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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Real-Time Drilling Optimization System for Improved Overall Rate of Penetration and Reduced Cost Per Foot in Geothermal Drilling

The key to success in geothermal drilling is economic feasibility, and a major cost in the development of geothermal resources is the actual drilling of the wells. In this project, a real-time drilling optimization system for geothermal drilling was developed. The system couples three individual components while drilling. The first component is a drill stem vibration analysis model, the second is Mechanical Specific Energy (MSE) analyses, and the third is a detailed PDC Rate of Penetration (ROP) drill bit model for optimum RPM and WOB combinations. The benefit of the coupled system is that the range of WOB and RPM could be selected to avoid drill stem vibrations. Secondly, MSE is used as an efficiency measure and the detailed PDC drill bit model ensures the drill bit does not endure temperatures that exceed the temperature at which the PDC cutters experience accelerated wear. The new detailed PDC bit model is based on rock/bit interaction that physically tracks the PDC cutter wear flats as the bit drills ahead giving the capability to calculate the temperature being generated underneath the worn cutters to better advise on operational parameters to avoid accelerated cutter wear and failure and to ensure that operational parameters are applied so that overall ROP is maximized. By combining the drill stem vibrations and the detailed PDC bit cutter wear and “safe” non-accelerated cutter wear temperature and optimum ranges of operating parameters, it results in higher ROP and lower cost drilling. Single cutter PDC testing performed in different lithologies at Sandia was utilized to verify the PDC cutter forces and depth of cut for new and worn cutters. Based on single cutter PDC temperature modeling, verification using single cutter data from the testing done by National Oilwell Varco (NOV) was performed. Sandia’s Hard-Rock Drilling Facility (HRDF) was utilized to test different drill bit configurations with different cutter designs and wear status with different induced modes of vibration to obtain the critical bit RPM/WOB ranges resulting in ineffective drilling and low ROP. The collected test data were further used to verify and calibrate the full hole PDC ROP model that was developed based on single cutter interaction data. A full coupled drill stem vibration model was formulated and verified with geothermal field data from the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range (CMAGR). A graphical user interface (GUI) was developed using Tkinter library in the computer programming language Python, which integrates all the developed models in one system. The developed system consists mainly of the PDC ROP model, PDC bit wear model, PDC cutter temperature model, Mechanical Specific Energy (MSE) model, and drillstring vibration model integrated into one system. The developed system can be used for both, post well analysis and real-time optimization using different criteria such as ROP maximization or MSE minimization. The software uses Differential Evolution Algorithm (DEA) to find optimum values for operational parameters based on last foot drilled while avoiding the drillstring vibration and cutter temperature critical operating parameters.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Dissection of Grass Cell Wall Lignin Formation and their Associated Dirigent Protein

This Final Report describes work underway to establish why monocot (e.g. grasses) lignins are more readily (bio)degradable than their woody gymnosperm, angiosperm, and fern counterparts. Our hypothesis is that monocot specific dirigent protein (DP) sub-families are wholly or partly involved in generating these more readily (bio)degradable lignins. Three approaches are underway: metabolomics and lignin analyses of stem and leaf tissues of the grass, Brachypodium; Crispr/Cas9 gene editing of monocot specific DP sub-families in this species, and recombinant protein expression of Brachypodium’s 44 DPs. Metabolomic and lignin analyses were completed for 6 and 8 week old Brachypodium in order to establish the molecular diversity of its largely phenolic metabolites: Crispr/Cas9 gene editing has also been done on specific DPs known to be expressed in lignifying stems, and T 2 generation plant lines are now being generated, prior to establishing the effects on lignin composition and content; in the recombinant DP work (which addresses establishing the biochemical function of the monocot specific DPs and other DPOs as needed), all 44 constructs have been generated (in collaboration with DOE JGI) and are being systematically expressed in either E. coli or yeast (Pichia sp.) for future studies. Future work will be directed towards bringing the current studies to completion, and in establishing the biochemical basis as to how these more readily (bio)degradable lignins are generated/assembled.

