directed to Jenny Connell at jaconnel@uchicago.edu

Party to celebrate Oktoberfest

The Argonne Club will hold an Oktoberfest party Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Building 617 Lower Level from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

The party will feature German music and a stein-holding contest. Adult beverages and food will be available.

All visitors must be badged by the Argonne Information Center prior to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the Argonne Club Web site.

Weight Watchers plans open house

Weight Watchers will hold an open house Wednesday, Oct. 5, at noon in Building 200, Conference Room J183.

There will be no registration fee. All employees are welcome to attend.

For more information, contact the Medical Department at ext. 2-2800.

Argonne, Purdue to collaborate on water research

Researchers from Purdue University Calumet and Argonne have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on applied research to advance knowledge in water resources and support regional economic development.

Based in the northwest Indiana city of Hammond, the new Purdue University Calumet Water Institute is aimed at using water as a competitive advantage to attract and retain companies that depend on the availability of abundantly clean and secure sources of water for the success of their core businesses.

The mission of the Purdue University Calumet Water Institute is to conduct research, offer education programs in water resources and assist local, regional and state agencies and the private sector in solving water-related problems. The new center provides an interdisciplinary approach to complex issues dealing with water quality, water efficiency, water security and water-energy interrelations.

The Water Institute will also collaborate with the newly formed Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana in Merrillville on technology incubation and commercialization efforts to create new start-up companies with water-related technologies.

"It cultivates the intellectual capital at Purdue University Calumet and Argonne National Laboratory," said Ron Faibish (NE), who has been named the first director of the Water Institute, "and directs it to advancing water-related technologies for the benefit of regional development. In addition, the Purdue Technology Center offers an excellent opportunity for technology incubation, commercialization and business development and works closely with the Water Institute to facilitate commercialization of new water management technologies for real-world applications."

The research program is expected to grow to cover three major areas: water security, water-energy interrelations, and water quality and efficiency issues. These areas will include complex and extensive studies aimed at advancing the state-of-the-art in water resource management and developing reliable tools to inform decision makers in addressing economic development concerns.

In addition, the education and training program of the PWI Purdue University Calumet Water Institute will help provide a well prepared workforce for new, water-related jobs that fuel economic development.

Argonne Running Club seeks help for marathon

The Argonne Running Club is seeking volunteers for the 2005 Chicago Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 9.

Each year Argonne volunteers work at the finish line of the race, dispensing drinks, medals and congratulations. Volunteers receive a jacket and hat.

For more information, contact Corrie Patterson Kamiya at ext. 2-9246 or cgpatterson@anl.gov by Friday, Sept. 30.

Metlife rep to offer quotes

A representative from MetLife Auto and Home will visit Argonne Thursday, Oct. 6, and Tuesday, Oct. 18, to meet with individual employees for insurance comparisons and quotes for the "METPAY" group automobile and homeowners insurance program.

To schedule an appointment, call Craig Riddick at (630) 810-0346, ext. 143. Employees can also receive a quote over the phone by calling 1-800-438-6388.

Part of Rock Rd. to close for construction

A short section of Rock Road just east of Kearney Road will be closed to traffic during construction of a new laboratory and office module at the Advanced Photon Source.

This road closure will likely start during the week of Sept. 26 and last until the summer of 2006. The contractor will install a gated fence at each end of the closed road portion.

Non-construction traffic coming from West Gate to buildings in the 400 area should use Meridian Road instead of Kearney Road.

HR classes

To enroll contact a Training Management System representative and complete the registration form. Call Betty Iwan at ext. 2-3410 for more information.

"Excelling as a Highly Effective Team Leader" (HR359) — Tuesday, Aug. 23, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Building 401, Conference Room E1100. Register by Monday, July 25. Cost is $200. Employees will learn to set clear goals and boundaries and resolve common problems that can negatively affect team productivity.

"Performance Appraisal Briefing for New Employees" (HR370) — Thursday, Oct. 6, 11:30 a.m., Building 203 Auditorium. A half-hour presentation to introduce the Performance Appraisal process and access through the Argonne Portal designed for new employees.

"Performance Management" (HR561) — Tuesday, Oct. 11, 1 - 5 p.m., Building 201, or Thursday, Oct. 27, 1 - 5 p.m., Building 362, Conference Room F108. Supervisors are provided with the essential communication tools to more effectively manage, document and influence the performance of employees.

"Excelling as a Highly Effective Team Leader" (HR359) — Tuesday, Nov. 22, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Building 401, Conference Room E1100 - 1200. Register by Oct. 24. Cost is $200. Team leaders learn to coordinate, clarify and focus team members' efforts and provide feedback that encourages results.