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Materials physicist Gabrielle Long will join Argonne as the Maria Goeppert Mayer Distinguished Scholar beginning in January. Long is currently a member of the Ceramics Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where she leads the Materials Microstructural Characterization Group of the Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory.
Long's research projects span a wide range of topics in materials science, unified by the goal of seeking correlation between structure and properties at the microscopic and atomic levels. She and her group have worked on the characterization of metal alloys, magnetic materials, ceramics, semiconducting materials, polymers and high-temperature superconductors.
The Advanced Photon Source (APS) figures to play a key role in the research Long has proposed for her work at Argonne. She has experience working with the APS as a member of a collaborative access team, and serving on the APS User Organization Steering Committee.
Long and her group intend to use synchrotron radiation X-ray techniques to help develop deformation models to study aluminum alloys that may be used to reduce the weight of automobiles.
Another research aim is to use APS instrumentation to study the mechanical properties of thin coatings on nanometer scales. Also, the group would like to use a technique called microtomography at the Southeast Research Institute Collaborative Access Team at the APS to visualize the formation of cavities in ceramic materials. This would help scientists devise ways to produce improved ceramics.
Each year, Argonne grants the Maria Goeppert Mayer Distinguished Scholar award to an outstanding woman scientist or engineer. The award, named for the Argonne physicist who won the Nobel Prize in physics in 1963, enables the scholar to conduct innovative research using Argonne's resources.
While working at Argonne in 1948, Maria Goeppert Mayer helped advance the theory of how the nuclei of atoms are structured. Her work explained why some atoms are more stable than others, and why some atoms have isotopes while others do not.
Gabrielle Long received her Ph.D. in condensed matter physics from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn (now Polytechnic University) in 1972. She conducted research and taught at Columbia University, Vassar College and the State University of New York at Stony Brook before joining NIST in 1980. A fellow of the American Physical Society and a member of the Materials Research Society as well as Sigma Xi, Long has co-authored over 100 research papers and co-edited technical proceedings on synchrotron radiation instruments. Long's work in ceramics has earned her the Department of Commerce bronze medal.
-- Scott Jenkins
Yigang Cai (ET) has been elected a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the society's highest elected grade of membership.
ASME fellowship recognizes exceptional engineering achievements and contributions to the engineering profession. "With his unique ability to demonstrate both originality and excellence in his research and development, his contributions have resulted in many outstanding accomplishments," according to ASME.
Cai has worked in Argonne's Energy Technology Division since 1989, where he is an expert in unsteady flow, fluid-structure interactions and magnetically levitated vehicles.
He has published more than 160 journals and proceeding papers and four books. He holds one U.S. patent.
Cai received his Ph.D. in 1987 at Zhejiang University, China, and advanced to an associate professor in 1988.
Cai received his fellowship at a ceremony during the 2000 ASME Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference in Seattle.
A robot in Chicago needs Argonne's help.
Although the robot has yet to be built by students at Chicago's Theodore Roosevelt High School, a national contest begins Jan. 6, and the kids are anxious for volunteers with technical expertise.
There are 50 students in the school's very active robotics club, with eight adult sponsors, said Brenda Brown, the club's faculty coordinator. Students range from freshmen to seniors, who will all work on one robot per year for the national contest.
FIRST ("For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology") sponsors the annual competition designed to immerse high school students in the world of engineering. Teaming up with engineers from businesses and universities, students and engineers work together to brainstorm, design, construct and test a champion robot.
The robots then compete in a spirited, no-holds-barred tournament complete with referees, cheerleaders and time clocks. In last year's tournament, robots had to deposit several plastic balls in baskets six feet in the air -- and hoist themselves off the ground using a sort of robot chin-up bar.
Each year, the competition is different; but the twist is that the details -- including what the robot is supposed to do -- are kept secret until six weeks before the competition.
"They get six weeks to plan it, build it and see if the robot will work," Brown said. Teams are given a starter kit of parts, but most of the design and innovation comes from the students themselves.
The four-year-old club has already established an impressive track record in the FIRST competition, taking third in the nation in just their second year.
Roosevelt High, on the city's northwest side, has been the only Chicago Public High School involved in this competition. The school is "a miniature United Nations," Brown said, where more than 40 languages echo through the hallways.
The students are a can-do bunch, running the Tuesday afternoon club meetings themselves. They are building a lab in the school's basement, scraping old paint from the walls by hand. They are learning to use power tools and the requisite shop safety skills. As a warm-up for the FIRST competition, club members are advising elementary school students who have entered a Lego®-robot competition.
"What the students get out of the club is experience, some scholarships and lots and lots of memories," said Victor Velasco, a senior. "One of our members is going to take mechanical engineering in college, and one of the things that inspired him was the Robotics Club."