(bio)degradability↗
DOE OSTI2026

2025 Annual INMM Graph and Tables for High Purity Germanium Detector Normalization Presentation

The data set includes gamma spectroscopy peak data for measurements taken with two different high purity germanium detectors using a mixed nuclide source and a U-235 fuel rod. There are a total of 5 specific energy peaks that were analyzed for the mixed nuclide source stemming from Am-241, Cd-109, Cs-137, and Co-60. There are a total of 3 specific energy peaks that were analyzed for the U-235 fuel rod. The data set includes the calculations and results from using a linear correction factor, absolute efficiency curve, and relative efficiency curve to compare the net peaks counts from two different detectors.

Drumm, Natalie Daphne [Sandia National Laboratorie↗
NASA NTRS2019

The Omics of Stem Cell Mediated Regeneration: A Pilot Single Cell RNA-Seq Study of Mechanotransduction

Mechanical forces are potent modulators of stem cell based tissue regenerative mechanisms, inducing cell fate decisions and tissue specific commitment. A unique platform for investigating mechanotransduction is spaceflight, where microgravity and altered fluid mechanics provide a loading-null experimental condition. Seminal investigations of regenerative capacity in a wholly regenerative species, the newt model, and in a variety of totipotent and adult stem cell populations have demonstrated the detrimental effects of unloading on maintenance of stem cell based regeneration. Of particular interest is the observation that unloading interferes with the transition of stem cell pools from proliferative state to differentiation commitment. In this work we sought to test the hypothesis that gravity mechanotransduction regulates stem cell tissue regenerative processes by modulating stem cell proliferation and differentiation fates at specific cell cycle stages. To do this, clonally-derived ESCs were plated on a collagen matrix and expanded for 36 hours before re-plating on a non-adherent culture dish in the absence of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) to form spheroid aggregate EBs. After formation, the EBs were transferred to a collagen matrix coated culture dishes and given 4 days to allow implantation and outgrowth. In parallel, totipotent ESCs were plated 24 hours before mechanical stimulation on collagen matrix culture dishes in the presence of LIF to maintain totipotency and serve as un-differentiation committed controls. The EBs and ESCs were then subjected to either a 60 minute pulse of gravity (static loading) or 60 minutes of cyclic stretch (dynamic loading) mechanotransduction. Six hours post-stimulation, we used a 10X Genomics Single Cell controller to generate bar-coded single cell Illumina libraries and sequenced expressomes for 5,000 static loaded cells, representative of a change in gravity mechanotransduction, 5,000 dynamic loaded cells, representative of tissue loading associate with physiologic function, and 5,000 unstimulated 1g control cells. The comparison of these 3 libraries by cluster assignment based on like gene expression patterns show substantial alteration in cluster geometry due to mechanical loading. Specifically the mechanically loaded EB outgrowth cells to retain potency markers (PAX6, SOX2, CD34) and suppress early commitment markers (Dhh, VCAN, Igf1). Whereas the EBs cultured under the non-stimulated conditions display clear departure from the ESC expressome with lineage commitment markers upregulated and several tissue specific markers being expressed (BMP "early musculoskeletal development, Mesp1" early cardiovascular cell lineage). These markers are not seen in the mechano-stimulated cultures or the totipotent ESC cultures. Comparison of like clusters between our experimental conditions revealed an array of regenerative and stem cell genes are significantly mechano-regulated. Of particular importance CDKN1a/p21, a gene shown by previous investigation of our research team to be significantly upregulated in unloading, was suppressed in the static and dynamic loaded EBS. In addition to CDKN1a/p21 many genes related to cell cycle and transitory differentiation markers had elevated expression in the mechano-stimulated EBs, but surprisingly these trends were not observed in the ESC cultures. This study is the first of its kind investigating for mechano-signaling and mechano-regulated pathways, and has alre

