Why Science?
ORNL is proud of its role in fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers. We bring in talented young researchers, team them with accomplished scientists and engineers, and put them to work at the lab’s one-of-a-kind facilities. The result is research that makes us proud and prepares them for distinguished careers.
We asked some of these young researchers why they chose a career in science, what they are working on at ORNL, and where they would like to go with their careers.
Cole Andrew Gentry
Postdoc, Reactor and Nuclear Systems Division
Ph.D., Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee
Hometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee
What are you working on at ORNL?
I am currently working on the development and application of efficient high-fidelity neutronics simulation codes for both the current operating fleet of light water reactors and molten salt reactor design concepts.
What would you like to do in your career?
I would like to continue working on the advancement of reactor simulation capabilities, in regard to both efficiency and accuracy; but I would also like to contribute in some significant manner to the design and deployment of an advanced reactor concept.
Why did you choose a career in science?
I have always enjoyed working on intellectually stimulating problems, particularly those whose solution I feel may contribute significantly toward human progress. The field of science, of course, provides an essentially limitless number of such problems to indulge in.