But enthusiasm will only get the club so far, said Brown. "You'd be amazed at what schools put together for the FIRST competition, and how well they do," she said. "Schools in Michigan usually have top-notch machines, due to the strength of the automotive engineers and machinists in those communities."
The club especially needs mechanical and electrical engineers but could also use help with other associated projects. An optional part of the FIRST competition is a scrapbook documenting the building of the robot. This year, the students would like to submit their scrapbook in computer animation form.
"We've had some problems with animation in past years, and it would be great to have some help," said Robotics Club secretary Imran Khan, a sophomore.
Volunteers will have to be available evenings and some weekends during January, February and March during the design and construction of the robot. A regional competition will be held March 22 at Northwestern University, Evanston; the finals are April 5-7 at Epcot Center in Florida.
Financing for the project comes from corporate sponsors. The students also sell candy, and the teachers pitch in by holding a luncheon with Roosevelt High alumni.
"I hope that we can get some Argonne staff interested in working with these kids," said Harvey Drucker, Associate Laboratory Director for Energy and Environmental Science and Technology, who recently served as "principal for a day" at Roosevelt High. "They are a wonderful group of people who do a lot with a little."
To volunteer, or for more information, contact Brenda Brown at (773) 534-5000 or bpbbowler051@aol.com.
-- Dave Jacqué
The Argonne Choral Group, under the direction of Harry Bell (PFS), has brought its joyful music of the season to Argonne-East for 20 years.
The tradition began in 1980, when the laboratory was in difficulty. "We had a couple of goals in mind," Bell said. "We wanted to bring cheer, kick off the holiday season and boost morale. If we can put a smile on your face, or a gleam in your eye, or get your toe tapping on the floor, then we've reached our goal."
Ron Clark (ET) and Eliott Kolsto (OSS) were also part of the first group, 20 years ago, and are still singing each year.
"The choir seems to enjoy it more now than in past years," Bell said, "and they're taking a lot of pride in how they sound."
Bell has wanted to step down as leader a couple of times, but the choir members won't let him. "I've told them I'm going to quit, but they told me I can't. They've said I've got to keep on going even after I retire," he said.
"Dealing with Holiday Stress" will be the topic of a seminar on Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Argonne-East's Building 401 Gallery.
Psychologist Mike Atella (HR-MD) will explore techniques for restoring order, coping with challenging people, reconsidering expectations, reclaiming time and celebrating the present moment.
Atella is Argonne's manager of psychological services, providing clinical psychological and Employee Assistance Program services to employees and their families.
All Argonne and DOE employees, and their spouses, are invited to attend.
This will be the last paper issue of Argonne News this year.
The Argonne News Web site will be updated Tuesday, Jan. 2, and as necessary until the next newsletter is published Jan. 15, 2001.
Participants are needed for the annual Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee, sponsored by the DuPage Chapter of Literacy Volunteers of America.
The bee is Saturday, Feb. 10, at Avery Coonley School, Downers Grove.
For more information, contact Catherine Foster (OPA) at ext. 2-5580 or cfoster@anl.gov.
Last week's story about the holiday shutdown contained a typographic error in the payroll section. Biweekly paid employees will receive their payroll checks or deposits for the two weeks ending Sunday, Dec. 31, on Thursday, Dec. 21, based on actual time cards submitted to the Payroll Department.
Argonne's retirement plan vendors will send representatives to Argonne-East during January to answer employees' questions about retirement plans or retirement plan assets.
To schedule a one-on-one appointment with a representative, call the number listed below. Appointments are for a half-hour each.
| Vendor | Day | For appointment, call |
| Fidelity | Tuesday, Jan. 9, 30 | (800) 642-7131 |
| TIAA-CREF | Wednesday, Jan. 17 and Thursday, Jan. 18 | (800) 842-2005 |
| Prudential | Wednesdays, Jan. 3, 10, 17 | (847) 619-3519 |
Electronics and Computing Technologies will offer a range of computer software classes at Argonne-East in January.
Full class descriptions are available online at: http://www.anl.gov/ECT/courses/ or under the "Education and Training" heading on the Argonnet home page at http://inside.anl.gov/. To enroll, contact a division Training Management System representative.
Unless otherwise noted, classes will be held in Building 221, Room A142, cost $195, are limited to 10 participants and require an understanding of the Windows operating system.
Introduction to Word 2000 (ECT369) -- Monday, Jan. 22, 8:30 a.m. -
4:30 p.m.
Introduction to Excel 2000 (ECT370) --
Tuesday, Jan. 23, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Introduction to Access 2000 (ECT371) -- Wednesday, Jan. 24,
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Class size limited to eight.