Single cell RNA-sequecing↗
DOE OSTI2024

Understanding Formation of Irradiation-Induced Defects through 4D-STEM, Electron Tomography, and WBDF-STEM

A major challenge in advancing nuclear materials for next-generation fission and proposed fusion reactors is to comprehensively understand the formation of irradiation-induced defects. Here it is essential to correlate the evolution of irradiation-induced defects and the degradation of mechanical properties, as they collectively dictate the material's lifespan and ensure nuclear safety. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) based techniques have emerged as indispensable tools for irradiation-induced defect characterization, offering high spatial resolution imaging and chemical analysis, such as electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). These techniques have been effectively used to obtain an atomic-scale view of the defect structure. Recent advances in electron microscopy, particularly in 4D-STEM, offer detailed insight into microstructural evolution by capturing full 2D diffraction patterns at every pixel position. Using high-speed direct electron detectors, this technology generates a four-dimensional dataset, overcoming the limitations of traditional STEM imaging.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Genomic factors shape carbon and nitrogen metabolic niche breadth across Saccharomycotina yeasts

Organisms exhibit extensive variation in ecological niche breadth, from very narrow (specialists) to very broad (generalists). Two general paradigms have been proposed to explain this variation: (i) trade-offs between performance efficiency and breadth and (ii) the joint influence of extrinsic (environmental) and intrinsic (genomic) factors. We assembled genomic, metabolic, and ecological data from nearly all known species of the ancient fungal subphylum Saccharomycotina (1154 yeast strains from 1051 species), grown in 24 different environmental conditions, to examine niche breadth evolution. We found that large differences in the breadth of carbon utilization traits between yeasts stem from intrinsic differences in genes encoding specific metabolic pathways, but we found limited evidence for trade-offs. Furthermore, these comprehensive data argue that intrinsic factors shape niche breadth variation in microbes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1987

USU research helps agriculture enter the space age

Research at the Utah State University College of Agriculture that is relevant to the space life sciences is reviewed. Specific programs detailed are gravitropism of dicot stems, maximization of wheat yields for use in space exploration, and plant development processes in wheat in microgravity.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS2011

ISSLive!

The ISSLive! project is a JSC innovation award- winning, combined MOD/Education project to publish export control and PAO-approved ISS telemetry, and simplified and scrubbed crew timelines. The publication of this data will be real-time or near real time and will include links to the crew's social media feeds and existing streaming public video/audio feeds, via public-friendly website, mobile devices and tablet applications. Additionally, the project will offer interactive virtual 3D views of an ISS model based on real-time telemetry and a 3D virtual mission control center based on existing Front Room console positions in made for public displays. The ISSLive! project is MOD-managed and includes collaborations with subject-matter expertise from the ISS flight controllers regarding daily operations and planning, education program specialists from the JSC Office of Education, instructional designers, human computer interface experts, and software/hardware experts from MOD facility organization, and senior web designers. In support of the Agency s Strategic Goal #6 with respect to using the ISS National Laboratory for education activities, ISSLive! uses the Station itself as STEM education subject matter and provides data for STEM-based lessons plans using national standards. Specifically, ISSLive! supports and enables the National Laboratory Education (NLE) project to address the Agency s Strategic Goal #6. This goal mandates, sharing NASA with the public, educators, and students to provide opportunities to participate in our Mission, foster innovation .. ISSLive! satisfies the Agency s outcomes of Strategic Goal; that is, engages the public in NASA's missions by providing new pathways for participation (Outcome 6.3) and it informs, engages, and inspires the public by sharing NASA s missions, challenges, and results (Outcome 6.4). Additionally, ISSLive! enables MOD s support of JSC Outreach and NASA's Open Data and Open Government Initiatives. The audience for the ISSLive! website and its application(s) are: teachers, students, citizen scientists, and the general public who will be given new and interactive insights on how the ISS Operates.

