National Center for Computational Sciences

DOE event draws 1,200 students, faculty

Over 1,200 students from 125 colleges and universities descended on the Knoxville Convention Center on Monday, October 29 for the Sixth Annual Day of Science.

The event, sponsored by the Department of Energy and ORNL, was one of the largest DOE educational events ever held and was three times larger than any previous Day of Science, featuring speakers and exhibits from government laboratories and universities aimed at recruiting the next generation of American scientists. While many other nations
are witnessing increases in their numbers of young scientists, America is witnessing a steep decline, a trend which the Day of Science hopes to counter. Participants were shown first-hand the latest developments in green energy, nanoscience, fusion, and astrophysics, to name a few.

“Some of the students participating in this event will be making the important scientific discoveries of tomorrow,” ORNL Director Thom Mason said. “ORNL is proud to be a major partner in encouraging them to pursue science careers.”

Once again, Oak Ridge National Laboratory was well represented at the event, giving future scientists a glimpse at the numerous career opportunities available at the lab.

Among the departments present were the Computer Science and Mathematics Division, the Computer Science and Engineering Division, the Information Technology Services Division, the Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate, the Research Alliance in Math and Science program, and the NCCS.

“This was my second year attending the Day of Science,” said Don Frederick, a member of the User Assistance and Outreach Group at the NCCS. “I was impressed by the increased attendance and visibility for the event due to more participation by the Department of Energy and associated laboratories. I was most impressed by meeting with the students - their enthusiasm for science and technology was invigorating.”

Nearly 70 exhibits lined the halls and rooms of the convention center displaying the latest research in areas as diverse as green energy and astrophysics. Various workshops also educated students on the finer points of scholarships, grants, internships, and employment.

Other research institutions represented include Argonne National Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.