Introduction to PowerPoint 2000 (ECT372) -- Thursday, Jan. 25,
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Cost: $135.
NEW ARRIVALS
A son, David John, born to John and Kelly Jaje (ASD); a girl, born Oct. 31 to Deb and Rodney Porter (IPNS); a boy, Joel Richard, born Oct. 10 to Rick and Lori Meisinger (IPD); a boy, Christian, born July 27 to Santiago and Lorenza Salinas (IPD); triplets, Caroline Mary, Julia Annette, Luke Joseph, born Oct. 17 to Jim and Cathy Kaicher (IPD); a girl, Anna Elizabeth, born Oct. 15 to Grace and Larry Gorenflo (EAD); a girl, MacLaine Catherine, born to Scott Filer (DIS).
Proud grandparents: a grandson, David Michael, born Nov. 22 to Marsha Dial (PFS-WMO); a granddaughter, Danielle Morgan, born to Jean Missig (DIS); a granddaughter, Ashley Michelle, born Nov. 11 to Mark and Debbie Leasure (PFS); a grandson, Hunter Reese, born Nov. 16 to Jerry and Nancy Akiyoshi (EAD); a granddaughter, Erin Xin Hua Murgas, to Tom and Eleanor Robson (EAD); a grandson, Mitchell Ryan, born Nov. 20 to Erny and Ed Pentecost (EAD); a grandson, born to Hank Houser (FD).
ACHIEVEMENTS
Congratulations to Tara R. Brewer, daughter of Fred Brewer (ESH), who passed the California Bar Examination. Vic Maroni (CMT) received the Council for Chemical Research "Collaboration Success Story Award" for his collaboration in the Wire Development Group. Holly VanHowe, daughter of Lee Welko (CMT), received her master's degree in elementary education from NIU.
WEDDING/ENGAGEMENTS
Congratulations to Raul Mascote (ASD) on his Oct. wedding to Yolanda Zamudio.
WELCOME
PFS-CU welcomes Emmanuel Usher, Sophie Kowalczyk and Juan Mancera. ASD welcomes Cheryl Wilder. EAD welcomes Justin Coburn, Bob Sullivan and Bill Vinikour. DIS-IS welcomes John Horstman. MSD welcomes Noreen Sorensen. RPS welcomes Marcos A. Jiminez, Scott J. Sheets, Jana K. Northam and Mark S. Peterson. FD welcomes Robert G. Neibert, William Paul James and Kathy L. Perez.
WELCOME BACK
Welcome back to Al Hillman (ASD).
GET WELL
Get well wishes to Glenda Ramsey (DIS) and George Vukovich (DIS) who are both recovering from surgery.
FAREWELLS
Good luck to Sandy Partridge (EAD), James Vercellone (DIS-DC), Ray Hinchman (ES), Larry Reed (ES), Rodney Allen (RPS), Garin R. Erickson (RPS), Donald W. Lewis (FD), John G. Lathouris (FD), Vaughn L. Smith (FD), David L. Dunlap (FD), and David McClure (FD) who have all left the lab.
PROMOTIONS
Congratulations to Floyd Bennett (IPD) who was promoted to Manger, Technical Communication Services. Betty Duncan-Clay (PFS-CU) who was promoted to Senior Coordinator, Custodial Operations. Phil McNamara (ASD) who was promoted to Chief Technician II.
TRANSFERS
Good luck to Rob Schuessler, who transferred from ECT-EE to BIO; Jackie Dulmaine who transferred from ECT-CTT to CHM, and Eileen Johnson, who transferred from RA to ASD.
CONDOLENCES
Condolences to Steve Hanuska (ASD) on the loss of his father; Ken Wiggins (PFS-WMO) on the loss of his father-in-law; Jeff Goetzen (ASD) on the loss of his father; Dorland Edgar (ES) on the loss of his mother-in-law; Greg Dolnak (PFS-WMO) on the loss of his mother-in-law; Brian Lundell (FD) on the loss of his father; Dawn Davidson (FD) on the loss of her mother; Sandi Peterson (FD) on the loss of her mother.
CONTRIBUTORS
Thanks to this issue's contributors: Jodi Canaday (ASD), Gail Farmer (IPD), Gaylene Flores (ANL-W), Bonnie Gianpetro (PFS-WMO), Lori Greenwood (EAD), Gloria Griparis (IPD), Sheila Jungman (MSD), Karen Kroczek (PFS), Cathy Nelson (IPD), Jo Ann Parnell (ES), Kathy Ruffatto (DIS), Faith Ruppert (CMT), Michelle Schikora (ECT), and Carolyn Tobin (IPNS),