Price, Jennifer B.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Modeling Down Syndrome Myeloid Leukemia by Sequential Introduction of GATA1 and STAG2 Mutations in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells with Trisomy 21

Children with Down syndrome (DS) have a high risk for acute myeloid leukemia (DS-ML). Genomic characterization of DS-ML blasts showed the presence of unique mutations in GATA1, an essential hematopoietic transcription factor, leading to the production of a truncated from of GATA1 (GATA1s). GATA1s, together with trisomy 21, is sufficient to develop a pre-leukemic condition called transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM). Approximately 30% of these cases progress into DS-ML by acquisition of additional somatic mutations in a stepwise manner. We previously developed a model for TAM by introducing disease-specific GATA1 mutation in trisomy 21-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), leading to the production of N-terminally truncated short form of GATA1 (GATA1s). In this model, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to introduce a co-operating mutation in STAG2, a member of the cohesin complex recurrently mutated in DS-ML but not in TAM. Hematopoietic differentiation of GATA1 STAG2 double-mutant iPSC lines confirmed GATA1s expression and the loss of functional STAG2 protein, leading to enhanced production of immature megakaryocytic population compared to GATA1 mutant alone. Megakaryocyte-specific lineage expansion of the double-mutant HSPCs exhibited close resemblance to the DS-ML immunophenotype. Transcriptome analysis showed that GATA1 mutation resulted in downregulation of megakaryocytic and erythrocytic differentiation pathways and interferon α/β signaling, along with an upregulation of pathways promoting myeloid differentiation such as toll-like receptor cascade. The co-occurrence of STAG2 knockout partially reverted the expression of genes involved in myeloid differentiation, likely leading to enhanced self-renewal and promoting leukemogenesis. In conclusion, we developed a DS-ML model via hematopoietic differentiation of gene-targeted iPSCs bearing trisomy 21.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Evolutionary constraints and climate variability jointly shape starch–sugar balance in woody plants

Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) buffer plants against carbon imbalances, yet their partitioning between storage and soluble pools remains elusive at global scales. Here, we compiled a dataset of starch to soluble sugar ratio (St : Su) for 308 woody species across 220 sites world-wide and introduce a dimensionless index that integrates storage and demand while minimizing methodological artifacts. St : Su was strongly associated with growth, identifying it as a key axis of carbon allocation. Foliage consistently exhibited lower St : Su than lignified organs, reflecting a division between transient and conservative pools. Conifers accumulated more starch in foliage but less in stems relative to angiosperms, while leaf habits and mycorrhizal associations further modulated organ-specific strategies. Contrary to expectation, foliar and root St : Su varied little among biomes, but stems exhibited higher ratios in tropical rainforests than in boreal or arid regions, reflecting differences in species composition and adaptive storage under disturbance. Phylogeny constrained stem storage, whereas climatic variability, rather than mean conditions, dominated allocation in leaves and roots. These findings establish St : Su as a robust functional trait linking allocation strategies, growth, and resilience, which can be used to improve vegetation model prediction of forest productivity and mortality under climate variability.

Li, Weibin [Lanzhou Univ. (China)] (ORCID:00000001↗
DOE OSTI2021

Metallic line defect in wide-bandgap transparent perovskite BaSnO 3

A line defect with metallic characteristics has been found in optically transparent BaSnO 3 perovskite thin films. The distinct atomic structure of the defect core, composed of Sn and O atoms, was visualized by atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). When doped with La, dopants that replace Ba atoms preferentially segregate to specific crystallographic sites adjacent to the line defect. The electronic structure of the line defect probed in STEM with electron energy-loss spectroscopy was supported by ab initio theory, which indicates the presence of Fermi level–crossing electronic bands that originate from defect core atoms. These metallic line defects also act as electron sinks attracting additional negative charges in these wide-bandgap BaSnO 3 films.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Regulation of dhurrin pathway gene expression during Sorghum bicolor development

Plant defence models evaluate the costs and benefits of resource investments at different stages in the life cycle. Poor understanding of the molecular regulation of defence deployment and remobilization hampers accuracy of the predictions. Cyanogenic glucosides, such as dhurrin are phytoanticipins that release hydrogen cyanide upon bio-activation. In this study, RNA-seq was used to investigate the expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis, bio-activation and recycling of dhurrin in Sorghum bicolor . Genes involved in dhurrin biosynthesis were highly expressed in all young developing vegetative tissues (leaves, leaf sheath, roots, stems), tiller buds and imbibing seeds and showed gene specific peaks of expression in leaves during diel cycles. Genes involved in dhurrin bio-activation were expressed early in organ development with organ-specific expression patterns. Genes involved in recycling were expressed at similar levels in the different organ during development, although post-floral initiation when nutrients are remobilized for grain filling, expression of GSTL1 decreased > tenfold in leaves and NITB2 increased > tenfold in stems. Results are consistent with the establishment of a pre-emptive defence in young tissues and regulated recycling related to organ senescence and increased demand for nitrogen during grain filling. This detailed characterization of the transcriptional regulation of dhurrin biosynthesis, bioactivation and remobilization genes during organ and plant development will aid elucidation of gene regulatory networks and signalling pathways that modulate gene expression and dhurrin levels. In-depth knowledge of dhurrin metabolism could improve the yield, nitrogen use efficiency and stress resilience of Sorghum .

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Improving the Academic Climate of an R1 STEM Department: Quantified Positive Shifts in Perception

Ongoing efforts to improve diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) primarily manifest as attempts to recruit more women and individuals from historically marginalized groups. Yet, these efforts fail to repair the specific, systemic issues within academic communities that hinder diverse individuals from persisting and thriving in STEM. Here, we present the results of a quantitative, multiyear effort to make the academic climate of an R1 STEM department more inclusive. We use a student-led, department-specific, faculty-supported initiative to assess and improve the climate of the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, as a case study. Our results provide quantitative evidence that community discussions grounded in our own data, alongside cooperative community efforts to address the issues present in those data, are effective methods for driving positive change. Longitudinal assessment of our academic climate from 2018 to 2020 via annual department-wide surveys indicates that these interventions have succeeded in shifting the perception of our academic climate. This study confirms the positive outcomes of having a practical, sustainable, and data-driven framework for affecting change within a graduate community.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Polarization Selectivity of Aloof-Beam Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy in One-Dimensional ZnO Nanorods

Orientation-dependent electronic properties of wurtzite zinc oxide nanorods are characterized by aloof-beam electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) carried out in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The two key crystal orientation differentiating transitions specific to the in-plane (13.0 eV) and out-of-plane (11.2 eV) directions with respect to the wurtzite structure are examined by first-principles density-functional theory calculations. We note some degree of orientation dependence at the onset of direct band gap transition near 3.4 eV. We demonstrate that good polarization selectivity can be achieved by placing the electron probe at different locations around the specimen with increasing impact parameter while keeping the beam-specimen orientation fixed. The observed results are qualitatively elucidated in terms of the perpendicular electric fields generated by the fast electron (60 kV) used in the microscope. The fact that good polarization selectivity can be achieved by aloof-beam EELS without the requirement of sample reorientation is an attractive aspect from the characterization method point of view in the STEM-EELS community.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS2016

Change in Mouse Bone Turnover in Response to Microgravity on RR-1

Mechanical unloading during spaceflight is known to adversely affect mammalian physiology. Our previous studies using the Animal Enclosure Module on short duration Shuttle missions enabled us to identify a deficit in stem cell based-tissue regeneration as being a significant concern for long-duration spaceflight. Specifically, we found that mechanical unloading in microgravity resulted in inhibition of differentiation of mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow compartment. Also, we observed overexpression of a cell cycle arrest molecule, CDKN1ap21, in osteoprecursor cells on the bone surface, chondroprogenitors in the articular cartilage, and in myofibers attached to bone tissue. Specifically in bone tissue during both short (15-day) and long (30-day) microgravity experiments, we observed significant loss of bone tissue and structure in both the pelvis and the femur. After 15-days of microgravity on STS-131, pelvic ischium displayed a 6.23 decrease in bone fraction (p0.005) and 11.91 decrease in bone thickness (p0.002). Furthermore, during long-duration spaceflight we observed onset of an accelerated aging-like phenotype and osteoarthritic disease state indicating that stem cells within the bone tissue fail to repair and regenerate tissues in a normal manner, leading to drastic tissue alterations in response to microgravity. The Rodent Research Hardware System provides the capability to investigate these effects during long-duration experiments on the International Space Station. During the Rodent Research-1 mission 10 16-week-old female C57Bl6J mice were exposed to 37-days of microgravity. All flight animals were euthanized and frozen on orbit for future dissection. Ground (n10) and vivarium controls (n10) were housed and processed to match the flight animal timeline. During this study we collected pelvis, femur, and tibia from all animal groups to test the hypothesis that stem cell-based tissue regeneration is significantly altered after 37-days of spaceflight. To do this, we will analyze differences in bone morphometric parameters using MicroCT. The pelvis, femur, and tibia are key in supporting and distributing weight under normal conditions. Therefore, we expect to see altered remodeling in flight animals in response to microgravity with respect to ground controls. In combination with histomorphometry, these results will help elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying bone tissue maintenance and stem cell regeneration.

bone↗
NASA NTRS2016

Changes in Mouse Bone Turnover in Response to Microgravity

Mechanical unloading during spaceflight is known to adversely affect mammalian physiology. Our previous studies using the Animal Enclosure Module on short duration Shuttle missions enabled us to identify a deficit in stem cell based-tissue regeneration as being a significant concern for long-duration spaceflight. Specifically, we found that mechanical unloading in microgravity resulted in inhibition of differentiation of mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow compartment. Also, we observed overexpression of a cell cycle arrest molecule, CDKN1a/p21, in osteoprecursor cells on the bone surface, chondroprogenitors in the articular cartilage, and in myofibers attached to bone tissue. Specifically in bone tissue during both short (15-day) and long (30-day) microgravity experiments, we observed significant loss of bone tissue and structure in both the pelvis and the femur. After 15-days of microgravity on STS-131, pelvic ischium displayed a 6.23% decrease in bone fraction (p=0.005) and 11.91% decrease in bone thickness (p=0.002). Furthermore, during long-duration spaceflight we observed onset of an accelerated aging-like phenotype and osteoarthritic disease state indicating that stem cells within the bone tissue fail to repair and regenerate tissues in a normal manner, leading to drastic tissue alterations in response to microgravity. The Rodent Research Hardware System provides the capability to investigate these effects during long-duration experiments on the International Space Station. During the Rodent Research-1 mission 10 16-week-old female C57Bl/6J mice were exposed to 37-days of microgravity. All flight animals were euthanized and frozen on orbit for future dissection. Ground (n=10) and vivarium controls (n=10) were housed and processed to match the flight animal timeline. During this study we collected pelvis, femur, and tibia from all animal groups to test the hypothesis that stem cell-based tissue regeneration is significantly altered after 37-days of spaceflight. To do this, we will analyze differences in bone morphometric parameters using MicroCT. The pelvis, femur, and tibia are key in supporting and distributing weight under normal conditions. Therefore, we expect to see altered remodeling in flight animals in response to microgravity with respect to ground controls. In combination with histomorphometry, these results will help elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying bone tissue maintenance and stem cell regeneration.

microgravity↗
DOE OSTI2020

Investing in STEM Benefits Community, Company, and Industry - 20243

Like many organizations and groups, the Department of Energy Environmental Management program and the nuclear industry are facing an aging employee population and record numbers of employee retirements. This 'silver tsunami' of retirees means the industry as a whole is recruiting graduates at a fast pace. So, how do we ensure the nuclear industry has a robust pipeline of graduates with the necessary background? Fluor Idaho's investment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education programs helps promote the next generation of technical professionals, benefiting both the company and the industry. Through community outreach initiatives and student mentoring programs, Fluor Idaho promotes kids' interest in STEM. The programs are designed to spark STEM interest in grade school and then foster and grow that interest through high school and higher education. After igniting student excitement about STEM topics in school, Fluor Idaho focuses on providing work-specific opportunities including mentoring and intern programs. These programs give students a better look at real-world job opportunities while still stimulating their interest in STEM. These programs ultimately provide career opportunities for the students and a pipeline of workers. Fluor Idaho's strategy for its summer interns has been to place students in a wide variety of projects - from the commissioning of a first-of-a-kind nuclear processing facility, to operating nuclear waste management facilities, to developing computer programs and applications - and give them responsibilities that make them feel like valued contributors. This approach has created a positive and rewarding summer-intern program experience for the students. Fluor Idaho's investment in its future today is reducing the knowledge gap - or cliff - that many contractors in the nuclear industry are facing. It's a worthwhile investment that is readily visible within its many cleanup projects. The next generation of technical professionals is making an impact now - benefiting both the company and the nuclear industry. This paper will review Fluor Idaho's programs, including STEM community outreach and education and mentoring programs. It will also present statistics about the reach of those programs and their successes. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
NASA NTRS2008

Current Scientific Progress and Future Scientific Prospects Enabled by Spaceborne Precipitation Radar Measurements

First, we examine current scientific progress and understanding that have been possible through use of spaceborne precipitation radar measurements being provided by the TRMM and CloudSat satellites. Second, we look across a future 20-year time frame to assess how and why anticipated improvements in space radar systems will further advance scientific progress into topic areas once considered beyond the realm of space-based remote sensing. JAXA's 13.8 GHz Ku-band cross-track scanning Precipitation Radar (PR) developed for flight on NASA's non-sun-synchronous, diurnally-precessing TRMM satellite, was the first Earth radar flown in space that was designed specifically for precipitation measurement. Its proven accuracy in measuring global rainfall in the tropics and sub-tropics and its unanticipated longevity in continuing these measurements beyond a full decade have established the standards against which all follow-up and future space radars will be evaluated. In regards to the current PR measurement time series, we will discuss a selection of major scientific discoveries and impacts which have set the stage for future radar measuring systems. In fact, the 2nd contemporary space radar applicable for terrestrial precipitation measurement, i.e., JPL-CSA's 94 GHz nadir-staring Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR) flown on NASA's sun-synchronous CloudSat satellite, although designed primarily for measurement of non-precipitating cloud hydrometeors and aerosols, has also unquestionably advanced precipitation measurement because CPR's higher frequency and greatly increased sensitivity (approximately 30 dBZ) has enabled global observations of light rain rate spectrum processes (i.e., rain rates below 0.05 mm per hourand of precipitation processes in the high troposphere (particularly ice phase processes). These processes are beyond reach of the TRMM radar because the PR sensitivity limit is approximately 17 dBZ which means its lower rain rate cutoff is around 0.3 mm per hour and its vertical profiling acuity is greatly limited above the melting layer. Thus, the newer CPR measurements have become important for a variety of scientific reasons that will be highlighted and assessed. In considering scientific progress likely to stem from future precipitation radar systems, we will specifically examine possible scientific impacts from three anticipated missions for which NASA and various of its space agency partners are expected to lead the way. These three missions are: (1) the nearterm Global Precipitation Measuring (GPM) Mission; (2) the decadal timeline Aerosol and Cloud Experiment (ACE) Mission; and the post-decadal timeline NEXRAD in Space (NIS) Mission. The observational capabilities of the planned radar systems for each of these three satellite missions are distinct from each other and each provides progressive improvements in precipitation measuring and scientific research capabilities relative to where we are now -- insofar as TRMM PR and the CloudSat CPR capabilities. The potential innovations in scientific research will be discussed in a framework of likely synergisms between next-generation radar capabilities and accessible dynamical and microphysical properties that have heretofore evaded detection.

Smith, Eric A.↗